Manure

In the past, manure was thought of as a waste and hauled to the field at the expense of the livestock industry. Manure becomes a valuable resource when a farmer credits the nutrients from a manure application, which contributes to the sustainability of the farm by reducing purchased fertilizer.

Manure spills are rarely a planned occurrence. Therefore, it is important to plan your emergency response methods in advance. Progressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee reached out to three environmental experts to learn what dairy producers, farm employees and other manure handlers should be prepared to do in the event of a manure spill.

It will be two years in August since Mike Biadasz tragically lost his life while agitating a large, outdoor manure pit. The silent killer: hydrogen sulfide gas.

J Hall started custom raising dairy calves in 1995. What began as a small venture in his backyard in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, has grown into a farm with 8,500 calves from 27 different farms and 65 full-time employees.

Manure and tile are both important tools for improving the productivity of our farms. Manure as an organic nutrient source is a tremendous benefit to crops and soils, and tile improves crop growth in poorly drained soils.

Accidents can happen to anybody, but most are preventable. Or, as my grandpa said, “Accidents can happen to anybody, but clumsy people have the most.” Please take the time to think before you begin a chore or task. Take that second to think, “What could go wrong?” “Is there something not right here?”