Manure Expo focuses on 'Keeping it in the Root Zone'

The expo, with the theme of Keeping it in the Root Zone, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 at Berlyn Acres LLC in St. John's, Mich. No fee or registration is required, and lunch will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Four Certified Crop Adviser credits are available, as well as level two custom applicator credits.

"The manure expo is designed so that there is something for everyone," said Natalie Rector, Michigan State University Extension specialist. "The informational sessions will highlight the value of manure, explain the benefits that come when crop and livestock producers work together and feature new equipment."

Topics include the economics of manure, nutrient management, conservation practices, manure handling, dealing with sand bedding, odor control and composting. Speakers from five states will provide information on maximizing manure nutrients, keeping manure out of tile drains, using global positioning system (GPS) technologies for manure applications, odor control and composting.

Manure is more than just a waste product. It is a valuable resource that can make a large difference in a producer's pocketbook if managed properly, said Brad Joern, a Purdue agronomy professor. Manure and the odor associated with it is a hot issue for surrounding communities and neighbors, and the expo will help producers learn to better manage manure and reduce its odor.

"The high price of commercial fertilizers leaves crop producers looking for alternatives," Joern said. "It is important to optimize manure nutrient utilization to receive the most bang for your buck."

Speakers and educational sessions include:

• Jon Rausch, Ohio State University — Handling costs of manure. This session also includes an interactive discussion with custom applicators who will discuss the costs and benefits of for-hire application.

• Joern — The value of manure.

• Frank Gibbs, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service — Soil macro properties and manure retention on tile-drained lands.

• Tim Harrigan, Michigan State University — Capturing manure nutrients with slurry seeding and low-disturbance tillage.

• Bill Bickert, Michigan State University — The irrefutable physics of sand-laden manure. This session also includes a producer panel discussion about different methods some producers use to handle sand-laden manure.

• David Schmidt, University of Minnesota — Odor control.

• Jay Soloman and Pete Fandel, University of Illinois — GPS application and manure management.

• Harold Keener, Ohio State University — Practical farm scale manure composting.

The manure expo is sponsored by Purdue Extension, Ohio State Extension, Michigan State Extension and the Midwest Professional Nutrient Applicators Association. Berlyn Acres LLC is located at 2600 N. Wacousta Road in St. Johns.

For more information, contact the Michigan State Extension Clinton County office at (989) 224-5240 or visit the expo Web site.

Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources: Brad Joern, (765) 494-9767, bjoern@purdue.edu

Natalie Rector, (269) 781-0908, rector@msu.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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