Assistant Extension Engineer–Manure
Management Systems
David Schmidt,
Assistant Extension Engineer
Kevin Janni, Professor, Head, and Extension Engineer
Objective
This program was developed in 1995 to provide information
to a broad range of audiences on issues of animal agriculture
and the environment. Specific objectives of the program include:
- Define the educational and training needs for the many
diverse Minnesota audiences involved in feedlot design,
construction, management, funding, and permitting.
- Design and implement educational programs for different
audiences, working in collaboration with the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) and other relevant agencies such as
the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the National
Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture (MDA).
- Prepare materials and visuals to support the educational
programs.
Need or Impact
Managing manure to maximize the crop benefit and minimize
environmental problems is a challenge. This program provides
leadership for training and education opportunities on a variety
of topics related to animal agriculture. Education events
and materials related to odor and air quality, feedlot runoff,
manure management, manure storage, and manure handling continue
to be a focus of this program. Through this program, tools
and technologies such as biofilters and OFFSET are moved quickly
from the research phase to the farm. Individuals, farmers,
public and private technical service providers, regulators,
and other interested parties have the opportunity to attend
workshops and/or obtain information through written publications
or via the web on a variety of topics. As a result of this
program the general knowledge of proper manure management
and odor control has been increased in the state. The program
leader continues to receive positive feedback from workshop
attendees, cooperators in other agencies on manure-related
issues, and from groups and individuals utilizing the information
provided via the internet, phone conversations, or written
material.
Status
Ongoing.
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