Talkin' Crap

In this episode, Dan Andersen and Laura Pepple, director of supply chain and logistics at Puck Enterprises Inc., explore how modern dragline manure systems efficiently transport manure. They discuss key design factors like application rate, equipment, and field distance, while emphasizing proper planning. 

In this episode, Dan Andersen is joined by Mitch Baum to discuss the late-spring nitrate test and its role in nitrogen management. Use of the Late-Spring Soil Nitrate Test in Iowa Corn Production Iowa Nitrogen Initiative websiteN-FACT website

Dan Andersen discusses the management of biogas, particularly methane from manure, and its impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. 

Dan Andersen is joined by Cain Bynum to discuss the spatial analysis of manure management in Iowa using GIS to align manure nutrients with crop demand.

This month on Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen sits down with Christina Murphy, General Manager of West Des Moines Water Works, to discuss how urban drinking water is treated, monitored, and delivered safely to the public.They also explore the shared challenges faced by both agriculture and water utilities, from nutrient management to water quality pressures, and discuss collaborative steps to improve water quality. 

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses the challenges and uncertainties in manure management related to the variability in manure nitrogen content. 

In this episode, Dan Andersen sits down with Dr. Agustin Olivo from the University of Guelph to explore nutrient efficiency in dairy farming. Dr. Olivo highlights adaptive nitrogen management practices from New York. Tune in for practical insights on precision nutrient management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in dairy systems.Show Notes

In this episode, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the carbon intensity of Iowa's livestock feed supply chain. The discussion emphasizes the potential for reducing emissions through efficient farming practices and the future market opportunities for low-carbon feed. Show Notes

In this episode, Dan Andersen is joined by Mitch Baum to explore the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative - an effort to improve nitrogen management on farms. They delve into how on-farm nitrogen rate trials are being utilized to maximize nitrogen efficiency and introduce N-FACTS, a new tool designed to help farmers optimize nitrogen use for improved yields and environmental outcomes. Show NotesN-FACT Tool

Dan Andersen shares essential manure safety tips for Iowa’s fall harvest season, focusing on road safety, health and wellness, and confined space hazards. He emphasizes proper equipment lighting, rest and hydration, gas detection, and PPE to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety.Show resources:Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - MonitoringHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure AgitationHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn VentilationHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle Facilities

Manure foam – what is it, why does it happen, and why should you care? In this episode, Dan Andersen breaks down the bubbling mystery of manure foam, the science, the risks, and the research. He also explores best practices to stay safe and informed based on years of research and forming instances across the Midwest, explores what is happening under your slotted floor, and what you can do about it.   Show Notes

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses nitrogen availability in livestock manure. He dives into PMR 1003, Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production, which estimates nitrogen availability and the need for updated research to reflect changing manure handling methods and storage practices. Show NotesPMR 1003 Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production

In this episode, Dan Andersen dives into ManureDB, a tool from the University of Minnesota, which analyzes manure samples from across the United States. Dan discusses the nutrient composition of various manures, the impact of storage type and climate on nutrient concentrations, and the importance of manure sampling. Visit ManureDB at: http://manuredb.umn.edu/Show notes can be found here

In this month’s episode, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the yield goal method for manure management in Iowa, which estimates nitrogen needs based on expected corn yield. They also look at the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, which is generating yield response curves to improve nitrogen management. The discussion highlights the need for updated nitrogen use factors and the impact of weather conditions on nitrogen availability and loss.CROP 3181: Pounds of Nitrogen per Bushel of Corn - Benchmarking Farms Against Local AveragesCROP 3140: Use of Late-Spring Soil Nitrate Test in Iowa Corn Production

Dan Andersen and Tony Mensing dive deep into the Iowa commercial manure application industry, uncovering fascinating insights from a 2024 survey. They explore the key concerns facing the industry, including the high costs of equipment, labor challenges, and application capacity issues, and highlight the role of seasonal employees in ensuring smooth operations.

In this edition of Talkin’ Crap, Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea discuss how the frequency and timing of manure application can significantly impact methane emissions, with Jake's research showing that adjusting application timing can reduce emissions by up to 50%. They also explore the potential financial benefits of carbon credits. Methane Emissions Show NotesThis material is based upon work supported by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under a federal award number NR233A750004G072. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture for those products or services.

In this episode of Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the challenges and best practices for winter solid manure application. They highlight the risks associated with winter manure application, such as nutrient movement due to frozen or snow-covered ground, and the importance of following state regulations. Find show notes here. 

Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the potential of anaerobic digestion for manure management, focusing on whether to heat or not to heat digesters. Heating digesters can increase methane production but require insulation to mitigate heat loss. Find show notes here.This material is based upon work supported by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under a federal award number NR233A750004G072. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture for those products or services.

In this episode of Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen and Brett Ramirez discuss the risks associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) during manure agitation and pumping. They highlight the importance of proper ventilation to prevent H2S exposure, which can be fatal to humans and animals. Find the show notes here. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has developed several publications addressing hydrogen sulfide safety, which are linked below.Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure AgitationHydrogen Sulfide Safety - MonitoringHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle FacilitiesHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn Ventilation

Join Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea as they discuss the importance of manure sampling for effective fertilizer use. They highlight different sampling methods for liquid, slurry, and solid manures, review the benefits of pre-sampling and sampling during application, and examine the economic value of manure tests. Find show materials here. 

Dan Andersen is joined by Jake Willsea, a graduate student at Iowa State University, to discuss his research on in-season nitrogen application management using the 360 Rain irrigation machine. Jake analyzes long-term studies from the University of Minnesota and shares his findings about side-dress and fall nitrogen. Find show materials here.

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses the future of anaerobic digestion, including influential policies and programs, and whether or not it may have a place on Iowa swine farms in the future. Talkin' Crap is one year old and we would greatly appreciate your feedback by completing a survey. The survey should take less than five minutes and will help us determine topics we cover in the future. Talkin' Crap Survey

In the spirit of March Madness, Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea spend this episode analyzing common livestock manures found in Iowa and discuss the benefits of each type.  

In this episode, Dan Andersen looks beyond N and P and focuses on how soil properties and equipment choices impact the volume of manure that can be applied. Liquid Slurry Manure Movement in Soil

Dan Andersen begins the episode with manure gases and road safety reminders for fall manure application. Later in the episode, Luke Soko, a graduate student at Iowa State University, joins Dan to discuss his research, which focuses on anaerobic digester performance between covered lagoons and heated digesters. Hydrogen sulfide safety publications mentioned in the podcast are linked below:Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure AgitationHydrogen Sulfide Safety - MonitoringHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle FacilitiesHydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn Ventilation

Dan Andersen delves into carbon neutrality in livestock production, and the impact manure emissions have on a carbon-neutral system. He also looks at current practices, like anaerobic digestion, that are already being used to reduce methane emissions, as well as practices being considered for the future. Supporting materials for this podcast can be found here. 

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses manure spills, including common causes of spills, how spills are contained, and use of technology to help prevent equipment failure. Dan also looks at the causes and timing of fish kills in Iowa, as well as the downward trend of livestock and manure-related fish kills. Find show materials here. 

Our first podcast examines the science, technology, and best management practices surrounding manure management. Dan Andersen, Rachel Kennedy, and Melissa McEnany discuss circularity and systems thinking in livestock and manure management.  Find show materials here.