Three-State Research Project Covers Clean Energy From Hog Manure
lation, manure and energy use in pork production, as well as exploring the use of pig manure in making biofuels. Hogs are big business in the U.S. In December
R
2010, there were more than 64.3 million head of hogs, with production value pegged at $12.7 billion. Even though Iowa, ranked No. 1 in the U.S., is prob- ably best known for pork production, the states in- volved in the project have a solid stake too. Indiana was ranked fifth in pork production in 2010, while Virginia was No. 18 and Arkansas 22. “We’re building on an earlier National Pork Board
funded project that created a hog production life cycle analysis model. This carbon footprint calculator cov- ers everything – from the grain that goes into feeding through the time the pig leaves the farm,” said Karl VanDevender, professor and extension engineer for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture for the University of Arkansas. “This new project builds on the previous model to include additional manage- ment strategies and economic tools and enables us to educate people on its use.”
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
esearchers and educators from Arkansas, Indi- ana and Virginia are working on a far-reaching project to create a model that tracks feed, venti-
“Since a carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emis-
sions correlate to energy expenditures, the carbon footprint calculator provides a way for swine produc- ers to make informed decisions when designing and managing their farms,” he said. “Ideally, the result will be improved management of pork production leading to increased profits and environmental pro- tection.” Researchers will examine the effects of feed addi-
tives and animal health on the carbon footprint in hog production. They are also investigating the po- tential to reduce the carbon footprint by using ma- nure to grow algae as a feedstock for biofuel production. The project will also create educational opportuni-
ties, so that what is learned in the research reaches the people it can help the most. VanDevender is tak- ing the lead in coordinating extension education ef- forts with hog producers and other audiences. “Each state will have its own extension compo-
nent,” he said. “Our job will be to help transfer what we've learned in creating the model and help our pro- ducers apply the research knowledge so that they can be more efficient and sustainable.” In addition to state-level extension education, there will national Web-based events and materials dis-
tributed through
www.eXtension.org. The team will also present material at regional and national pro- ducer events, such as the World Pork Expo and pro- fessional society meetings. VanDevender will be working with the Arkansas Farm Bureau and high school science teachers to include the research in the Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. At the college level, Marty Matlock, U of A associate
professor-biological and agricultural engineering, will be managing a research experience for undergradu- ates to engage them in research projects over each summer on investigate how livestock production fits into the larger perspective of agricultural sustain- ability. One venue for this education effort will be the World
Pork Expo. “At every opportunity, we will display the latest ver-
sion of the model and related issues live and in real- time,” VanDevender said. “This is an opportunity for producers and the industry around the world to see this technology firsthand.” It includes researchers at the University of
Arkansas at Fayetteville, educators with the Cooper- ative Extension Service of the U of A Division of Agri- culture, Virginia Tech and Purdue, plus a private sector consultant from New Hampshire.
∆ Annual Forage And Grassland Meeting Addresses Important Topics T NASHVILLE, TENN.
he Tennessee Forage and Grassland Council will hold its annual meeting and tradeshow on Fri- day, November 4 at
Ellington Agricultural Center’s Ed Jones Audi- torium in Nashville. “This is an especially
good year to make the ef- fort to attend,” says Gary Bates,
forage specialist
with University of Ten- nessee Extension. “Several practical questions that producers have will be dealt with during the pre- sentations.” “Experts in cattle and for-
age production will be on hand to make presenta- tions on the animal and plant considerations for grass-fed beef. An evalua- tion of Tennessee hay for horses will also be pre- sented. Registration begins at
8:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. CST. A $25 registration fee covers the cost of membership in the Tennessee Forage and Grassland Council, lunch and a printed copy of the day’s proceedings. The meeting will conclude by 3:00 p.m. CST. “It’s obvious that this
meeting is a great opportu- nity for any farmer who’s looking to produce forage and grasses as profitably as possible,” says Bates. “This is where Tennessee’s top producers will be, and if they can’t help you, they’ll know the other good pro- ducers in your area.” An accompanying trade
show offers producers a look at and a lesson about the constantly changing technology necessary to make the best decisions for their farms and for their buyers. The day’s events also include a silent auc- tion provided by the major
10 • MidAmerica Farmer Grower / October 21, 2011 Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
HEUER SONS 8 IMPLEMENT CO.
61 South Kingshighway
573-335-7470
heuerson@yahoo.com
seed, chemical and pharmaceutical companies par- ticipating in the tradeshow. For more information about the Tennessee Forage
and Grassland Council, contact your county’s Uni- versity of Tennessee Extension office or Dr. Gary Bates at (865) 974-7208.
∆
Large Selection of NEW Unverferthʼs
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