MM - November - December 2009

november/december 2009

volume 7 • no. 6

Published by:

Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. P.O. Box 530 Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4N5

editor

Margaret Land • (519) 429-5190, (888) 599-2228, ext 269 mland@annexweb.com

contributing editors

Melynda Harrison, Tony Kryzanowski, Diane Mettler, Lukie Pieterse

advertising manager

Sharon Kauk • (519) 429-5189, (888) 599-2228, ext 242 skauk@annexweb.com

sales assistant

Ryan Culver • (519) 429-5183, (888) 599-2228, ext 219 rculver@annexweb.com

Production manager Angela Simon

vP Production/Group Publisher Diane Kleer dkleer@annexweb.com

President Mike Fredericks mfredericks@annexweb.com

Publication Mail Agreement #40065710

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 530, SIMCOE, ON N3Y 4N5

e-mail: mweiler@annexweb.com

Printed in Canada circulation

e-mail: mweiler@annexweb.com

Tel: 866-790-6070 ext. 211

Fax: 877-624-1940

Mail: P.O. Box 530 Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5

subscription rates

canadian subscriptions (Gst included) $37 Cdn, one year - $65 Cdn, two years

u.s. subscriptions: $37 US, one year - $64 US, two years

International subscriptions $70 US, one year

From time to time, we at Manure Manager make our subscription list available to reputable companies and organizations whose products and services we believe maybe of interest to you. If you do not want your name to be made available, contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.

No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher's written permission. ©2009 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions.

All advertising is subject to the publisher's approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertisted. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.

Website: www.manuremanager.com

By Margaret Land

The poultry poop police

Every morning when I plunk myself down before my computer, I am greeted by a long list of news items detailing the latest happenings related to the manure and nutrient management industries.

Many detail the newest anaerobic digester opening, manure management seminar, trade show, permitting issue or alleged manure spill. Some are amusing, describing the latest prank at an agricultural university, a group protest involving the dumping of manure or an inventive tinker who has a cannon that shoots manure. But recently, one news item caught my eye, not because it was funny or educational, but because I found it extremely alarming. The article, entitled "Chicken Litter: The Aerial Hunt for Poultry Manure", ran in the Nov. 3 issue of the Wall Street Journal. As my eyes quickly scanned through the story, I smiled, wondering why the guy had to use an airplane to find poultry manure. Why not contact a local poultry producer? He or she probably has tons.

And then I reached the meat of the article.

According to journalist Lauren Etter’s feature, 70-year-old retired Marine officer Rick Dove is flying in the sky over the Delmarva Peninsula searching for piles of chicken poop. When he finds a suspect pile, he takes photos of it and marks the GPS coordinates so he and an attorney can make a ground visit later to collect water samples. As a result of his volunteer work, Dove has assisted in “dozens” of lawsuits against farmers and large-scale livestock producers. He was also instrumental in gathering the information that became the basis of the lawsuits against the hog industry in North Carolina.

Why is he doing this?

According to the article, when Dove retired from the Marines, he started a commercial fishing operation near Havelock, N.C. In 1991, that operation ceased to run after a major fish kill in the nearby Neuse River. A few years later, he decided to help a group look for potential polluters. Dove set his sights on manure.

What I find alarming about this issue is the narrow focus that is being applied to poultry producers in this area. If a poultry operation has a pile of chicken litter on its property, then it must be guilty of contaminating Chesapeake Bay. What about other sources of pollution, such as lawn fertilizers, human sewage or contamination from industry located in the area? Is Mr. Dove observing and taking photos of other possible sources of water contaminants or is it just poultry litter?

This “volunteer” operation has decided that poultry producers are guilty until they prove themselves innocent. By concentrating just on poultry operations, they are handpicking the evidence needed to prove their hypothesis. In the rush to persecute, they just might be missing the truth.

PORK ISN’T PRODUCED IN A BUBBLE THAT’S WHY THERE IS MICROSOURCE® S

Now, more than ever, pork producers recognize the impact their operations can have on the world around them.

Proactive eco-management with MicroSource S can help reduce environmental burdens. The result:

• Reduction in noxious manure gases, like ammonia and VFAs, for less odor

• Increased nitrogen retention in manure for an improved N:P ratio

• Lower manure viscosity so less power is required for pump outs

• Decreased stickiness of manure for easier/less cleaning.

MicroSource S contains selected microbes that digest the solids in hog manure. It begins to work even before the manure hits the floor and continues to act on manure during handling and storage. MicroSource S can help you balance today’s environmental challenges with efficient pork production.

To learn more, contact your feed supplier or go to www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com.

Managing poultry litter in Iowa

By Tony Kryzanowski

Tebbe manure spreader works well with poultry manure, says Iowa custom applicator

It’s early October in Iowa and a spell of bad weather has delayed the annual fall custom manure application season by at least two weeks. Phones ring off the hook first thing in the morning and keep ringing at the office of custom poultry manure applicator GE-Max Nutrients LLC in Belmond, Iowa. This sort of demand is just a sign of the times.

Iowa is America’s largest eggproducing state with close to 60 million poultry egg layers out of a total 280 million nationally. North central Iowa has a large concentration of poultry and hog operations. Companies like GE-Max Nutrients, which specialize in land application of poultry manure, have become an invaluable asset in today’s world of heightened environmental consciousness and housing developments, often within earshot of wellestablished farms.

“Our biggest focus is on safety, compliance, public image and the good neighbor policy,” says GE-Max Nutrients general manager, Steve Tassinari. “Sometimes, it is not a real popular business to be in but we handle it well. Everything these days comes back to the environment. It all comes back to air quality, water quality, and being good stewards. The big focus for us is being a good neighbor.”

GE-Max Nutrients is a partnership between two cooperatives, the Max Yield Cooperative in West Bend, Iowa and the Gold Eagle Cooperative in Goldfield, Iowa. Both operate full service grain elevators, and when Gold Eagle Cooperative began contemplating a move into land application of poultry manure, it made more sense to combine forces with the Max Yield Cooperative, which had already been in that line of business for 10 years.

“In order to create more efficiencies and avoid duplication of services, GE-Max Nutrients was formed,” says Tassinari.

The organic micronutrients in poultry manure are the true, value-added element in this organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers, according GE-Max Nutrients. Contributed photo

GE-Max Nutrients applies more than 90,000 tons of poultry manure on cropland each year. There is growing interest among farmers in using poultry manure as an alternative or supplement to commercial fertilizer. The acreage spread by the company has grown from an average of about 20,000 acres to 30,000 acres over the last decade, and it has sold out on its poultry manure product the last few years. The manure is typically applied within a 50-mile radius of the company’s individual poultry manure suppliers.

“It is not as convenient a program as commercial fertilizer because you have to contend with hauling manure and then spreading it on,” says Tassinari. “For the most part, the response has been good and our customers know the value of the product.”

The value of poultry manure has not been lost on local farmers because, according to Tassinari, it is 65 to 70

The company has both three- and five-wheeler TerraGator Nutrient Management System (NMS) units in its fleet of poultry manure spreaders. Contributed photo

percent of the cost of commercial fertilizer. While the NPK content is there, he believes it’s the micronutrients in the organic fertilizer that provide its true added value.

“In my opinion, the micronutrients and the organic matter are really what make poultry manure a better value,” he says. “We used to impregnate commercial fertilizer with sulfur, zinc, manganese, and copper but we don’t do that as much because of the expense. But those goodies are there in the poultry manure and those are the biggest benefits. The organic matter also helps build soil tilth, especially in lighter soils.”

GE-Max Nutrients takes a different approach to calculating the application rate per acre than the typical tonnage approach, though the actual job of applying it is still controlled by weigh scales, as well as radar and global positioning system (GPS) guidance systems.

GE-Max Nutrients uses a pull-type FECO box manure spreader and a John Deere tractor to apply drier poultry manure. Contributed photo

“We went to applying by phosphorus content simply because there is variability in the manure versus just throwing tons out there,” says Tassinari. “It’s not without its challenges for the dispatcher when monitoring loads being transported to the fields.” He adds that it is also a better approach in terms of environmental stewardship because they are better able to track the amount of phosphorus that is actually being applied as part of the poultry manure on area farmland. As in so many other parts of the U.S., phosphorus content in soil is a major concern, leading some jurisdictions to actually ban the use of phosphorus in synthetic fertilizers and regulate the recommended amounts applied to cropland. There are also concerns about nitrogen runoff.

Working with Iowa State University, GE-Max Nutrients and its suppliers designed a set of guidelines for methodical manure sampling. Samples are taken from supplier barns prior to application to obtain an average phosphorus content.

“We do a base program of 210 units of phosphorus based on a 180-bushel crop removal on mainly a soybean/corn

rotation,” says Tassinari.

The manure is also bought and sold on phosphorus content, based on a percentage of the cost of commercial fertilizer.

The Max Yield Cooperative, with its well-established poultry manure land application business, was the first American company to use AgChem’s TerraGator custom nutrient management system (NMS) propulsion units equipped with German-made Tebbe boxes. Tassinari describes them as, “the Cadillac of manure spreading, if there is such a thing.” He believes that this combination of technology offers a superior manure-spreading job because the Tebbe box is purpose-built.

“They are built strictly for manure,” he says. “I mean, they are not converted lime boxes and they are not made for other applications as far as commercial fertilizer. They are definitely a manure-spreading machine and their spread pattern, ability and speed in the field is just phenomenal compared to anything else.”

Their experience shows that the Tebbe box on a TerraGator propulsion unit works well in situations where other spreaders have difficulty, such as applying wetter, heavier manure.

Tebbe has been in partnership producing the Ag-Chem Europe B.V. TerraGator with a Tebbe universal spreader for more than 10 years. But in Europe, Tebbe spreaders have also been mounted on a variety of other propulsion units, like trucks.

At present, GE-Max Nutrients owns three TerraGator custom manure spreaders with Tebbe boxes. One is a fivewheel, 9205 TerraGator, and the remaining two are a 9203 three-wheel unit and a 9103 three-wheel unit. They also have an 8103 TerraGator with a FECO box manure spreader and a pull-type FECO box manure spreader, which is pulled by a John Deere tractor. The spreaders are manufactured by Force Unlimited, a company located in Oelwein, Iowa. The units equipped with FECO boxes tend to work in parts of the company’s trading area where they are dealing with a drier consistency manure. The TerraGators with the Tebbe units are consigned to areas with older style poultry barns that tend to supply wetter manure.

Tassinari says they opted for TerraGator propulsion units because of their simplicity and versatility. They are able to remove the Tebbe boxes from

It might not look like a Cadillac, but this TerraGator 9205 propulsion unit with a Tebbe manure spreader performs like the Cadillac of manure spreaders when applying poultry manure, according to GE-Max Nutrients. Contributed photo

the 9203 units so that the TerraGator propulsion units can be used for spraying in spring.

There are more Tebbe spreaders showing up in North America now, and Tassinari acknowledges that being the first has not always been without its challenges, specifically when, occasionally, parts had to come from Europe. So, GE-Max Nutrients made sure it planned ahead from a maintenance standpoint. Its experienced operators ensure that the equipment is in good operating condition once the fall application season rolls around, and this approach has turned out to be a successful strategy.

There’s no doubt that there are a number of moving parts on Tebbe manure spreaders. For example, there is a moving floor in the box operated by four dieforged chains. A direct bevel gear drive controls the forward and reverse motion of the floor. The box comes equipped with what the company describes as aggressive shredder beaters with bolt-on, alloyed and hardened wear tips aimed at high throughput capacity and optimum shredding. A sensor monitors the rotating beater speed with electronic control. A safety circuit breaker is part of the design so that if the speed of the beater drops below 300 rpm, the moving floor is switched off. The drive controlling the upper and lower beaters located at the back of the spreader is connected with a one-inch roller chain. An electronic system controls such movements as the forward and reverse movements of the moving floor, the metering gate, and the tailgate, and can be upgraded to a system that allows for speed-related application rate control.

In terms of manure collection by GEMax Nutrients, it is a yearly ritual in which the egg-laying operations clean out their barns once a year in the fall just as crops are being harvested from the fields. Most are high-rise style barns with manure collection and storage below. The manure is loaded onto delivery trucks contracted by GE-Max Nutrients that take the manure directly to the field for application. This year, the company switched from side-dump trailers to full-size trailers with walking floors to deliver the manure to the field, the result being that it is able to ship 1.5 times more manure, or about 24 tons of manure per load.

The cycle of crop removal and fall weather are important factors as to the timing of manure application, with the season typically running from midSeptember until Thanksgiving.

Poultry manure from area egg layers is delivered to the field and applied per acre according to phosphorus content. Contributed photo

GE-Max Nutrients has a very short window for application of its poultry manure, from September until American Thanksgiving. Contributed photo

GE-Max Nutrients has opted for TerraGator propulsion units for its manure spreaders because of their simplicity and versatility. Some double as propulsion units in spring spraying operations. Contributed photo

Rem Engineering designed and developed the first commercial scale Ecoremedy solid-fuel gasifier. It was designed specifically for agricultural waste material. Contributed photo

High-energy litter

By Diane Mettler

Ecoremedy™ system, a continuous flow incinerator, successfully turns litter to steam

People soon may view poultry litter in a whole new light — as an affordable alternative energy source.

About two years ago, the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) funded a project to develop a continuous flow incinerator (versus a batch flow incinerator) to handle animal mortalities.

The project was broken down into three phases, the first of which has been completed:

1. Successfully incinerate poultry litter to produce steam.

2. Adapt that system to burn mortalities. This step is currently in the testing phase.

3. Create a system that can create steam from litter and mortalities. The steam can be used to run a turbine that creates energy that can be put onto the grid. This phase is currently on the drawing board.

Choosing the right partner

The first step in getting the project up and running was finding the right company to develop the technology to incinerate litter and produce energy. There was, however, a specific requirement of the technology — it had to be a continuous flow incinerator versus a batch system.

“The company that we found and felt had the technology was Rem Engineering,” says Paul Walker, a professor of animal science at Illinois State University (ISU), who headed up the project. “I’m not aware of any other continuous flow incinerators. They were the only ones that had the knowledge to make a continuous flow burner.”

Litter to steam

Once selected, Rem Engineering designed and developed the first commercial scale Ecoremedy™ solid fuel gasifier for testing and demonstration. It was designed specifically for agricultural waste material, including: animal tissue (offal and mortalities), poultry litter, animal manure and process sludge.

The team chose to test the Ecoremedy at Tyson Foods’ Bolivar feed mill in Fairmount, Ga., in March 2008. The mill operated 24 hours a day, five days a week and used natural gas to produce

low-pressure steam (110 psig) for use in making 8,500 tons of feed pellets a week.

The portable unit was designed, built and tested over 11 months as litter was continually fed into the Ecoremedy and incinerated. The steam produced was used to produce the pellets.

During the emissions testing portion, the team only used poultry litter, but they would also run intermittent tests using mortalities and other fuels as well. By early 2009, they knew the gasification system could be used to replace traditional fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil to generate steam for industrial use.

In addition to energy production, the team was also interested in the ash that was generated. With Rem’s system, the ash continually accumulates, and the team’s goal is for the ash to be used as a fertilizer.

A look at the Ecoremedy

The team mounted the Ecoremedy gasifier on a 48-foot-long, step-deck trailer, and, by combining it with a Cleaver Brooks scotch marine boiler, they created a portable biomass-fueled steam plant.

“We put a boiler on the front of it and the heat from the incinerator heats the boiler and produces steam,” explains Walker. “That steam was used to replace 20 percent of the steam required by the Tyson feed mill to produce pellets.”

Above: The Ecoremedy gasifier is mounted on a 48-foot-long, stepdeck trailer, and combined with a Cleaver Brooks scotch marine boiler, creating a portable biomass-fueled steam plant. Contributed photo

Middle: The propane burner in the Ecoremedy is also used to preheat the gasifier, boiler and downstream equipment, as well as in the shutdown every week.

Contributed photo

Bottom: There was great interest in the ash generated by the Ecoremedy. With Rem’s system, the ash continually accumulates, and, it’s hoped, can be used as a fertilizer.

Contributed photo

To make sure they could burn the mortalities, a two MMBtu/hr Gordon Piatt propane burner was mounted through the ignition arch of the gasifier. The angle of the ignition arch directed the propane flame onto the pile for use when limited mortalities were conveyed through the gasifier.

“The poultry litter is exothermic,” says Walker. “It doesn’t require propane for burning, and without that supplement heat the incinerator can easily reach 1,500 degrees. But mortalities are different and require temperatures up to 2,500 degrees, especially if the plan is to destroy the prions that cause BSE.”

The propane burner was also used to preheat the gasifier, boiler and downstream equipment, as well as in the shutdown every week.

Simple operation

Tyson says the machine was remarkably simple to operate. Solid fuel (primarily

litter) was fed into the gasifier through a guillotine gate used to regulate the depth of the fuel bed. By changing the conveyor speed and fuel bed depth, the operator could control the load of the unit.

When there were changes in fuel, the force draft (FD) fan speed was adjusted to meet the gasification and combustion conditions within the system.

Ash from the gasifier discharged continually through a rotary airlock located in the center of the trailer and was then conveyed away from the trailer.

Results

Test results were positive across the board.

During the 120-hour workweek, the Ecoremedy generated an average of 1,400 lbs/hr of steam at 110 psig for the feed mill.

In addition to providing approximately 20 percent of Tyson’s steam consumption, the ash created was tested and found to be below the limits set by the European Union (EU) using the TEQ metric established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for measuring dioxin and furan levels in animal feed. In short, the ash could be used globally as an allnatural fertilizer.

The Ecoremedy exceeded all design criteria when it came to gasifier performance, including:

• feed rate of 7.5 MMBtu/hr

• flow of 1,453 lbs/hr

• energy content of 3,627 Btu/lb

• temperatures exceeding 2,300 F

• uptime was nearly 100 percent

• one operator required per shift

• low carbon monoxide (CO) measurements —consistently less than 100 ppm — an indication that complete combustion of the biogas is occurring.

Alternative fuels

Although incinerating mortalities wasn’t the focus of the first phase of the project, mortalities were added to the litter at specific times. For example, 500 pounds of poultry (chick) mortality were fed into the gasifier over a four-hour period, creating a mix of 25 percent mortality and 75 percent litter. The Ecoremedy had no problem handling the mixture and there were no adverse effects.

Other fuels were added to the gasifier as well, including spilled or spoiled feed and shredded documents, none of which negatively affected the steam production.

In fact, during the test 85 tons of high-quality ash were generated at a

value of $250 to $325 per ton. “The ash coming from a system was very inert meaning no pathogens,” says Walker. “It worked very well for that.”

And although Walker says there was some tweaking to the machinery at the very start, the Ecoremedy worked exceedingly well in turning litter to steam and creating a high-quality ash.

Next step — mortalities

The next phase of the project — testing to see if the system can incinerate animal tissue efficiently and cleanly, while creating steam and ash — is in progress now.

“Part of our vision is for this system to be portable,” says Walker. “If someone had a hog house burn or a poultry house fire, the incinerator could be pulled on site during the catastrophic events to get rid of mortalities,” says Walker.

“We’ve spent this summer getting it ready to be truly portable, in that we put a diesel-powered generator on a trailer and a carcass grinder on a trailer, each of which is on a bumper hitched trailer,” he adds. “Now all three units, the generator, the mortality grinder and the gasifier are truly portable, and can be pulled to any site for mortality disposal.”

For poultry operations, a permanent incinerator could be set up to burn through the litter routinely and to burn mortalities when necessary. Contributed photo

Rotary Lobe Pumps

Macerating Technology

Innovation

Manure Handling Solutions

Rotary Lobe Pumps the ONE with replaceable tips

Multicrusher/Multichopper Macerating Technology Stainless Steel Tanks

The incinerating system is currently set up at an approved EPA compost site – for a 200-hog-per-day harvest facility. During the month of October the system was being tested to be sure it works and that all the components parts are compatible. Official testing will begin as soon as the Illinois EPA provides permitting approval.

Because animal tissue, versus litter, is being burned, the Ecoremedy system requires supplemental heat. In this case, propane is used, in large part because it’s portable. “Not everyone will have natural gas on site and diesel fuel doesn’t burn hot enough or clean enough,” says Walker.

Rotating Equipment for Anaerobic Digestion • Pumping Applications

Future of the system

Down the road, Walker and others would like to see renderers using the system. Cattle that are too old (over 30 months) to be processed for meat or bone meal could be incinerated and the heat captured for steam for use in rendering or to produce electricity.

“Basically, renderers could capture their costs back as energy and pay for the system,” says Walker. “It has tremendous potential for this whole BSE issue. I would like to see more companies, in both the U.S. and Canada, interested in this system’s value.”

For poultry operations, a permanent incinerator could be set up. They could burn through the litter routinely and burn mortalities when necessary.

“Ultimately, producers would use that steam from the incinerator to drive a turbine to make electricity and use it on-farm and/or put it in the grid,” says Walker. “That’s the next step and it will require some propane when disposing of the mortalities. But then the operator should get electrical costs back to pay for the propane use and it would be a recyclable green energy — a renewable green energy.”

Until then, what is for certain is that Ecoremedy is creating new options for farmers and how they handle their poultry litter and mortalities.

From Barnyard Café to Zoo Brew

By Tony Kryzanowski

Manure-based compost has many uses

When it comes to composting manure, those farms taking part in this activity have something in common with the U.S. Marines – they are “the brave, the few.” But their numbers are growing.

Research experts warn that having a secure end-market for manure compost is critical to making the effort worthwhile. However, as organic material in soil continues to diminish due to aggressive farming practices, the public continues to demand more organically grown products, farms invest more and more into anaerobic digesters, and industry finds itself under the environmental microscope, there are opportunities out there for some farmers to create an extra income stream with the right approach. The question is where to go for help.

Price Farms Organics, located in Delaware County, Ohio, is one farm heavily invested in a commercial composting operation in addition to

raising cattle and hogs. The company produces about 20,000 cubic yards of compost a year, half of which comes from manuare produced from its livestock operations. They also compost bedding from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, coffee grounds, horse manure, and even recycled newspapers that the farm first uses for hog barn bedding. About 60 percent of the compost they produce is sold commercially on its own or as a soil mix, and 40 percent is retailed under such names as Barnyard Café and Zoo Brew.

Owner Tom Price says access to an urban market for the compost is critical to the viability of their composting operation and the up-front capital costs are high, but he is a strong advocate for composting.

“I’d absolutely recommend it,” he says. “Environmentally, it’s a lot sounder practice. Socially, I think it’s a very positive practice with neighbors.”

One confined animal feeding operator to have embraced composting in a big way in Ohio is Daylay Egg Farm, located in West Mansfield. They have installed a German-designed system from Salmet Poultry Systems to biologically process unamended caged layer poultry manure into a composted manure product. The manure comes

Top: Ohio State University is a leader in the United States in compost manufacturing research, and has been for several decades. Submitted photo Above: Windrows at Ohio State University help to recreate a potential commercial setting for compost production so its acquired knowledge can be transferred to farmers and commercial composters. Submitted photo

from about one million chickens managed at the facility. What interested the company in producing compost was the five to six percent nitrogen content in the compost and relatively low 10 to 15 percent moisture content. Daylay Egg Farm discovered that it was economically feasible to market this product within a 50-mile radius of the plant. Upon transport of the manure to the compost building, forced aeration

DRAG HOSE EQUIPMENT

Diane Kleer, VP Production/Group Publisher for Annex Publishing & Printing is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Kauk to the position of National Advertising Manager for Manure Manager magazine.

Sharon has been an employee with Annex Publishing & Printing since 2005 as the Advertising Manager for Fruit & Vegetable Magazine and Canadian Vending magazine.

Sharon is anxious to assist you with your print and online advertising needs. Please feel free to contact her 519-429-5189 or skauk@annexweb.com.

Check out our website at www.manuremanager.com

For advertising information, contact Sharon Kauk

Tel: 519-429-5189

Fax: 419-429-3094

e-mail: skauk@annexweb.com

is used through a positive pressure aeration system within the floor to ensure aerobic conditions and high rates of decomposition. Compost is produced by a combination of frequent manure removal, aeration, and routine agitation. It takes about 60 days for the composting process to run its course.

Both Price Farms Organics and Daylay Egg Farm learned a lot from researchers at the Ohio State University Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), a leader in manure composting research in the United States. A lot of the initial focus at the center was to determine why compost in potting mixes was so good at controlling root diseases. Later, the research focus included looking at improving the overall system to reduce the cost of composting and improve the efficiency, by investigating such factors as temperature, moisture content, mixing, frequency, windrow size and the carbon/ nitrogen ratio.

“The capital costs initially are a bit of a deterrent because you need a pad and you need some turning equipment,” says OARDC researcher Dr. Fred Michel.

The cost of a concrete pad has been estimated at about $125,000 to $140,000 per acre. Price Farms Organics started with two acres and is now up to about 5.5 acres. However, Price says it was worth it because it has helped them produce consistently high quality compost and the pad is much more resilient to heavy loaders moving material as compared to an asphalt pad or crushed stone.

“One of the things that you need to consider if you are thinking about composting is the end market for the compost,” says Dr. Michel. “If the compost is going to be used on your own farm as a fertility source, it may not make a lot of sense versus liquid manure. So

Top: It’s hard to believe that within a matter of months, this compost heap at Price Farms Organics will convert into a stable soil amendment. Submitted photo

Middle: Price Farms Organics composts all of its cattle and hog manure, using some on its pastures and selling the rest commercially or through its retail operations. Submitted photo

Bottom: Daylay Egg Farm has installed a German-made composting system that allows the company to manufacture compost that contains high nitrogen content. Submitted photo

you really need to have a higher value market that you can access with the compost and it needs to be nearby.”

He estimates that the market should be no farther than about 50 miles from the compost production location, if it is being marketed strictly as a nutrient source. Price agrees that having a strong local market is a major advantage for them, being as they are only about 15 miles from the state capital of Columbus.

“We are in such a heavily urbanized area that we’ve got an advantage on some rural operations,” says Price. “We can go into the retail market and, in this

day and age, there is much more interest in being green and recycling.”

There are some on-farm uses where compost makes a lot of sense. One is as fertilizer in organic farming where pathogen control is an issue, another is as animal bedding on dairy farms, and a third is in situations of intensive grazing pasture management.

In terms of usage in organic farming, Dr. Michel says growers are limited to using liquid manure and compost as fertility sources, and there are restrictions on when the liquid manure can be applied in relation to crop harvest.

“In that situation where it is important to have control of the pathogens, I think we see some farmers going to compost to address that market,” Dr. Michel says. With compost, organic farmers also have more flexibility, as they have the option of applying it closer to harvest due to its nonpathogenic nature and stability.

Price Farms Organics adopted composting of all their cattle and hog manure because it was the right choice for their intensive grazing pasture management system, where cattle are rotated frequently from one pasture to another.

“You can’t put fresh manure on with that kind of system,” says Price. “You can put composted manure on the grass and into the paddocks.” In as short a span as three to four weeks, cattle could be back in an area grazing where compost has been applied.

“So, it’s what got us started in composting of manure really,” he says. “We wanted to fertilize our pastures with manure instead of buying fertilizer. I think it’s just as comparable as commercial fertilizer, but more economical.”

Business took off from there to the point where Price Farms Organics now has a significant additional income stream from its well-established compost operation.

In terms of its use on dairy farms, Dr. Harold Keener, OSU researcher and associate chair of the Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, says recycling of manure into compost for use as bedding in dairy operations, “is a very viable use. It saves them tremendously in their bedding costs and it does work well.”

He adds, however, that based on the feedback he has received from dairy farmers, it is important to control the waste buildup in the bedding compost used in the free stalls. What he has noticed is that successful dairy farms have been able to minimize problems with milk quality by raking wet soil material out of the free stall compost and mechanically stirring bedding by using some type of rake system attached to a skid steer, usually while the cows are in the milking parlour.

While use of compost instead of sand for bedding does not appear to be as forgiving in terms of maintaining milk quality, dairy farmers are able to avoid many of the headaches associated with sand. He’s visited large dairy farms with as many as 3,000 cows that are using

compost bedding very successfully.

There is also a trend toward anaerobic digestion on many intensive livestock operations, says Dr. Keener, that provides dairy farmers not only with cost savings in bedding, as solid compost is one of the byproducts of this process, but also a methane gas stream that can then be used to generate power.

The OARDC has also received a lot of interest in composting of horse manure, as the wood chips often used as bedding for horses in stables or racetracks is also an excellent feedstock for advancing the composting process.

In terms of markets for farm compost, landscapers, market gardens, nurseries and organic farmers are not the only potential places to find customers. Other opportunities are out there depending on where farmers call home. For example, compost is finding use as a soil amendment in situations where industrial activity has a negative impact on soil quality, such as in the oil and gas industry where heavy equipment moving across farm fields to well sites frequently compacts the soil. One Alberta company – Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting – is conducting trials related to injection

of compost pellets to rehabilitate compacted soils. When left alone, experts estimate that it takes damaged soils anywhere from 30 to 50 years to become fully productive again, but initial research conducted by Paragon shows that injection of compost pellets can rehabilitate the soil in just five years.

With thousands of oil and gas well sites throughout North America often located on farmland, this represents just one huge opportunity for compost as a soil amendment. Compost could be used to rehabilitate soil in any situation where an industrial activity has a negative impact on soil productivity.

Ohio State University researcher, Dr. Harold Keener, discusses the attributes of compost with students. Submitted photo

In the NEWS

study to determine cows’

GHG emissions

Any calculation of the carbon footprint of a gallon of milk needs to include fuel used by tractors and trucks, as well as electricity consumed by milking machines and refrigerators. But how much gas is coming from the cows themselves?

That’s the question Purdue University researchers are investigating as they start a new study aimed at measuring greenhouse gases from dairy cows. Albert Heber, principal investigator and a professor of agricultural and biological engineering, said the study is part of an industry-wide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to fluid milk.

The study is being funded by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and is one of several studies that will be used to measure the entire carbon footprint of fluid milk –from the farm to the glass. Researchers from the University of California-Davis, Cornell University, the University of Minnesota and Washington State University are collaborating on the project.

“Measuring the greenhouse gas emissions of dairy cows will help determine the extent to which the dairy industry contributes to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rick Naczi, the group’s executive vice-president of strategic industry analysis and evaluation. “Preliminary scan level research was conducted last year that showed the dairy industry accounts for less than two percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Now, we are expanding our efforts by partnering with respected academic institutions like Purdue and engaging in extensive research to assure that our efforts are based on sound science as we address the environmental, economic and social importance of reducing our carbon footprint.”

Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide will be monitored at five barn sites and two manure lagoons in Indiana, Wisconsin, California, Washington and New York. Mobile laboratories set up for the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study, of which

Heber also is principal investigator, are being used to take the measurements in this study as well.

Tubes will draw air from each of several exhaust fans and background locations. The air will be fed into a series of analyzers that measure the concentrations of the gases. Those concentrations can be used to determine the amount of each gas emitted for a particular time period and per animal. Data will be updated every minute.

Heber said the gas comes from both the cow and the manure. Manure gas is easiest to address. Different manure management practices may increase or decrease total emissions, he said.

Most of the previous studies on dairy greenhouse gas emissions were done in Europe and Canada and don’t reflect U.S. climate and management practices. This study will provide country- and regionspecific greenhouse gas emission rates from U.S. dairy operations, which can be used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for modeling emissions.

Data will be collected through Jan. 31.

roda spreader line moving to art’s Way

Art’s Way Manufacturing Co., Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery, equipment and services, recently announced the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire the manure spreader product line of Roda Manufacturing, Inc., of Hull, Iowa.

The product line includes:

The H Series – a non-commercial, high quality, low maintenance pull-type manure spreader that comes in 400-, 600- and 800-bushel sizes

The V Series – a commercial spreader with removable vertical beaters, adjustable apron speed and a reversible apron

The HV Series – combines the best of both the H and V series. Rugged, reliable and available in 20-, 22- and 24-foot box length with either horizontal or vertical beater options. It also features a durable one-piece frame design and a triple apron.

The acquisition is anticipated to close January 2010.

www.artsway-mfg.com

Farm Power generates electricity

Farm Power and Puget Sound Energy recently announced the start-up of Washington’s newest source of clean, sustainable power – an anaerobic dairy digester.

The digester is capable of producing up to 750 kilowatts of electricity – or approximately the energy needed to power 500 homes – and will provide electricity to PSE’s Green Power Program.

“Our environment, and our tradition of family farming in the Skagit Valley, both demand new ways of solving old problems,” said Kevin Maas, 33, a former high school teacher who founded Farm Power with his brother Daryl, 31, in 2007.

Farm Power’s expected annual electricity output of approximately 6,000 megawatt-hours will go exclusively to PSE’s Green Power Program, which allows the utility’s customers to sign up to have some or all of the equivalent of the energy needs be purchased on their behalf by the utility from certified renewable energy producers.

The Farm Power site is located west of Interstate 5 and just north of the Skagit River in Rexville. It will utilize the manure of two neighboring dairy farms, along with other agricultural waste products such as spoiled fruit and cheese whey, as well as remnants from chicken processing. In addition to producing electricity, the dairy digester’s other environmental benefits include reduced odor, a lowering of residual nitrogen in field-applied manure and the production of fiber bedding for use on the farms.

The two neighboring farms helping supply manure to the digester – Beaver Marsh Farms and Harmony Dairy – are owned by families that have known the Maas brothers since grade school. www.FarmPower.com www.PSE.com

Patz introduces o Zy™ m anure treatment s ystem

Patz Corporation recently unveiled the OZy™ Manure Treatment System, the newest addition to the company’s line of manure handling equipment.

The OZy utilizes a patented electrical pulse technology to treat the manure at a microscopic level, without additives or chemicals. The system is a very simple concept. From one corner of a manure pit or lagoon, liquid manure is drawn out and enters the OZy unit where it is run through a series of electrical reactor tubes. As the liquid manure flows through the tubes, it is hit with electrical pulses. The electrical pulses destroy the odor causing bacteria and pathogens. The liquid manure exits the OZy unit and is returned back into the opposite end of the same pit or lagoon it was drawn from.

Stray voltage is not an issue with the OZy system. Each component of the unit is bonded to either the metal platform of the stationary unit or to the steel decking of the trailer unit. A final ground is then required to an appropriate ground location either through an established ground device or through the supplied grounding rods.

When properly installed, the OZy grounding process removes the possibility of stray voltage and does not provide any electrical hazards to the equipment, farm, people, or animals.

The OZy Manure Treatment System is automated, easy to operate, quiet and is a totally self-contained mobile unit. It uses no chemicals, additives or oxygen (ozone) with the OZy technology.

It’s designed for hog and dairy producers and manure applicators to treat liquid manure on site for odor and pathogen reduction, and nutrient concentration.

Patz showcased the OZy Manure

Treatment System at several farm shows this past fall, including the Ohio Farm Science Review and at the World Dairy Expo. Company representatives were on-hand at both farm shows to explain how OZy’s patented technology works and treatment results.

www.patzozy.com

Instinct™ nitrogen stabilizer impresses in Iowa field trials

Growers in Iowa recently received a first look at Instinct™ nitrogen stabilizer’s performance in on-farm field trials.

Instinct is registered to stabilize urea ammonium nitrate and manure applications in the soil, protecting nitrogen at the plant root zone and optimizing yield potential. This benefit was tested in 76 trials held in all regions of Iowa during the 2008 growing season. Results from the trials showed that acres treated with Instinct yielded five bushels more per acre on average compared with untreated acres.

One of the first on-farm field trials to test Instinct was conducted on the Williamson Brothers farm near West Bend, IA, in cooperation with MaxYield Cooperative. Trial results showed that corn grown in soil treated with Instinct produced higher yields than corn grown without an application.

In their trial, the Williamsons applied UAN stabilized with Instinct nitrogen stabilizer on three 90-foot strips containing 12 rows each that alternated with three strips applied with un-stabilized UAN.

The first treated strip yielded 205 bushels per acre, more than 19 bushels per acre higher than the corresponding untreated strip. The second treated strip came in at 177 bushels per acre, compared with 169 bushels per acre in the corresponding untreated strip. The third and final treated strip yielded 20 bushels per acre higher than the corresponding untreated strip.

With a wet, cool spring to kick off the 2008 season, the Williamson brothers were skeptical of how well Instinct would perform.

“The trial field was very damp in one

end and it was a big problem,” says Roger Williamson, who farms 4,000 acres with his brother, John. “To see the yield results we did out of that location really surprised me.”

As an encapsulated product, Instinct remains stable on the soil surface for up to 10 days, allowing flexibility in fertilizer application and incorporation. Instinct can be incorporated mechanically or with a 0.5inch of rain or irrigation.

www.InstinctNitrogenStabilizer.com

e asyFix offers products for cattle producers

EasyFix Rubber Products recently displaying its range of products at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

Utilizing Vulcanized natural rubber backed by a five-year warranty, the EasyFix slat Rubber System provides durable and robust rubber slat flooring. EasyFix’s patented wedge installation design makes them simple to install and keeps them firmly in place. EasyFix’s tread pattern gives cattle of all types traction, helping to reduce injuries resulting from slippage, increasing live weight gain, improving milk yield and fertility, and enhancing overall animal comfort, welfare and performance.

“Getting cattle onto soft rubber flooring and matting and off hard concrete makes for a more contented cow that produces greater weight and yield,” says Noel Kelly, business development manager with EasyFix Rubber Products. “EasyFix remains dedicated to furthering ways to create this kind of environment for cattle housing facilities that are humane for the animals and benefit both

the farmer and society.”

EasyFix products are available in North America through AGSourcing International, based in Kirkton, Ontario, Canada. www.easyfix.ie www.agsourcing.net

Parkson’s Hi o x® a eration s ystem

The most energy intensive operation in any manure treatment system is aeration. Well over 50 percent of the system’s energy costs are associated with mixing and aerating. Through the application of basic aeration principles, the newest generation of the HiOx® Aeration System represents a breakthrough in aeration technology. HiOx increases aeration efficiency by 20 percent or more compared to fine bubble devices.

The HiOx Aeration panel, with its one-millimeter ultra-fine bubbles, achieves high efficiency. The high-density basin floor coverage, 25 percent and greater, results in maximum dirty water oxygen transfer efficiency. The Parkson design employs more membrane area than other aeration products. With the additional membrane area, the HiOx Aeration panels operate at a lower air flux rate than traditional diffused air systems. Lower air flux rates mean efficiency, significantly lower air requirements, and therefore lower power costs.

Simple air flexing keeps the HiOx membrane panels clean and operating efficiently for years. Each small group of panels (generally one or two) is typically supplied with an individual air feed piping system designed to allow maximum flexibility in operation and maintenance. Operators can fine-tune the air distribution in the aeration basins to best match the plant’s specific and/or changing needs. Small groups of HiOx panels or even individual panels can be isolated from the system and repaired during regularly scheduled maintenance.

The HiOx Aeration System requires a small fraction of the number of diffusers required for traditional fine bubble systems. Fewer diffusers translate into less piping. Smaller blowers and less air piping provide

savings. For systems already using traditional fine bubble diffusers, it is easy to add significant treatment capacity by switching to HiOx panels and adding the right amount of air – no new basins are required.

Controls can be as simple or as sophisticated as required to ensure the HiOx panel system is delivering the exact amount of oxygen for the most efficient operation. The system can be designed for expansion. In a new installation, fewer panels may be required initially with the option of adding HiOx panels as the need increases.

HiOx panels have been in successful operation since 1990 and are backed by one of the most respected names in the industry – Parkson Corporation. The latest model incorporates all the best features of the long-standing HiOx design as well as a number of new features for ease of installation and maintenance. www.parkson.com

a utoFarm releases totally integrated system

AutoFarm recently introduced an all-new precision farming system called ParaDyme. Describing it as “the world’s first

totally integrated precision farming system,” AutoFarm says the ParaDyme line offers a full suite of precision farming tools: planter control, application control, yield monitoring, data logging and mapping, GPS steering, wireless communications, plus remote realtime service and diagnostics.

The ParaDyme system will offer AutoFarm’s GPS steering, with options from WAAS to RTK, plus a wide selection of displays or controllers that will give customers choices from entry level to professional farming and custom application. The ParaDyme system also features 100 percent factory activated wireless and cellular communications with Remote Real-Time Service capability.

Autofarm has also announced that the company has formed an alliance with Ag Leader Technology, Inc., of Ames, Iowa. The alliance will allow ParaDyme products to operate with Ag Leader’s new INTEGRA display plus the recently launched EDGE display for planter control, application control, yield monitoring and other key functions in a fully integrated system.

AutoFarm will continue to offer the Viper Pro from Raven. www.gpsfarm.com

SOUND INVESTMENT, SOLID RETURN

S ERIES MIXERS

Energy Efficiency at its Peak in design, operation and maintenance, the ROTO-MIX mixer was developed with pure cost-efficiency in mind.

•Rotary design

•Less horsepower

•Enclosed oil bath drive

•Variable rate discharge

•Eliminates auger tunneling

•Conveyors optional

•Available as stationary, trailer or truck

INNO ATIONS

Heavy-duty tractors

PUMPS

c hallenger mt 600 c s eries

Challenger recently introduced what it described as “the most powerful and innovative row crop tractor in North America” — the Challenger MT600C Series.

The series is available in four models with maximum gross engine horsepower from 270 hp to 350 hp.

Built for the professional farmer, the MT600C Series offers simplicity and performance with the introduction of the TechStar™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Power Management. The TechStar CVT provides infinitely variable forward speed variations up to 32 mph. The Power Management feature, which can be activated from the cab with the push of a button, automatically coordinates engine speed with the transmission, helping the tractor to operate as efficiently as possible. This allows the tractor to maintain the most productive engine speed and transmission gear in any task and any field condition. The CVT always operates the tractor at the optimal speed and most effective RPM levels for the desired speed.

Challenger is taking operator comfort and convenience to a new level by introducing a new cab. The four-post, Pinnacle View cab, surrounded by 67 square feet of glass for a 360° view, is almost 30 percent larger than the previous model. With professional farmers covering more acres and spending more time in the cab, it addresses the needs for comfort and officelike conditions they demand. The new cab design puts command of the machine at the operator’s fingertips. Using the Challenger Tractor Management Center (TMC), nearly every tractor or implement function can be quickly controlled and modified to suit a variety of operating conditions.

The MT600C Series also features an integrated ISOBUS control system, which uses the TMC Display as the operator interface. This gives the operator the flexibility to use the tractor with any ISOBUS compliant implement, no matter the manufacturer.

The Challenger tractor also includes several other innovative features. A new sculpted chassis has been developed to withstand the enormous stresses and loads that professional farmers put these tractors under on a daily basis. The chassis, combined with new front axle support and integrated front linkage system, provides a solid foundation for the optional front three-point hitch that is mounted directly onto the front of the chassis rails. The front linkage has a lift capacity of 11,000 pounds. A bigger rear linkage system has also been constructed with larger lift cylinders and stronger lift arms to provide an incredible lift capacity of 22,760 pounds at 24 inches from the link ends. A programmable, multi-directional joystick allows the operator to program the flow and speed of all functions and then repeat them by moving the joystick, which helps shorten cycle times and reduce operator fatigue. www.newfromchallenger.com.

John d eere 8 r s eries

John Deere is bolsteing its lineup of high-powered row-crop tractors with the introduction of its 8R Series Tractors.

The lineup includes six wheeled models that range from 225 to 345 engine horsepower and three track models that range from 295 to 345 engine horsepower.

One of the hallmarks of the 8R Series Tractor is the John Deere CommandView™II Cab. Inside, operators will discover a roomy work environment equipped with integrated monitors and controls. Visibility is enhanced in all directions.

Each 8RT Tractor is equipped with John Deere’s AirCushion™ Suspension System first made available on the company’s 9030T Series Track Tractors.

And for the first time ever, John Deere is making its Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) available on 8RT Series Track tractors. It’s standard on the 8345RT and optional on all other models. With an IVT, operators can use a single lever to smoothly shift from 0 to 24 mph, or any speed in between.

Maximum transport speed has been increased up to 24 mph on the track models. In addition, fuel capacity on the 8RT Series has been expanded to 200 gallons — a 54 percent increase compared to its predecessor. An available Category 4N/3 rear hitch provides the track tractors with up to 18,300 pounds of hitch-lift capacity. Hydraulic flow is now rated at 60 gpm.

All 8R and 8RT models are powered with the 9.0L John Deere PowerTech™ Plus engine, which meets current Tier III Emission Standards. www.JohnDeere.com

m assey Ferguson 8600 s eries

Massey Ferguson introduces the Massey Ferguson® 8600 Series high-horsepower row crop tractor to North American farmers.

The MF8600 Series tractor combines the power of the AGCO SISU Power® 8.4L engine with the latest innovations in engine management and transmission technology, then adds operator comforts and conveniences.

With the MF8600 Series, Massey Ferguson extends its line into a new power sector – up to 275 PTO horsepower, 350 engine horsepower – by equipping each of the four models with the 8.4-liter (514 cu. in.) AGCO SISU Power® engine. The series includes the MF8650 with 205 PTO hp/270 max. engine hp; MF8660 with 225 PTO hp/295 max. engine hp; MF8670 with 250 PTO hp/320 max. engine hp; and MF8680 with 275 PTO hp/350 max. engine hp.

AGCO SISU Power engines maintain maximum torque between 1,185 and 1,550 rpm and deliver constant power down to 1,570 rpm.

➤ Manure Pits,Channels & Covers

➤ Suspended Slabs - up to 40’ clearspan

➤ Hog & Cattle Slats - up to 25’ clearspan

➤ Weeping Walls - manure separation

➤ Milking Parlors

➤ Strainer Boxes

➤ Commodity Storage

➤ Bridges

➤ Bunker Silos (8 types)

➤ Syloguard Concrete repair

➤ Retaining Walls

➤ L & T Walls up to 16’ high

• Built to engineers’ specifications

• All sections are high strength, pre-stressed,reinforcedconcrete for longer life

• Quick & easy to build

• Air-tight seals and protectant using Syloguard products

INNO ATIONS

A new chassis-rail frame, combined with a new sculpted front axle support casting, provides a solid foundation for the MF8600 Series and allows a tighter turning radius. Larger final drives and the muscle to handle larger draft loads and weight are additional benefits of the new heavy-duty front axle.

The MF8600 Series features DTM, which automatically coordinates the engine and transmission to minimize rpms, maximize power to the ground and optimize fuel efficiency. DTM is activated with the push of a button, and ground speed is selected using the Dyna-VT transmission. Automatically, the DTM will set the most efficient engine speed, hold the ground speed and maintain power under a load. Because DTM technology allows the engine and transmission to work as one, it helps prevent unnecessary engine wear while optimizing engine power, fuel efficiency and productivity.

With limited moving parts, including no clutch packs that are prone to wear, the transmission is designed for long life. It offers the convenience of a 1200-hour service interval, as well as a self-contained oil-bath to eliminate the potential for contamination from hydraulic remotes or the rear axle.

The MF8600 Series tractor was built with input from farmers who can work up to 14-hours a day in a tractor cab. As a result, the MF8600 Series offers standard features that bring new meaning to “comfort.” Features include:

• A roomy four-post design cab with a large picture window view of 67-square-feet of glass

• The OptiRide™ four-corner cab suspension featuring an hydraulic damper and accumulator system which, when combined with the new QuadLink Suspended Front Axle system, reduces vibration by 50 percent and provides a smooth ride

• A redesigned, seat-mounted central command arm that puts all the key functions, including up to six hydraulic control valves, at farmers’ finger tips. The control arm also includes the optional Datatronics IV Control Center Display (including video capacity) designed to help manage and monitor any ISOBUS-compliant implements hooked behind it.

• Headland Management allows multi-function operation of up to 35 tractor and implement commands at the push of one button, improving productivity while reducing fatigue. www.masseyferguson.com/8600series

n ew Holland t 7000 s

The five models in New Holland’s 135- to 195-PTO hp T7000 Series tractors combine driver-focused, performance features with power and productivity. The operator can settle into the seat and adjust all the major controls exactly as they like because every function is designed for efficiency and control.

the position that’s most comfortable and efficient. The armrest houses New Holland’s CommandGrip™ multi-function controller, engine throttle, electro-hydraulic joystick, electronic draft control, PTO engagement, and electro-hydraulic rear remotes.

The IntelliView™ III touch-screen display on the front of the armrest is bright and clear for reduced eye fatigue and the position is also adjustable to ensure optimal line-of-sight for any size operator. The screen tracks tractor performance (work rate, area worked, fuel efficiency, etc.).

The CommandGrip multi-function controller is at the heart of the tractor controls. In addition to housing eight of the most frequently used operational controls, it also controls tractor movement. The operator can push it forward or pull it back to change speed or direction. The further the controller is moved away from the rest position, the higher the tractor speed. When the desired speed is reached, the controller returns to the rest position and the speed is maintained.

One of the controls on the multi-function controller is for the New Holland Custom Headland Management System. This system provides operators with programmable, one-button control of headland-turning, resulting in fewer repetitive functions, less operator fatigue and greater productivity. Controls to manage the three-point quick raise, IntelliSteer™ autoguidance system, cruise control, and target speed selection and adjustment are also located on the controller. www.newholland.com

valtra s s eries

Valtra recently introduced a new line of large S Series tractors that offer professional farmers and/or custom contractors more power and comfort.

The S Series offers five new tractor models ranging from 270 to 370 horsepower.

The heart and backbone of the new S Series is the AGCO Sisu Power 8.4CTA-4V engine and stepless AVT transmission (AGCO Variable Transmission).

The T7000 features the AutoCommand™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which combines the features of a hydraulic drive system and a mechanical drive system to provide fuel economy by enabling the engine to run at its most efficient RPM for a range of speeds. The AutoCommand CVT also offers a choice of automatic, cruise and manual modes.

The tractor’s SideWinder™ II armrest, mounted to the T7000’s air-ride seat, accommodates the most frequently used tractor controls and is electronically adjustable front and back on an inclined plane so that any size operator can move it into

The S Series introduces advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) engine technology, a system originally developed for trucks where nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by spraying the urea-based AdBlue additive into the exhaust gas stream. The AdBlue consumption is approximately three percent of fuel consumption, meaning the 35-liter AdBlue container has to be filled every second fill of the main diesel fuel tank. SCR technology helps to reduce fuel consumption by about five percent, allows power to be increased without also increasing the heat load, prolongs the life of lubrication oil and improves reliability.

The S Series pulling power, hydraulics and linkages allow drivers to control even the biggest and most complex implements. The rear linkage has a lift capacity of 11 tonnes. The front linkage has a lifting capacity of five tonnes and is also available with front axle suspension. The hydraulics offer an output of 200 l/min, six hydraulic blocks and a direct power beyond coupling.

The tractor weighs 10,300 kilograms but can be increased to 14,320 kg with weights or 17,640 kg with double wheels. www.valtra.com

2010 BUYERS GUIDE Manure Manager

4TH ANNUAL GROWING THE MARGINS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

3292 Victoria St., Oakville, ON L6L 5R3

Tel: 1-905-465-3147

e-mail: john.mcmullen@teksavvy.com

John McMullen

ACCENT MANUFACTURING INC.

602-30731 Simpson Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Y7

Tel: 604-850-7799 Fax: 604-850-7909

Toll Free: 1-877-855-4890

e-mail: info@accentmanufacturing.com website: www.accentmanufacturing.com

Darryl Loewen

ACM - TEXAS, LLC

PO Box 270941, Fort Collins, CO 80527

Tel: 970-203-0005 Fax: 970-203-1090

website: www.neutracite.com

Bob McCreeless

ADVANCED AERATION, INC.

102 Midway Industrial Park, Angleton, TX 77515

Tel: 281-595-3456 Fax: 281-595-3458

e-mail: thickey@advancedaeration.com

Thomas Hickey

ADVANCED AGRI-DIRECT IN.

Box 298, Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0

Tel: 780-789-3100 Fax: 780-789-2447

Sean Heldt

AEROMIX

7135 Madison Ave West, Minneapolis, MN 55427

Tel: 763-746-8400 Fax: 763-746-8408

Toll Free: 1-800-879-3677

e-mail: aeromix@aeromix.com website: www.aeromix.com

AERWAY/SAF-HOLLAND

Box 339, Norwich, ON NOJ 1P0

Tel: 519-863-3414 Fax: 519-863-2398

Toll Free: 1-800-457-8310

e-mail: aerway@aerway.com website: www.aerway.com

Matt Mayer

AGCO

435 Lester Point, Waconia, MN 55387

Tel: 1-612-804-3230 Fax:1-952-442-8669

e-mail: arnie.sinclair@agcocorp.com www.agchem.com

Arnie Sinclair

AGPRO®, INC.

859 Airport Rd., Paris, TX 75462

Tel: 903-785-5531 Fax: 903-784-7895

Toll Free: 1-800-527-1030

e-mail: info@agprousa.com website: www.agprousa.com

Lynne Bertelson

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

4350 State Highway 66, Longmont, CO 80504

Tel: 970-535-9318 Fax: 970-535-9854

e-mail: tharen@agpros.com website: www.agpros.com

Thomas Haren

AGRI DAIRY MART

2926 Parsons Road, Edmonton, AB T6N 1A4

Tel: 780-462-5082 Fax: 780-461-0654

Frank Vanden Brink

AGRI DRAIN CORPORATION

1462 340th St., Adair, IA 50002

Tel: 641-742-5211 Fax: 641-742-5222

Toll Free: 1-800-232-4742

e-mail: info@agridrain.com website: www.agridrain.com

Stacy Richter

AGRI-WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

5400 Etta Burke Ct., Raleigh, NC 27606

Tel: 919-859-0669 Fax: 919-233-1970

e-mail: mmottern@agriwaste.com

website: www.agriwaste.com

Melissa Mottern

AGTECH PRODUCTS

W 227, N 752, Waukesha, WI 53186

Tel: 262-521-1717 Fax: 262-521-2442

Toll Free: 1-800-999-3899

e-mail: info@agtechproducts.com website: www.agtechproducts.com

Maryanne Bellot

ALBERS MANURE HANDLING SYSTEMS INC.

14470 S. Euclid Ave., Chino, CA 91710

Tel: 909-597-5537 Fax: 909-393-8784

Toll Free: 1-800-872-5441

e-mail: sales@albersdairyequipment.com website: www.albersdairyequipment.com

Teo Albers Sr.

ALLIANCE TIRE USA

4 - 2nd Ave., Ste. 106, Denville, NJ 07834

Toll Free: 1-877-978-4737

Fax: 973-664-9105

e-mail: mshah@alliancetireusa.com website: www.alliancetireusa.com

Manjri ShahEmanuele Cicero, President

ANGUS FIRE USA

141 Junny Rd., Angier, NC 27501

Tel: 919-539-6151 Fax: 800-334-3156 website: www.angusfire.com

ARMORED TEXTILES, INC.

9 Vose Farm Road, Peterborough, NH 03458

Tel: 603-924-2122 Fax: 603-924-2322

e-mail: mdonovan@armtexinc.com

Mark Donovan

ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1430 Victoria Ave. East, Brandon, MB R7A 7E4

Tel: 204-573-3593 Fax: 204-725-8740

Toll Free: 1-800-862-6307

e-mail: nowosad@assiniboine.net

Trent Nowosad

ATD WASTE SYSTEMS INC.

3095 West 24th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6L 1R7

Tel: 604 736-4474 Fax: 604-736-4493

e-mail: 1cleanfarm@hogmanure.com

website: www.hogmanure.com

ADT Waste Systems Inc.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

121 North St. West, Wingham, ON NOG 2W0 Tel: 519-357-4600 Fax: 519-357-4630

Toll Free: 1-877-312-4600

e-mail: info@bliquidtech.ca website: www.bliquidtech.com

Byron Ballagh

BALZER, INC.

Co. Rd. 27E, Mountain Lake, MN 56159

Toll Free: 1-800-795-8551

Fax: 507-427-2364

e-mail: balzer@iowatelecom.net website: www.balzerinc.com

Jason Liechty

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

19151 Kettlersville Rd., New Knoxville, OH 45871 Tel: 1-419-753-2275 Fax: 419-753-3116

e-mail: bambauerequipment@nktelco.net

Doug Bambauer

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/FAN SEPARATOR

107 Eastwood Road, Michigan City, IN 46360

Tel: 1-800-922-8375

e-mail: rhultgren@bauer-at.com website: www.bauer-at.com OR www.fan-separator.de

Rob Hultgren

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR INC.

PO Box 869, Washington, IA 52353

Tel: 319-653-5080 Fax: 319-653-5806

Toll Free: 1-800-775-7448

e-mail: salesbfinc@iowatelecom.net

Steve Pittman

Bazooka Farmstar manufactures manure injection equipment, hose reels, power units and accessories needed to apply from 2500 to 30000 gallons per acre. Trained and knowledgeable dealers are located in Canada and the USA. Call or e-mail for more information.

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

800 E. 7th Street PO Box 869, Washington, IA 52353

Tel: 319-653-5080 Fax: 319-653-5806

Toll Free: 800-775-7448

e-mail: salesbfinc@iowatelecom.net

Steve Pittman

B IG ASS FANS

2425 Merchant St., Lexington, KY 40511

Tel: -877-244-3267 Fax: 859-233-0139 website: www.bigassfans.com

BIG TIMBER SALES

400-16th St., Corning, IA 50841

Tel: 641-322-4358 Fax: 641-322-5411

Toll Free: 1-712-621-6515

e-mail: bigtimb@frontiernet.net

Gerry Walker

BIOTHANE CORPORATION

2500 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08104

Tel: 856-541-3500 Fax: 856-541-3366

e-mail: sales@biothane.com website: www.biothane.com

Ryan Johnston

BOERGER, LLC

Minneapolis, MN 55413

Tel: 612-331-8765 Fax: 612-331-8769

Toll Free: 1-877-726-3743

e-mail: bwe@boerger-pumps.com website: www.boerger-pumps.com

Bernhard Wessendorf

BRANSON’S (TBHS)

Box 328, Strathclair, MB R0J 2C0

Tel: 204-365-2213 Fax: 204-365-2201

Ian Branson

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

209 North Fourth Ave., St. Nazianz, WI 54232

Tel: 920-773-2143 Fax: 920-773-2724

Toll Free: 1-800-876-2234

e-mail: rbraun@braunelectricinc.com website: www.braunelectricinc.com

Alecia Braun

BROWN BEAR CORPORATION

PO Box 29, Corning, IA 50841

Tel: 641-322-4220 Fax: 641-322-3527

e-mail: sales@brownbearcorp.com website: www.brownbearcorp.com

David Gebhardt, Phil Brown

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

38 Main St., Courtland, ON NOJ 1E0

Tel: 519-688-2222 Fax: 519-688-2100

Toll Free: 1-866-4CADMAN

e-mail: tim@cadmanpower.com

website: www.cadmanpower.com

Wayne Cadman

CADY INC.

383 Illinois Highway 92, Tampico, IL 61283

Tel: 815-438-5678 Fax: 815-438-5681

Toll Free: 1-877-999-CADY

e-mail: cady@cadyinc.com website: www.cadyinc.com

Randy Cady

Cady Inc. specializes in above ground positive containment Slurrystore Systems, Nutristore Liquid Fertilizer Storage, Houle Manure Handling Equipment, Flygt Submersible Manure Pumps, along with Parkson Sand Separator Systems.

CANAMER SERVICES INC.

S. 2964 Indian Creek Rd., Fountain City, WI 54629

Tel: 608-687-9800 Fax: 608-687-9901

e-mail: bob@canamerservices.com website: www.canamerservices.com

Robert Dotterwick

CAWI CANADA LTD.

Site 12, RR 6, Box 49, Calgary, AB T2M 4L5

Tel: 403-569-9481 Fax: 403-569-8490

e-mail: cawi@telus.net

Kase van Ittersum

CH-FOUR BIOGAS INC.

1390 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite 107, Ottawa, ON K2C 3N6

Tel: 613-224-1594 Fax: 613-224-1642

www.chfour.ca

Benjamin Strehler

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

8401 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68138

Tel: 402-861-1000 Fax: 402-861-1003

e-mail: inquiry@claas.com

website: www.claasofamerica.com

TC Truesdell

CLI

1062 Singing Hills Rd., Parker, CO 80138

Toll Free: 1-800-524-8672

Fax: 303-951-1971

e-mail: rvigil@coloradolining.com website: www.coloradolining.com

John Heap

CORNELL PUMP COMPANY

16261 SE 130th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015

Tel: 503-653-0330 Fax: 503-653-0338

e-mail: bjansen@cornellpump.com website: www.cornellpump.com

Mr. Bob Jansen, Lloyd Spanke

Cornell Pump Company now offers over 25 models of waste-handling pump models with unique and innovative design features for low head transfer to high pressure application in the field.

COUNTRY MANUFACTURING, INC.

PO Box 104, Fredricktown, OH 43019

Tel: 740-694-9926 Fax: 740-694-5088

e-mail: info@countrymanufacturing.com

Dave Goossens

D & H FIELD SERVICES, INC.

15433 Cardinal Rd., Osakis, MN 56360

Tel: 320-352-6746 Fax: 320-352-7838

e-mail: dhfieldservices@hotmail.com

Darrin Herickhoff

DARITECH, INC.

8540 Benson Road, Lynden, WA 98264

Tel: 360-354-6900 Fax: 360-354-7522

Toll Free: 1-800-701-3632

e-mail: lauren@daritech.com

Lauren Christensen

de BIE MANUFACTURING

RR #2, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4G7

Tel: 519-842-6216 Fax: 519-688-3072

e-mail: debiemfg@execulink.com

Stephan de Bie

DFK EQUIPMENT SALES, INC.

PO Box 938, 475 James St S., St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6

Fax: 800-752-0934

Toll Free: 1-800-881-3794

e-mail: sales@dfkequipment.com website: www.dfkequipment.com

DGH ENGINEERING LTD.

12 Aviation Blvd., St. Andrews, MB R1A 3N5

Tel: 204-334-8846 Fax: 204-334-6965

Toll Free: 1-877-334-8846

e-mail: dgh@dghengineering.com website: www.dghengineering.com

Irene Kutzak

DM MACHINERY INC.

1875 St.-Edouard Rd., Saint-Simon, QC J0H 1Y0

Tel: 450-798-2922 Fax: 450-798-2914

Toll Free: 1-888-798-2922

e-mail: info@dmmachinery.ca website: www.dmmachinery.com

Marcel Depeault

DODA U.S.A. INC.

255 16th St. S., P.O. Box 316, St. James, MN 56081

Tel: 507-375-5577 Fax: 507-375-5578

e-mail: dodausa@embarqmail.com website: www.DODA.com

Rich Miller; Marissa Hazzard, Media Buyer (484) 553-3873

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

P.O. Box 146, Almont, MI 48003-0146

Tel: 810-798-8311 Fax: 810-798-8311

Toll Free: 1-800-808-4366

e-mail: donaldthemm@gmail.com

Don Themm

DOUBLE T EQUIPMENT LTD.

# 2 East Lake Way S.E., Airdrie, AB T4A 2J3

Tel: 403-948-5618 Fax: 403-948-4780

e-mail: solutions@double-t.com

Ron Blanchette

DRAEGER SAFETY INC.

101 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275

Tel: 412-788-5671 Fax: 412-787-2207

Toll Free: 1-800-615-5503

e-mail: prodinfo@draeger.com website: www.draeger.com

Shelli Cosmides

DSI, INC.

250 CR 1425 E., Goodfield, IL 61742

Tel: 309-965-5110 Fax: 309-965-2532

e-mail: bill@dsiag.com website: www.dsiag.com

Bill Dietrich

DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS

45 Waterview Boulevard, Parsippany, NJ 07054-1298

Tel: 973-257-8396 Fax: 973-257-8653

e-mail: robert.stock@dsm.com website: www.unlimitednutrition.na.dsm.com

Dr. Robert Stock, Dawn Bracy

DUSKE DRYING SYSTEMS

6901 Industrial Loop, Greendale, WI 53129

Tel: 414-529-0240 Fax: 414-520-0362

e-mail: ty.hogue@duskeengineering.com website: www.duskeengineering.com

Michael Uzelac

ENCON TECHNOLOGIES INC.

12 Aviation Blvd., St. Andrews, MB R1A 3N5

Tel: 204-338-2514 Fax: 204-334-6965

Toll Free: 1-866-345-2148

e-mail: info@enconcovers.com website: www.enconcovers.com

Dennis Antony

ENVIRONETICS INC.

1201 Commerce St., Lockport, IL 60441

Tel: 815-838-8331 Fax: 815-838-8336

e-mail: info@environeticsinc.com website: www.environetics.com

Steven Winters, V.P. Operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL POWER CORP.

One Cate Street, 4th Floor, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Tel: 603-431-1780 Fax: 603-431-2650

e-mail: info@environmentalpower.com website: www.environmentalpower.com

Diane Marcinonis

EVONIK DEGUSSA CORPORATION

1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd, Suite 340, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Tel: 678-797-4311 Fax: 678-797-4313

Toll Free: 1-770-778-4524

e-mail: kerri.mcguiness@evonik.com

Kerri McGinness

FARM TEK

1440 Field of Dreams Way, Dyersville, IA 52040

Tel: 860-289-7261 Fax: 860-289-4711

Toll Free: 1-800-327-6835

e-mail: sales@farmtek.com website: www.farmtek.com

FARMER AUTOMATIC

5571 South State Road 25, Rochester, IN 46975

Tel: 574-857-3116 Fax: 574-857-2112

e-mail: dleavell@farmerautomatic.com

David Leavell

FAROEX LTD.

Box 1950, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0

Tel: 204-642-6400 Fax: 204-642-6420

Jason Comeau

FIELD SILO & EQUIPMENT

1310 Business Hwy 18 & 151 East, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572

Tel: 608-437-5561 Fax: 608-437-4868

Brian Peterson

FIRESTONE

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

250 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

Tel: 317-575-7000 Fax: 317-575-7002

Toll Free: 1-800-428-4442

e-mail: info@firestonesp.com website: www.firestonesp.com

Whether you’re working on waste management or water supply initiatives, Firestone Specialty Products offer the geomembrane products and expertise to ensure the success of even the most demanding projects.

FISHER PUMPS

2024 E. 8th St., Greeley, CO 80631

Tel: 970-353-6962 Fax: 970-353-0839

e-mail: rich@fisherpumps.com website: www.fisherpumps.com

Rich Helzer

FLAME ENGINEERING INC.

Box 577, LaCrosse, KS 67548

Fax: 785-222-3619

Toll Free: 1-800-255-2469

e-mail: mel@flameengineering.com

Mel Limone

FLO TECH PUMP

D1, 3911 Brandon St. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4A7

Tel: 403-236-2886 Fax: 403-225-8446

Toll Free: 1-866-248-2886

e-mail: rdarker@flotechpump.com website: www.flotechpump.com

Don Darker

GEA HOULE INC.

4591 Boul. St-Joseph, Drummondville, QC J2A 0C6

Tel: 819-477-7444 Fax: 819-477-5565

e-mail: jhoule@jhoule.com website: www.jhoule.com

GEHL COMPANY

143 Water St., West Bend, WI 53095

Tel: 262-334-9461 Fax: 262-334-6689

e-mail: lheidecker@gehl.com website: www.gehl.com

Lori Heidecker

GES CORP

26000 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, OH 44146

Toll Free: 1-800-234-9686

e-mail: paf1222@bellsouth.net

GHD, INC.

PO Box 69, Chilton, WI 53014

Tel: 920-849-9797 Fax: 920-849-9160

e-mail: corporate@ghdinc.net website: www.ghdinc.net

Stephen Dvorak

GLOBAL REPAIR

33 Bellefair Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 3T7

Tel: 416-686-3690 Fax: 416-686-1744

Toll Free: 1-866-271-0719

e-mail: sales@globalrepair.ca website: www.globalrepair.ca

GLOBAL RESOURCE RECOVERY ORGANIZATION

1707 21st St., Eldora, IA 50627

Tel: 641-939-7476 Fax: 641-939-7539

Toll Free: 1-800-800-1812

e-mail: usm@adiis.net website: www.grootempest.com

Loran R. Balvanz

GOLLMER & HUMMEL

Gasslesweg 34, Straubenhardt D75334

Tel: 011-49-0-7082-9434-0

Fax: 011-49-0-7082-9434-99

e-mail: info@gollmer-hummel.de

Mathias Renke

GOLLMER & HUMMEL

North American Representative: R.G. Gibson & Associates Inc., Brownsville, TX 78520

Tel: 956-546-2920 Fax: 956-546-2920

e-mail: rgibson@aghoseman.com

GORDON & ASSOCIATES INC.

6975 N., 550 West, P.O. Box 25, Bentonville, IN 47322

Toll Free: 1-800-659-7645

Fax: 765-478-9073

e-mail: pgordon@gordonaggroup.com website: www.gordangroup.com

GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

600 S. Airport Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903

Tel: 419-755-1011 Fax: 419-755-1251

e-mail: grsales@gormanrupp.com website: www.GRpumps.com

Laurie Leedy

GSE LINING TECHNOLOGY INC.

19103 Gundle Road, Houston, TX 77073

Tel: 281-443-8564 Fax: 281-230-6739

e-mail: marketing@gseworld.com

Jackie Nguyen

GUARDIAN CHEMICAL SPECIALTIES CORP.

PO Box 1743, York, PA 17405

Tel: 717-848-2540 Fax: 717-848-2570

Toll Free: 1-800-297-8266

Bruce Ketrick

GUILD ASSOCIATES, INC.

5750 Shier-Rings Rd., Dublin, OH 43016

Tel: 908-752-6420 Fax: 908-798-1972

e-mail: info@moleculargate.com website: www.moleculargate.com

Mike Mitariten

HAPCO

390 Portage Blvd., Kent, OH 44240

Tel: 330-678-9353 Fax: 330-677-8282

e-mail: sales@hapco.com website: www.hapcoinc.com

Authorized BAK & Demtech Heat Welding tool dealer, equipment is designed for welding GEO Liner materials for pits and ponds, Authourized Honda Power Equipment Dealer, Pumps, Generators and Replacement Engines.

HCL MACHINE WORKS

15142 Merrill Ave., Dos Palos, CA 93620

Tel: 209-392-6103 Fax: 209-392-3000

e-mail: hcl@dospalos.org website: www.hclmachineworks.com

Casey Campbell

HELFTER FEEDS, INC.

135 N Railroad St., Osco, IL 61274-0266

Fax: 309-522-5021

Toll Free: 1-866-435-3837

e-mail: carrie@a-b-c-plus.com

HERSHEY EQUIPMENT CO., INC.

255 Plane Tree Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603

Tel: 717-393-5807 Fax: 717-291-1534

Toll Free: 1-800-432-0988

website: www.hequip.com

Wayne Hershey

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY

1330 76th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-7052

Tel: 319-363-8281 Fax: 319-632-3081

e-mail: info@highwayequipment.com website: www.new-leader.com

HODEL, JIM INC.

2278 CR 1350 N., Roanoke, IL 61561

Toll Free: 1-800-562-8565

Fax: 309-923-7655

website: www.jimhodelinc.com

Jim Hodel

HOLLAND EQUIPMENT LIMITED

20 Phoebe Street, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0

Tel: 519-863-3414 Fax: 519-863-2398

Toll Free: 1-800-457-8310

e-mail: matt.mayer@aerway.com website: www.aerway.com

Matt Mayer

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

7440 Wellington Road 17, Alma, ON N0B 1A0

Tel: 519-846-5329 Fax: 519-846-9378

Toll Free: 1-800-349-1122

e-mail: walter@huskyfarm.ca website: www.huskyfarm.ca

Walter Grose

Husky has been manufacturing a full line of Liquid Manure Equipment for 50 years. 42 sizes of pumps up to 12” discharge, 12,000 GPM. 52 sizes of spreaders to 7400 Gallon. Injectors, Dragline Equipment, and Barn Cleaner Replacement Chain.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

PO Box 300, Norwood, Young America, MN 55368

Tel: 952-467-3100 Fax: 952-467-4000

Toll Free: 1-800-833-5812

e-mail: sales@hydro-eng.com website: www.hydro-eng.com

Tom Huffman, John Hochstein

Manufacturer of the most advanced Draghose Manure Injection and Pumping Equipment with pumping units 1200 GPM to 1500 GPM. Hose reels handling 1 to 1.5 miles of hose. Injectors 16’ to 46’ Pull Type.

HYDROCAL INC.

22732 Granite Way, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Tel: 949-455-0765 Fax: 949-455-0764

e-mail: info@hydrocal.com website: www.hydrocal.com

Olle Breen

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

PO Box 1685, Wausau, Marathon, WI 54402

Tel: 715-359-0200 Fax: 715-355-5349

Toll Free: 1-800-558-2945

e-mail: toma@imperialind.com website: www.imperialind.com

INDUSTRIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS, INC.

6009 Chapel Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55439

Tel: 952-829-0731 Fax: 952-829-9770

Toll Free: 1-888-829-0731

e-mail: mmorgan@ieccovers.com website: www.ieccovers.com

Mike Morgan, William D. Morgan

IOWA PORK CONGRESS

1636 N.W. 114th St., Clive, IA 50325-0009

Tel: 515-225-7675 Fax: 515-225-0563

Toll Free: 1-800-372-7675

e-mail: dfricke@iowapork.org

Doug Fricke

ITT WATER AND WASTEWATER

35 Nutmeg Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611-0943

Tel: 203-380-4700 Fax: 203-380-4705

Tobias Hahn

J & D MANUFACTURING

6200 Highway 12, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Tel: 715-834-1439 Fax: 888-972-4454

Toll Free: 800-998-2398

e-mail: jend@jdmfg.com www.jdmfg.com

Jennifer Dunbeck

JAMESWAY FARM EQUIPMENT

12 Route 249, St-Francois-Xavier-de-Brompton, QC J0B 2V0

Tel: 1-819-845-7824 Fax: 1-819-845-5153

e-mail: ralphf@jameswayfarmeq.com www.jameswayfarmeq.com

Ralph Fanning

JAY-LOR FABRICATING INC.

RR # 2, Orton, ON L0N 1N0 Tel: 519-787-9353 Fax: 519-787-7053

e-mail: sales@jaylor.com

Ron Descotes

JBS LTD. (J. Bond & Sons Ltd.)

5416-275th St., Langley, BC V4W 3X7

Tel: 604-862-5391 Fax: 604-856-1619

e-mail: jbond80@telus.net website: www.jbscanada.ca

Justin Bond

KETCHUM MANUFACTURING INC.

1245 California Ave., Brockville, ON K6V 7N5

Tel: 613-342-8455 Fax: 613-342-7550

e-mail: ketchum@sympatico.ca

Dr. Tom Clapp

KEY DOLLAR COMPANY, LLC

PO Box 49, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862

Tel: 541-938-6336 Fax: 541-938-6282

Toll Free: 800-241-2427 www.keydollar.com

Henry Svehaug

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

Middletown Line 712651, Otterville, ON N0J 1R0

Tel: 519-879-6878 Fax: 519-879-6319

e-mail: pdeboer@sympatico.ca

Abraham Koolmees

KORRAL KOOL

3355 North Reseda #1, Mesa, AZ 85215

Tel: 480-807-0290 Fax: 480-807-0248

Michael Klaseen

KROHNE INC.

7 Dearborn Rd., Peabody, MA 01960

Tel: 978-535-6060 Fax: 978-535-1720

Toll Free: 1-800-356-9464

e-mail: jewell@krohne.com website: www.krohne.com/northamerica

Sandy Olley

KUNAFIN

PO Box 190, Quemado, TX 78877-0190

Tel: 210-824-0500 Fax: 830-757-1468

Toll Free: 1-800-832-1113

e-mail: office@kunafin.com website: www.kunafin.com

KYTE CENTRIFUGE

100 Cyprus Drive, North Augusta, SC 29841

Tel: 803-279-4888 Fax: 803-279-4411

e-mail: kyte.ken@juno.com website: www.kcentrifuge.com

Ken Kyte

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

2400 Plymouth St., New Holstein, WI 53061

Tel: 920-898-5702 Fax: 920-898-5705

Toll Free: 1-800-589-8429

e-mail: tinahonigschmidt@lakesidesystems.com website: www.lakesidesystems.com

Tina Honigschmidt

LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.

20 Staffern Drive, Vaughn, ON L4K 2Z7

Tel: 905-761-9123 Fax: 905-761-0035

Toll Free1-888-436-4273

e-mail: toronto@layfieldgroup.com www.layfieldgroup.com

LEON’S MFG. COMPANY INC.

PO Box 5002, Yorkton, SK S3N 3Z4

Tel: 306-786-2600 Fax: 306-782-1884

Toll Free: 1-800-667-1581

e-mail: mkt@leonsmfg.com website: www.leonsmfg.com

Ron Lummerding

LO-DELL AGRI SERVICES LTD.

34950 Saintsbury Line, RR #1, Lucan, ON N0M 2J0

Tel: 519-227-0489

e-mail: lo-dell@quadro.net

LOEWEN WELDING LTD.

33655 Harris Road, PO BOX 66, Matsqui, BC V4X 3R2

Tel: 604-826-7844 Fax: 604-826-6051

Wayne Raiche

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (Canada) Ltd.

5949 Chadsey Rd., Chilliwack, BC V2R 4P2

Toll Free: 1-888-796-2323

Fax: 604-823-4249

e-mail: lsc@lscprecast.com website: www.lscprecast.com

Brian Janssens

LYNDEN BRIM TRACTOR

350 South Duffner Dr., Lynden, WA 98264

Toll Free: 1-800-530-2746

Fax: 360-354-3438

MANURE MANAGER

PO Box 530, 105 Donly Dr. S Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5

Tel: 519-429-5189 Ext 242

Fax: 519-429-3094

Toll Free: 1-888-599-2228 ext. 242 e-mail: skauk@annexweb.com website: www.manuremanager.com

Sharon Kauk

Manure Manager is published exclusively for the Manure Handling Industry across North America. Our editorial content focuses on leading edge equipment, technology and people in the industry.

McLANAHAN CORPORATION

200 Wall Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Tel: 814-695-9807 Fax: 814-695-6684

e-mail: agdivision@mclanahan.com website: www.mclanahan.com

Renee Schrift

MEYER MANUFACTURING CORP.

574 W. Center Ave., Dorchester, WI 54425

Tel: 715-654-5132 Fax: 715-654-5513

Toll Free: 1-800-325-9103

e-mail: sales@meyermfg.com website: www.meyermfg.com

Larry Meyer

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

Box 19001, Greenville, SC 29602

Tel: 864-458-5963 Fax: 864-458-4150

Toll Free: 1-888-552-1213

michael.burroughes@michelin.com www.michelinag.com

Michael Burroughes, 864-458-4845

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

28933 35E St., Tampico, IL 61283

Tel: 815-438-7200 Fax: 815-438-7028

Toll Free: 1-800-689-0714

e-mail: mbs@midwestbiosystems.com website: www.midwestbiosystems.com

Kelly Setchell, Grey Williams

MMI INTERNATIONAL

Box 544, Brush, CO 80723

Tel: 970-842-5161 Fax: 970-842-3111

Toll Free: 1-800-523-2614

e-mail: info@mixerfeeders.com website: www.mixerfeeders.com

Randy Moore

MOBY DICK WHEEL WASHING SYSTEMS

20 Highview Road, Downingtown, PA 19335

Tel: 610-613-2939 Fax: 610-458-9151

Toll Free: 1-866-858-3353

e-mail: ralodi@comcast.net

Bob Lodi

MPC CONTAINMENT INTERNATIONAL

4834 S. Oakley St., Chicago, IL 60609

Toll Free: 1-800-621-0146 Fax: 773-650-6028

e-mail: mpcliners@aol.com

Ray Bertolozzi

N3 CONSULTING

5685 Bench Lane, Everson, WA 98247

Tel: 360-815-4851

e-mail: dhaggithn3@vericon.com

David Haggith

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

3201 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE 68701

Tel: 402-371-0144 Fax: 402-371-6031

Toll Free: 1-800-777-0501

e-mail: sales@nebraskaharvestore.com website: www.nebraskaharvestore.com

Jim Mertz

NTH, INC

5 Berger Avenue, Barron, WI 54812

Tel: 715-537-9207 Fax: 715-537-3861

Toll Free: 1-800-236-1532

e-mail: nth@chibardun.net www.nthusa.com

Bryce Nesseth

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PO Box 160, Sebringville, ON N0K 1X0

Tel: 519-393-6284 Fax: 519-393-5104

e-mail: nuhnind@nuhn.ca website: www.nuhn.ca

Dennis Nuhn

OCTAFORM SYSTEMS INC.

520-885 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1N5

Tel: 604-408-0558 Fax: 604-408-0595

Toll Free: 1-888 -786-6282

James Johnson

ONTARIO SOIL & CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

1 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Tel: 519-826-4214 Fax: 519-826-4224 website: www.ontariosoilcrop.org

Andrew Graham

PAPILLON AG PRODUCTS

PO Box 203, Innerkip, ON NOJ 1M0

Tel: 519-469-3022 Fax: 519-469-3301

e-mail: currah@execulink.com

Jeffery Currah

PARK LAKE WELDING & MFG. LTD.

PO Box 962, Coalhurst, AB T0L 0V0

Tel: 403-381-4706 Fax: 403-381-3788

e-mail: henrietta@parklakewelding.com

John Van Schothorst, Henrietta Ziengs

PARKSON CORPORATION

2727 NW 62nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-8399

Tel: 847-974-6610 Fax: 954-974-6182

website: www.parkson.com

PARMA COMPANY

101 Main Street PO Box 190, Parma, ID 83660

Tel: 208-722-5116 Fax: 208-722-6012

e-mail: parmacom@parmacompany.com website: www.parmacompany.com

Roger Blaylock

PATZ CORPORATION

PO Box 7, Pound, WI 54161-0007

Tel: 920-897-2251 Fax: 920-897-2142

e-mail: info@patzcorp.com website: www.patzcorp.com

Barb Sailer

PBS ANIMAL HEALTH

2780 Richville Dr., SE, Massillon, OH 44646

Tel: 800-321 0235 Fax: 330-830-2762

e-mail: info@pbsanimalhealth.com website: www.pbsanimalhealth.com

Robert K. Matthews

PEQUEA MACHINE, INC.

200 Jalyn Dr., New Holland, PA 17557

Tel: 717-354-4343

website: www.pequea.com

Abe Skibo

PHASON ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

2 Terracon Place, Winnipeg, MB R2J 4G7

Tel: 204-233-1400 Fax: 204-233-3252

e-mail: sales@phason.ca website: www.phason.ca

PIONEER PUMP, INC.

310 S. Sequoia Pkwy., Canby, OR 97013

Tel: 503-266-4115 Fax: 503-266-4116

e-mail: sales@pioneerpump.com website: www.pioneerpump.com

Bill Barrett

PRAIRIE PRIDE ENTERPRISES

12 Rothwell Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2H7 Tel: 204-488-6077 Fax: 204-488-2376

Steve Bonner

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

PO Box 345, Warren, RI 02885

Toll Free: 1-800-772-3775

Fax: 401-633-6270

e-mail: ChristaG@proactbiotech.com website: www.ProActBiotech.com

Bill Campion

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

1130 - 100th St., Manning, IA 51455

Tel: 712-653-3045 Fax: 712-653-3099

e-mail: info@puckenterprises.com website: www.puckenterprises.com

Ben Puck

PURATONE CORPORATION CANADA

Box 460, Niverville, MB R0A 1E0

Tel: 204-388-4741 Fax: 204-388-6745

Cheryl Wiebe

REDFERN FARM SERVICES LTD.

Box 660, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0 Tel: 204-764-2259 Fax: 204-764-2046

Randy Tully

REEF INDUSTRIES INC.

9209 Almeda Genoa, Houston, TX 77075

Tel: 713-507-4251 Fax: 713-507-4295

Toll Free: 1-800-231-6074

e-mail: ri@reefindustries.com website: www.reefindustries.com

Gina Quevedo

REMOTE LOAD, INC.

421 2nd St. NE, Hampton, IA 50441

Tel: 641-430-3989

e-mail: jayme@remote-load.com

website: www.remote-load.com

Kurt Wolf, Jayme Murray

ROCK RIVER LAB

710 Commerce Dr. P.O. Box 169, Watertown, WI 53094-0169

Tel: 920-261-0446 Fax: 920-261-1365

e-mail: twilah_kulow@rockriverlab.com website: www.rockriverlab.com

ROTO-MIX LLC

2205 E. Wyatt Earp, Dodge City, KS 67801 Tel: 620-225-1142 Fax: 620-225-6370

e-mail: gsmith@rotomix.com website: www.rotomix.com

Allin Butcher

Roto-Mix LLC manufactures Roto-Spread waste handling equipment ranging from 362 to 532 cu. ft. trailers and 532 to 802 cu. ft. truck units. A line of Industrial Series Compost Mixers for the compost industry features the Staggered Rotor in sizes from 16 to 34 cu. yds. in both truck and stationary.

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

162 - 10th St., Brandon, MB R7A 4E6 Tel: 204-727-0747 Fax: 204-725-9870

Phil Dorn

SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE

3085 Albert St., Room 202, Regina, SK S4S 0B1 Tel: 306-787-5465 Fax: 306-787-1315

e-mail: andy.jansen@gov.sk.ca

Andy Jansen

SHAC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

PO BOX 73, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7E5

Tel: 403-528-4446 Fax: 403-529-9334

Toll free: 888-533-4446

e-mail: office@shac.ca www.shac.ca

Allan Dyck

SILO’S R US INC.

RR #1, Moundville, MO 64771

Tel: 417-944-2991 Fax: 417-944-9909

e-mail: dprincesilos@wildblue.net

Dale Prince

SIOUX AUTOMATION CENTER INC.

877 1st Ave. N.W., Sioux Center, IA 51250 Tel: 712-722-1488 Fax: 712-722-1487

Toll Free: 1-866-722-1488

e-mail: sales@siouxautomation.com website: www.siouxautomation.com

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

345 Harvestore Dr., De Kalb, IL 601159607

Tel: 815-756-1551 Fax: 815-756-1659

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

1110 Spartan Dr., Maumee, OH 43537

Tel: 419-531-5551 Fax: 419-724-7500

SPERLING INDUSTRIES LTD.

51 Station St., Sperling, MB R0G 2M0

Toll Free: 1-877-626-3401

Fax: 204-626-3252

e-mail: sperling@sperlingind.com website: www.sperlingind.com

Bruce McCulloch

SRS CRISAFULLI INC.

1610 Crisafulli Dr., Glendive, MT 59330-1051

Tel: 406-365-3393 Fax: 406-365-8088

Toll Free: 1-800-442-7867

srsc@crisafulli.com website: www.crisafullipumps.com

STREAMSIDE SYSTEMS

7440 Twp. Rd. 95, Findlay, OH 45840

Tel: 419-423-1290

e-mail: eatucker@streamsidesystems.com website: www.streamsidesystems.com

Emily Tucker

SUNRISE CUSTOM MANURE INC.

72759 Blackbush Line, Zurich, ON N0M 2T0

Tel: 519 236-7468 Fax: 519-236-7602

e-mail: sunriseinc@hay.net website: www.sunrisemanure.com

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

TECHNOLOGY CANADA

45 O’Connor St., Suite 1850, Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4

Tel: 613-234-6313 Fax: 613-234-0303

e-mail: info@sdtc.ca website: www.sdtc.ca

T-L IRRIGATION COMPANY

Box 1047, Hastings, NE 68901

Tel: 402-462-4128 Fax: 402-462-4617

Toll Free: 1-800-330-4264

e-mail: sales@tlirr.com website: www.tlirr.com

TEN CATE GEOTUBE

3680 Mount Olive Rd., Commerce, GA 30529

Tel: 706-693-1897 Fax: 706-693-1896

Toll Free: 1-888-795-0808

e-mail: v.ginter@tencate.com website: www.geotube.com

Tom Stephens

TRIPLE/S DYNAMICS

PO BOX 151027, Dallas, TX 75315

Tel: 800-527-2116 Fax: 214-828-8688

e-mail: sales@sssdynamics.com website: www.sssdynamics.com

Nathan Schmidt

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

Box 390, Bowden, AB T0M 0K0

Tel: 403-224-3454 Fax: 403-224-3388

Toll Free: 1-403-352-9118

e-mail: daryl@ulsindustries.com website: www.livestocksystems.com

Daryl Heit

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

2611 East 29th St., Marshfield, WI 54449

Tel: 715-387-2523 Fax: 715-387-1723

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

2515 Pinegrove Rd., Delhi, ON N4B 2X1

Tel: 519-582-2380 Fax: 519-582-1514

Toll Free: 1-800-387-7246

e-mail: info@vandenbussche.com website: www.vandenbussche.com

Scott Smith

VAUGHAN COMPANY INC.

364 Monte-Elma Rd., Montesano, WA 98563

Tel: 360-249-4042 Fax: 360-249-6155

Toll Free: 1-888-249-CHOP

e-mail: info@chopperpumps.com website: www.chopperpumps.com

Josh Niels

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

PO Box 35, Raalte, NL

e-mail: info@veenhuis.com website: www.veenhuis.com

Walter Veenhuis

VERSA CORPORATION

P.O. Box 747, Astoria, OR 97103

Tel: 503-325-6232 Fax: 503-325-0397

e-mail: nickw@versacorporation.com

Nic White

VINCENT CORP.

2810 E. 5th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605

Tel: 813-248-2650 Fax: 813-247-7557

e-mail: bob@vincentcorp.com website: www.vincentcorp.com

Screw Press Design and Manufacturer

Since 1931

WALCO INTERNATIONAL

7 Village Cr, Ste. 200, Westlake, TX 76262

Tel: 817-859-3017 Fax: 817-859-3017

e-mail: baileyj@walcointl.com website: www.walcointl.com

Josh Bailey, Director of Marketing

WARD LABORATORIES INC.

4007 Cherry Ave., Kearney, NE 68848-0788

Tel: 308-234-2418 Fax: 308-234-1940

WATER AGRICULTURAL LAB

2101 Calhoun Road, Highway 81, Owensboro, KY 42301

Tel: 270-685-4039 Fax: 270-685-3989 website: www.watersag.com

WELLMAN SERVICE

7347 Boyd Rd., Pavilion, NY 14525 Tel: 585-584-8502 Fax: 585-584-8503

Lenny Wellman

WESSUC INC.

973 Albertson Rd. S., Jerseyville, ON LOR 1R0

Tel: 519-752-0837 Fax: 519-752-0840

Toll Free: 1-866-4-WESSUC

e-mail: info@wessuc.com website: www.wessuc.com

WEST POINT DESIGN INC. / SPREAD ALL

P.O. Box 255, West Point, NE 68788

Tel: 402-372-2408 Fax: 402-372-2440

WEST TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, INC.

30152 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Tel: 949-742-7010 Fax: 949-742-7015

e-mail: djohnson@westtechnosystems.com website: www.westtechnosystems.com

WESTERN TANK & LINING LTD.

12180 Vickers Way, Richmond, BC V6V 1H9

Tel: 604-241-9487 Fax: 604-241-9485

Toll Free: 1-800-551-4355

e-mail: info@wtl.ca website: www.wtl.ca

Mr. Bob Naylor

WESTERN UNITED RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, INC

1315 K St., Modesto, CA 95354

Tel: 209-527-6453 Fax: 209-527-0630

WHITE MOUNTAIN CHAIN INC.

PO Box 869, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

Tel: 1-800-439-9073 Fax: 877-492-8289

Toll Free: 877- 492- 8299

e-mail: wmchain@netscape.net

Ed Leach

WILDFIRE GROUP

170 Murray Park Road, Unit 2, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3X5

Tel: 204-889-3473 Fax: 204-897-3473

Toll Free: 1-800-426-5207

e-mail: wildfire@tycoint.com

www.wildfire-equipment.com

Manfred Kihn

WOODALL FARMS

4175 Anderson Store Rd., Lewisburg, KY 42256

Tel: 270-755-4141 Fax: 270-755-4624

Jimmy Woodall

WORLD WIDE BIO ENERGY, LLC

3518 West 73rd Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208

Tel: 913-362-6131 Fax: 321-256-2948

Toll Free: 1-913-226-4466

e-mail: gary@wwbioenergy.biz

Gary Showalter

YUNKER PLASTICS, INC.

251 O’Conner Dr., Elkhorn, WI 53121

Tel: 262-743-1234 Fax: 262-743-1233

Toll Free: 1-800-236-3328

e-mail: mark@yunkerplastics.com website: www.yunkerplastics.com

Mark Yunker

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

19308 Hwy. S-27, Alden, IA 50006

Tel: 515-855-4101 Fax: 641-855-4190

e-mail: mzoske@iowatelecom.net website: www.zoskes.com

Mick Zoske

AGITATION EQUIPMENT

AGPRO®, INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

BOERGER, LLC

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

CADY INC.

DM MACHINERY INC.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED

STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

ENVIRONMENTAL POWER CORP.

HERSHEY EQUIPMENT CO., INC.

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

ITT WATER AND WASTEWATER

GEA HOULE INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LOEWEN WELDING LTD.

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

PARMA COMPANY

PATZ CORPORATION

REMOTE LOAD, INC.

SILO’S R US INC.

SIOUX AUTOMATION

CENTER INC.

SRS CRISAFULLI INC.

SUNRISE CUSTOM MANURE INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VAUGHAN COMPANY INC.

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WEST TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, INC.

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

BARN CONSTRUCTION

AGPRO®, INC.

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FARMER AUTOMATIC

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

OCTAFORM SYSTEMS INC.

WOODALL FARMS

CLEANING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT

ACM - TEXAS, LLC

AGPRO®, INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

DFK EQUIPMENT SALES, INC.

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

WOODALL FARMS

COMMERCIAL MANURE APPLICATORS

AERWAY/SAF-HOLLAND

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

JBS LTD. (J. BOND & SONS LTD.)

LEON’S MFG. COMPANY INC.

LYNDEN BRIM TRACTOR

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

MMI INTERNATIONAL

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

REMOTE LOAD, INC.

SUNRISE CUSTOM MANURE INC.

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WESSUC INC.

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

COMPOSTING

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BROWN BEAR CORPORATION

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

DOUBLE T EQUIPMENT LTD.

FARMER AUTOMATIC

FARM TEK

GLOBAL REPAIR

HCL MACHINE WORKS

GEA HOULE INC.

JBS LTD. (J. BOND & SONS LTD.)

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LOEWEN WELDING LTD.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

MMI INTERNATIONAL

PARMA COMPANY

PATZ CORPORATION

ROTO-MIX LLC

CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTORS

AGPRO®, INC.

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

FARMER AUTOMATIC

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

SILO’S R US INC.

CONTROL SYSTEMS

AGPRO®, INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BIG ASS FANS

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

KORRAL KOOL

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

PHASON ELECTRONIC

CONTROL SYSTEMS

SILO’S R US INC.

WOODALL FARMS

DESIGN/ENGINEERING

CONSULTANTS

ATD WASTE SYSTEMS INC.

AGPRO®, INC.

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

ALBERS MANURE HANDLING SYSTEMS INC.

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

DGH ENGINEERING LTD.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FARMER AUTOMATIC FARM TEK

GHD, INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MCLANAHAN CORPORATION

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

SPERLING INDUSTRIES LTD.

WOODALL FARMS

DIGESTERS

AGPRO®, INC.

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BIOTHANE CORPORATION

BOERGER, LLC

CADY INC.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED

STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

ENVIRONMENTAL POWER CORP.

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

GHD, INC.

ITT WATER AND WASTEWATER

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

PURATONE CORPORATION CANADA

SHAC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

SILO’S R US INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VAUGHAN COMPANY INC.

WOODALL FARMS

DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI DRAIN CORPORATION

DUSKE DRYING SYSTEMS

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

SILO’S R US INC.

WOODALL FARMS

HAPCO

DRYING SYSTEMS

FARMER AUTOMATIC

GLOBAL RESOURCE RECOVERY ORGANIZATION

PARKSON CORPORATION

SILO’S R US INC.

DUMP BOXES

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

LYNDEN BRIM TRACTOR

SILO’S R US INC.

WEST POINT DESIGN INC. / SPREAD ALL WOODALL FARMS

EDUCATION

ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FARMER AUTOMATIC GLOBAL REPAIR

ONTARIO SOIL & CROP

IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

ENVIRONMENTAL CREDITS

ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FARMER AUTOMATIC GLOBAL REPAIR

ONTARIO SOIL & CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

FEED ADDITIVES

DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS

HELFTER FEEDS, INC.

PAPILLON AG PRODUCTS

SHAC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

GAS PURIFICATION SYSTEMS

GUILD ASSOCIATES, INC.

WOODALL FARMS

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE

WOODALL FARMS

HOSE REELS & CADDIES

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

DODA U.S.A. INC.

FARM TEK

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

JBS LTD. (J. BOND & SONS LTD.)

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WILDFIRE GROUP

WOODALL FARMS

HOSES

ANGUS FIRE USA

ARMORED TEXTILES, INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

DODA U.S.A. INC.

FARM TEK

GOLLMER & HUMMEL

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

SRS CRISAFULLI INC.

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

WILDFIRE GROUP

WOODALL FARMS

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

INJECTION EQUIPMENT

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BOERGER, LLC

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

CADY INC.

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

DM MACHINERY INC.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DSI, INC.

HAPCO

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

SIOUX AUTOMATION CENTER INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WOODALL FARMS

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

LAGOON COVERS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

CANAMER SERVICES INC.

CLI

ENCON TECHNOLOGIES INC.

ENVIRONETICS INC.

FARM TEK

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

GSE LINING TECHNOLOGY INC.

HAPCO

INDUSTRIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL

CONCEPTS, INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.

MPC CONTAINMENT

INTERNATIONAL

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

WOODALL FARMS

YUNKER PLASTICS, INC.

LAGOON LINERS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI DRAIN CORPORATION

CANAMER SERVICES INC.

CLI

ENCON TECHNOLOGIES INC.

FARM TEK

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

GSE LINING TECHNOLOGY INC.

INDUSTRIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS, INC.

LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MPC CONTAINMENT

INTERNATIONAL

REEF INDUSTRIES INC.

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

WOODALL FARMS

YUNKER PLASTICS, INC.

LIQUID MANURE TANKERS

ALLIANCE TIRE USA

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADY INC.

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

DM MACHINERY INC.

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LOEWEN WELDING LTD.

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

OCTAFORM SYSTEMS INC.

REMOTE LOAD, INC.

SIOUX AUTOMATION CENTER INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

LOADERS & ACCESSORIES

ALLIANCE TIRE USA

GEHL COMPANY

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LYNDEN BRIM TRACTOR

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

WELLMAN SERVICE

WEST POINT DESIGN INC./ SPREAD ALL

WOODALL FARMS

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

KUNAFIN

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

ROCK RIVER LAB

WESSUC INC.

WOODALL FARMS

MANURE ADDITIVES

ACM - TEXAS, LLC

AGTECH PRODUCTS

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

GES CORP.

GLOBAL REPAIR

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

PAPILLON AG PRODUCTS

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

WOODALL FARMS

MANURE CONVEYOR SYSTEMS

AGPRO®, INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CADY INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FARMER AUTOMATIC

GEA HOULE INC.

JAMESWAY FARM EQUIPMENT

MCLANAHAN CORPORATION

PARKSON CORPORATION

PATZ CORPORATION

SILO’S R US INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

WOODALL FARMS

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

FARMER AUTOMATIC

KROHNE INC.

PHASON ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

WOODALL FARMS

METHANE COLLECTION

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

GHD, INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SILO’S R US INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

WOODALL FARMS

MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

BROWN BEAR CORPORATION

CADY INC.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

GORDON & ASSOCIATES INC.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

ROTO-MIX LLC

SHAC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

SRS CRISAFULLI INC.

TEN CATE GEOTUBE

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

AERWAY/SAF-HOLLAND

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI DRAIN CORPORATION

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

DGH ENGINEERING LTD.

DM MACHINERY INC.

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED

STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

FARM TEK

GLOBAL REPAIR

GORDON & ASSOCIATES INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

PARKSON CORPORATION

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

ROTO-MIX LLC

SILO’S R US INC.

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

TEN CATE GEOTUBE

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

WARD LABORATORIES INC.

WESSUC INC.

WOODALL FARMS

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

NUTRIENT TESTING

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

BIOTHANE CORPORATION

GORDON & ASSOCIATES INC.

MIDWEST BIO-SYSTEMS

ROCK RIVER LAB

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

WARD LABORATORIES INC.

WATER AGRICULTURAL LAB

WOODALL FARMS

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

POLYMERS

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

WOODALL FARMS

HAPCO

PORTABLE/TEMPORARY MANURE STORAGE

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BOERGER, LLC

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

FARM TEK

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

PUMPS

AGPRO®, INC.

ALBERS MANURE HANDLING SYSTEMS INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

CADY INC.

CORNELL PUMP COMPANY

DM MACHINERY INC.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FISHER PUMPS

FLO TECH PUMP

GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY

HAPCO

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

ITT WATER AND WASTEWATER

GEA HOULE INC.

JBS LTD. (J. BOND & SONS LTD.)

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

MCLANAHAN CORPORATION

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PARMA COMPANY

PATZ CORPORATION

PIONEER PUMP, INC.

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

REMOTE LOAD, INC.

SILO’S R US INC.

SIOUX AUTOMATION CENTER INC.

SRS CRISAFULLI INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION

VAUGHAN COMPANY INC.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WILDFIRE GROUP

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

RESEARCHERS

ATD WASTE SYSTEMS INC.

DGH ENGINEERING LTD.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AGRI DRAIN CORPORATION

DRAEGER SAFETY INC.

SEPARATORS

ACCENT MANUFACTURING INC.

AGPRO®, INC.

ALBERS MANURE HANDLING

SYSTEMS INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BAUER NORTH AMERICA/ FAN SEPARATOR

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADY INC.

CAWI CANADA LTD.

DODA U.S.A. INC.

DON THEMM ENTERPRISES, INC.

FARMER AUTOMATIC

HYDRO ENGINEERING INC.

HYDROCAL INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MCLANAHAN CORPORATION

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

PARKSON CORPORATION

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SILO’S R US INC.

STREAMSIDE SYSTEMS

TRIPLE/S DYNAMICS

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

VINCENT CORP.

WELLMAN SERVICE

WOODALL FARMS

SPREADERS

ALLIANCE TIRE USA

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CADY INC.

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

DFK EQUIPMENT SALES, INC.

DM MACHINERY INC.

GLOBAL REPAIR

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

GEA HOULE INC.

JBS LTD. (J. BOND & SONS LTD.)

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

LEON’S MFG. COMPANY INC.

LOEWEN WELDING LTD.

LYNDEN BRIM TRACTOR

MEYER MANUFACTURING CORP.

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA

MMI INTERNATIONAL

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PARMA COMPANY

PEQUEA MACHINE, INC.

ROTO-MIX LLC

SILO’S R US INC.

SIOUX AUTOMATION CENTER INC.

WEST POINT DESIGN INC./ SPREAD ALL

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

STORAGE LAGOONS

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

BRAUN ELECTRIC INC.

CANAMER SERVICES INC.

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

HAPCO

LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

MPC CONTAINMENT

INTERNATIONAL

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

WEST TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, INC.

WOODALL FARMS

YUNKER PLASTICS, INC.

TANK SYSTEMS

BALLAGH LIQUID

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BALZER, INC.

BAMBAUER EQUIPMENT LLC.

BOERGER, LLC

CADY INC.

CANAMER SERVICES INC.

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED

STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

ENVIRONETICS INC.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC.

JAMESWAY FARM EQUIPMENT

LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

NEBRASKA HARVESTORE SYSTEMS

OCTAFORM SYSTEMS INC.

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SILO’S R US INC.

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

WELLMAN SERVICE

WOODALL FARMS

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

TRAILERS

ALLIANCE TIRE USA

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CADMAN POWER EQUIPMENT

CLAAS OF AMERICA INC.

DFK EQUIPMENT SALES, INC.

HODEL, JIM INC.

HUSKY FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.

KOOLMEES MARINE INDUSTRIAL SALES, SERVICE

NUHN INDUSTIRES LTD.

PARMA COMPANY

PEQUEA MACHINE, INC.

PUCK CUSTOM ENTERPRISES, INC.

VEENHUIS MACHINES B.V.

WOODALL FARMS

BAZOOKA FARMSTAR, INC.

ZOSKE’S SALES & SERVICE

WASTE WATER TREATMENT

ATD WASTE SYSTEMS INC.

ADVANCED AERATION, INC.

AEROMIX

AGPROFESSIONALS, LLC

AGRI -WASTE TECHNOLOGY INC.

BALLAGH LIQUID TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CADY INC.

CANAMER SERVICES INC. DODA

U.S.A. INC.

SLURRYSTORE - ENGINEERED STORAGE PRODUCTS CO.

ENVIRONETICS INC.

FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

GHD, INC.

HYDROCAL INC.

ITT WATER AND WASTEWATER LAKESIDE SYSTEMS, INC.

LSC PRE-CAST SYSTEMS (CANADA) LTD

PRO-ACT BIOTECH

SAMSON ENGINEERING, INC.

SHAC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

SPARTAN CHEMICAL

TEN CATE GEOTUBE

UNITED LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

WOODALL FARMS

CoMposted da I ry M anure In plant produCtIon

Peat has been a major component of substrates used in container plant production since the 1960s. Highly porous with the capacity to hold water, peat makes an ideal rooting and growing medium for potted plants. But harvesting peat (and draining valuable peatlands in the process) releases the carbon stored in peat into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. And because peat plays an important role in wetland ecosystems — peat bogs improve groundwater quality and are unique habitats for wild plants and animals — the use of peat has been challenged and peat mining is increasingly regulated.

Researchers have worked for years to find alternative organic materials that can be used as partial or complete substitutes for peat. Composted biosolids, municipal solid waste, and yard trimmings have all been investigated as possible components for use in bedding, landscape and foliage plant production. Now, composted

dairy manure is being tested as an economical and environmentally sound alternative to peat.

Scientists Qiansheng Li, Jianjun Chen, Russell D. Caldwell, and Min Deng from the Department of Environmental Horticulture and Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, recently published a research report in HortTechnology that evaluated the potential for using cowpeat – a composted dairy manure – as a component of container substrates for foliage plant propagation.

For the study, a commercial formulation (20 percent perlite and 20 percent vermiculite with 60 percent Canadian or Florida peat, based on volume) was used as control, and peat was replaced by cowpeat at 10 percent increments up to 60 percent, which produced 14 substrates. The 14 substrates were used for rooting single-node cuttings of golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens

ssp. oxycardium) and three-node cuttings of Florida Spire fig ( Ficus benjamina ) and germinating seeds of sprenger asparagus ( Asparagus densiflorus ) in a shaded greenhouse.

The research showed that container substrates formulated by incorporating 10 to 60 percent cowpeat had physical and chemical properties similar to the commercial Canadian and Florida peatbased substrates. Biological testing also demonstrated that all tested cuttings rooted and seed germination rates of cowpeat substrates were greater than or comparable to those of control substrates.

The researchers observed that the promising results of the study suggest that there is a potential for using cowpeat for foliage plant propagation and probably for foliage plant production.

“The use of cowpeat will provide the containerized plant industry with an alternative to peat, which in turn reduces peat mining and encourages composting of dairy manure, thus contributing to the well-being of our environment,” Chen concluded.

Study looks at turning ManURE into REvEnUE

By Melynda Harrison

Livestock manure isn’t often thought of as a value-added product, but researchers at Montana State University (MSU) and MSU Extension are trying to change that.

Producers may be able to make money by composting livestock manure while at the same time improving the quality of their soil and protecting the environment.

At the end of August, Tommy Bass, livestock environment associate specialist housed in the Department of Animal and Range Science at MSU; Darrin Boss, assistant research professor at the Northern Agricultural Research Station; and Joel Schumacher, Extension economics associate and MSU economist, began the first phase of a three-phase project on compost.

The group will evaluate a composting project at Amaltheia Organic Dairy in Belgrade. The Browns have composted goat manure for two years and sold their compost to generate additional revenue for the dairy.

“We want to verify their recommendations on how to properly compost animal manure in Montana’s semi-arid environment,” said Bass. “They’ve already been successful, so we want to look at their system and see how it works.”

Bass, Boss, and Schumacher will also investigate beef-cattle compost produced at MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre and sheep manure from Hofeldt Feedlot and Premium Meats in Chinook.

“These three locations cover a broad spectrum of opportunities from a large scale sheep and cattle feedlot, to a medium sized beef lot to a smaller niche organic dairy,” Bass said. “These varied locations add to the robust nature of the trial; along with the different manures there should be substantial variation in scheduling of composting as well as weather conditions encountered.”

When manure is composted it gives off enough heat to sterilize weed seed and reduce the diseases harmful to plants. Composted manure is safer

to handle and can be used to improve soil for landscaping and horticultural applications.

“By composting manure, which is a nitrogen source, with other on-farm feedstuffs such as old straw, corn stalks or other carbon sources, we optimize and potentially increase the value of the compost. Its benefits are no, or little, viable seeds being land-applied or it may be sold to vendors like local landscapers that use it in horticultural beds,” said Boss.

The team will check that the compost reaches temperatures high enough to kill pests and weeds and that it remains moist throughout the season. They will observe whether run-off from the compost occurs after storms to determine if it degrades soil or water quality. Additionally, they will run an economic model to determine whether selling bulk or bagged compost makes more sense financially. This will include tracking labor and studying markets for the material. Frontier Lawn and Landscaping in Havre, another cooperator of the project, will also be involved in

evaluating, market development and using the compost in horticultural projects.

Upon completion of the study, the researchers will hold on-site composting demonstrations and allow the public to see how the two producers at Amaltheia Organic Dairy and Hofeldt Feedlot and Premium Meats manage their manure. MontGuide Extension publications on composting with guidelines and the case studies will be produced.

The researchers will also share what they learned with other ag educators and specialists through papers in professional journals and conference presentations.

“Manure can be seen as a liability by some, but the focus of this project is to turn that around and manage manure as a resource that can enable a producer to sell a new product or make it more valuable within their own operations,” said Boss.

The project is funded by WesternSARE, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Melynda Harrison is with the Montana State University News Service.

Tommy Bass, MSU Extension, and Julia Dafoe, research associate, NARC-Havre, measure compost temperature at Amaltheia Organic Dairy in Belgrade. They are part of a project to study how livestock producers may be able to create a product that can increase revenues by composting manure. Photo by Kelly Gorham, MSU