PAULDING, Ohio — Creating fertile soils; managing manure to improve profits; protecting the environment – these are just three good reasons why farmers should attend the Manure Science Review on Aug. 2.

 

This year’s event will take place from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at Stoller Brothers & Sons farm at 9257 Road 144 in Paulding.

Paulding Dairy supplies the Stoller farm with manure and helps with manure management throughout the year, making the farm an ideal spot for this year’s event.

The field day will highlight how to use manure effectively to improve yields; understanding Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) manure application and recordkeeping rules; reducing nutrient runoff; and the benefits that cover crops provide in the field.

“Attendees can learn how OSU (Ohio State University) extension worked with livestock producers this spring to sidedress emerged corn with liquid manure using a soft drag hose,” said Glen Arnold, extension educator and field specialist in manure nutrient management systems.

Arnold is one of many field demonstrators and industry specialists who will be on hand for this intensive workshop. He will also discuss how to incorporate poultry litter into any operation and will talk about frac tanks for rapid transfer.

He will also explain how to use manure nutrients effectively and how one can improve crop yields.

Kevin Elder and Matt Lane, both with ODA, will discuss nutrient application regulations while Emily Duncan of USDA will talk about when to apply manure to minimize nutrient runoff. A special panel from OSU will address cover crops and the opportunities and challenges in using these to reduce nutrient runoff and erosion.

Kent McGuire of OSU will explain the importance of understanding gases produced during manure storage, and safety measures needed.

With no shortage of field demonstrations, attendees will learn about solid manure spreader calibrations, how to effectively apply manure and emergency manure spill response demonstrations.

“The demonstrations offered at this event highlight the importance of planning to ensure manure nutrients are available for crop use, as well as to protect water quality,” said Mary Wicks, research associate with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

A popular field demonstration is that of smoking subsurface tile drainage. “Smoking subsurface tile illustrates how natural pores in the ground from things like worm tubes and soil cracks can allow liquid manure into underground drainage,  where the manure could eventually end up in the surface water,” Wicks explained.

Continuing education units are available for a variety of professionals, including Certified Crop Advisors, ODA Certified Livestock Managers, professional engineers, Indiana State Chemist (Cat 14 and RT.) and Pennsylvania Manure Hauler/Broker.

Registration is $30. Breakfast and  lunch are included with the registration fee. An online form and more information can be found at https://ocamm.osu.edu For additional information about the event contact Mary Wicks at 330-202-3533 or wicks.14@osu.edu