By SUSAN MYKRANTZ
Ohio Correspondent STRASBURG, Ohio — When manure happens, it can be a valuable resource – or you can be up the creek without a paddle. The key to successfully using livestock manure on your operation is managing how and when it is applied to the fields. These are just a few of the topics to be covered during the 2019 Manure Science Review (MSR) on August 7 at JIMITA Holsteins, located at 9877 Strasburg Bolivar Road NW in Strasburg. Beginning with coffee and doughnuts, the event runs from 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., followed by an optional tour of Bull Country Compost in Dundee from 3:30-4:30. Mary Wicks said the MSR started in 2001 as the brainchild of John Smith, an Ohio State University extension educator in Auglaize County. Wicks is the Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) program coordinator with OSU. “The purpose was, and still is, to provide relevant, science-based information about managing manure, including best practices, economics, regulations, and technologies,” she explained. “It has been held annually since 2001. John has retired, but the purpose and structure remains the same at different locations throughout the state with educational seminars and field demonstrations.” She said Smith felt OCAMM should be involved in planning, and while it and extension take the lead in organizing the event, state agencies such as the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and its divisions of Livestock Environmental Permitting and Soil and Water Conservation – along with local agencies such as the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and industry groups such as Ohio Livestock Coalition, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF), and Cooper Farms – are involved in planning. Wicks said the event provides farmers with a great source of information on managing nutrients to make sure their full value is realized, while protecting the environment. “They hear from experts in the field and see practices and equipment that they may want to adopt for their operation. “Plus, it’s a chance to talk with farmers and others, sharing ideas on current issues and ways to address them,” she said. Chris Zoller said the MSR will allow participants to learn about using manure as a nutrient in crop production, explain applicable laws related to application, and provide field demonstrations. Zoller is an OSU extension educator in Tuscarawas County and a presenter at this year’s program. “Livestock manure provides nutrients that crops need for proper growth and development, and can help reduce the cost of commercial fertilizer,” he said. “This is especially important, as the margins in agriculture, especially in the dairy economy, have been very tight.” Wicks said water quality continues to be a concern and in the headlines. “In northwestern Ohio, runoff of phosphorus that can contribute to toxic algae blooms is a primary concern. In Tuscarawas County and the surrounding region, runoff of manure can result in fish kills in streams.” Zoller highlighted a couple presentations beneficial to farmers, especially those in the Lake Erie basin. “There will be a presentation about the use of cover crops,” he said. “This is especially timely, as many acres across Ohio were or will not be planted to corn or soybeans, and farmers are asking about alternatives. “The cover crops can provide long-term benefits in improving soil health and improving water quality. There will also be a discussion of expanding the window for manure application by applying manure to emerging crops.” Leading the sessions will be a presentation by Greg LaBarge of OSU extension with a presentation on “Availability of Manure Nutrients and Crop Uptake,” followed by Jordan Hoewischer of the OFBF, with a discussion of “Manure Management: A Statewide Perspective.” Matt Lane, ODA Division of Soil and Water Conservation, will present a session on “Manure Management: Rules for Application,” followed by Peggy Kirk Hall with a session on manure application and legal liability. These are just a few of the planned programs. As an added benefit, Zoller said participants will have the opportunity to tour Bull Country Compost, a local business that composts manure and sells it in bagged and bulk form, and learn about how the business has grown. The full-day MSR program qualifies for continuing education credits in five areas, as well. The cost is $25 for registration before July 30 or $30 after that date, and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and tour, and may be mailed to: Mary Wicks, OARDC/OSU, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. To register online with a credit card, go to go.osu.edu/msr2019 before August 1. Make mailed checks payable to OARDC/OSU. For more information, call 330-202-3533 or email wicks.14@osu.edu Links to the flyer and online registration are online at http://ocamm.osu.edu |
