Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Business Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the NCCC-09 Committee took place August 14, 2018 at South Dakota State University Cow-Calf Research Unit.

• The group discussed plans for members to work on new project proposal, and decided to emphasize the importance of “collaboration”, and includes feed, fiber, and energy. The group then established objectives for the new project proposal.
• Dan Anderson was elected to be the next secretary, which starts October 1.
• Members discussed options for a face-to-face meeting in 2019. Options included Manure Expo (IN, July-August), Waste-to-Worth (MN, April), ASABE (Boston, July), Kentucky, Iowa, and Indianapolis (One-Water conference, Dec).  There will be a survey sent to the entire group to identify a common venue for the next meeting.
• New proposal request is due September 15th, a draft is needed by September 1st. The plan is to complete the project rewrite and submit/upload before December 1st. 
• Members discussed that there are many webinars nowadays, and there have been low attendance issue. The group decide to hold teleconferences for the project rewrite effort.  Potential topics for future webinars include housing ventilation, curriculum development, and topics from the revised impact statements.

Also discussed were the accomplishments of NCCC9 committee this year:

• MWPS, with the collaborative efforts of authors from Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, North Dakota State University, Purdue University, and Oklahoma State University, has released the new edition of Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook: MWPS-13, 2017. This book was professionally edited, illustrated, designed, and distributed through MWPS. The publication was recognized as an outstanding educational aid by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers with an ASABE Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award.
• MWPS-13 was promoted through various sources; news release by ISU Extension and Outreach, July 2017, article in Wallaces Farmer, September 2017, and flyers sent to Mid-West co-ops, 2017.
• MWPS participated as a vendor at two events; the 2018 ANR Spring Training during the Innovation Café where extension folks got together in focus group discussions and county professionals, and 2018 Iowa Ag Teachers-Summer AgEd Conference where 200 ag educators in professional development participated in committee meetings and general session to learn about the current state of ag education.
• A MWPS committee has put together a draft for the new publication, “Manure Processing and Utilization” (MWPS 18-4 1st Edition), which is a collaboration among extension engineers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Indiana, Texas, and Kansas.
• The University of Minnesota produced a two-page factsheet on practices to identify biosecurity hazards that could lead to potential disease transmission between poultry facilities.
• South Dakota State University has a new extension engineering faculty member, Dr. John McMaine. During his first year on faculty, he emphasized engagement with stakeholder groups and establishment of a research foundation and extension network for long-term success.
• Aquaculture operators in Indiana have been educated on proper environmental control of aquaculture buildings (Project of Albert J. Heber, Indiana).
• Trade can become more efficient because low quality grain, oilseed and co-products with food safety concerns can be removed from the supply chain (Project of Klein E. Ileleji and Rose Prabin Kingsly Ambrose, Indiana).
• Manure and Soil Health Program (MaSH) Working Group focused on understanding and promoting the role of manure in improving soil health. The team includes University and USDA personnel from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Farmers are increasingly aware of the importance of soil quality.

New Facilities and Equipment

Iowa State University is planning construction of a new feed mill and grain center, a new poultry teaching and research farm, and a new swine teaching farm.

South Dakota confirmed approval of state appropriation (funds) for a new Precision Ag building. The building project also received private donations from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, Raven Industries and others. Construction is expected to commence in Fall of 2019 and last for one year.

Michigan is constructing a mobile macropore quantification unit. All equipment will be on a trailer including image processing software to interpret photographs.  Results will enable the estimation of macropore density. In addition, a test membrane was acquired to test different membranes types, configurations, and pretreatment techniques for solid/liquid separation of various agricultural residuals.

Unique Project-Related Findings

The recently distributed white paper demonstrated some agricultural engineering extension topics with critically low personnel. There is also a shortage of faculty providing education and technical assistance on the high-demand engineering topic of machinery and precision agriculture. Some additional unmet needs across the region include engineering related to livestock facilities, irrigation, structures both agricultural and residential, disaster preparation and response, and agricultural safety. Many topic areas are covered by engineers with only a small fraction (less than 30%) of their time allocated to the topic. It is unlikely that an extension engineer can conduct an appropriate extension program with such a small percentage of time allocated to the topic. Exacerbating these concerns is the fact that about 20% of the tenured extension engineering FTEs in the North Central Region will be retiring in less than five years.

Accomplishment Summaries

Members of NCCC-09 continue to participate in numerous collaborative efforts within the region. Current projects by NCCC-09 active work teams cover the topic areas of manure management, grain drying and energy efficiency, soil and water, and animal agriculture and facilities. Teams of NCCC-09 participants contributing to each of the projects in these topic areas met regularly over the past year and continue to meet monthly by conference call to work on developing extension materials that are applicable throughout the region, increasing collaboration and productivity, strengthening unified messages, and reducing the resource demand on extension personnel. Specific collaborations within the NCCC-09 group include the endeavors described in the following pages.

The efforts of all involved with MWPS-13 (Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook: MWPS-13, 2017) were awarded the ASABE Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence, 2018.

NCCC-09 Conference Calls

NCCC-09 hosted a teleconference on April 16, 2018. Prior to the group teleconference, the officers and invited members participated in an executive conference to plan for a survey to determine potential meeting date and location, and prepare for the group teleconference. Both teleconferences were opportunities for members to provide project updates, discuss MWPS ideas, announce new RFPs, and initiate potential collaborations for extension activities, publications, and proposals.

The teleconferences fostered communication within NCCC-09 and among the topic groups. Participants also learned about ongoing USDA funding opportunities. Extension engineering faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Missouri-Columbia collaborated on development of a Letter of Intent for a project proposal under a NIFA Foundational Program priority area.

MWPS Publications

The MWPS-13 Handbook entitled “Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook”, was published in July 2017. A grant from NC-213 was awarded to aid in this effort. The publication received an American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Educational Aids Blue Ribbon. Some 500 copies of the book have been sold during the year. The leadership author group included Dirk Maier (ISU), Sam McNeill (University of Kentucky), and Kenneth Hellevang (NDSU). Others engaged were Carol Jones (OSU), Klein Ileleji (Purdue), Kingsly Ambrose (Purdue) and Mark Purschwitz (University of Kentucky). A broad network of Extension service personnel and Ag Program Leaders; grain drying and storage companies and dealers; grain engineers across the U.S.; national and local commodity groups and associations; and selected regional and national media aided in the national distribution of grain drying and storage information originating from NDSU.

Over 500 copies were sold in 2017. Iowa State University with 16% of book sales, Ridgewater College, MN with 12%, North Dakota State with 11%, Texas A&M with 10%. Through promotion the book sales accounted for 15% after the ISU extension news release, 16% after the article in Wallaces Farmer, and 2% after Co-op flyer. The ANR Innovation Café generated another 2% and put MWPS-13 in the hands of ISU ANR Field Agronomists.

MWPS publications are used extensively in extension programs and college courses including, but not limited to:

• Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan materials are used for technical service provider training in Illinois.
• MWPS-1 and MWPS-13 are both used as textbooks for a course at the University of Nebraska.
• MWPS-18 is used as a text at the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University
• MWPS-18-S1, S2, S3 used at South Dakota State University
• MWPS-16 is the textbook for a course at the University of Illinois.
• MWPS-66: Cow-Calf Production is used as a textbook at Iowa State University and Purdue University
• MWPS-13: Grain Drying is used at North Dakota State University
• MWPS-6: Beef Housing is used at North Dakota State University
• MWPS-7: Dairy Freestall is used at University of Wisconsin

NCCC-09 members coordinate the review and revision of existing Midwest Plan Service (MWPS) publications and the writing of new materials. The “Manure Group” within the NCCC-09 committee continues to work on a new publication about manure handling and application practices to compliment the MWPS-18 series. Existing MWPS publications warranting revisions were prioritized at the annual meeting and select new publications were identified for development.

Ventilation of Swine Production Housing

Extension engineers and animal scientists in Iowa and Ohio continue to deliver workshops for barn managers and pig caretakers to address the need for improved understanding and management of mechanical ventilation systems in swine buildings. A mobile ventilation laboratory was used to demonstrate mechanical ventilation principles, fan interactions, inlet behaviors and controller performance.  Funds for the mobile lab were provided by the pork producer organizations. The team conducted seven ventilation workshops in Iowa and Ohio.

Minnkota Builders Conference

Minnesota and South Dakota organized the 2018 meeting of the Minnkota Builders and Equipment Association in Morton, MN.  The 1.5 day meeting included tours of Simply Shrimp, a salt-water shrimp growing operation, and Hanson Silo near Wilmar, MN. The conference included research and industry presentations opportunities for networking. The meeting provided approximately 35 attending consultants, builders, equipment suppliers, agency staff and university staff with current information about LP gas practices and code requirement, new National Fire Code updates, swine barn remodeling practices, EPCRA and CERCLA requirements and university research updates.

Biosecurity Education

The University of Minnesota Biosecure Entry Education Trailer (BEET) was at the Minnesota Pork Congress, Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, Minnesota FarmFest and the Minnesota State Fair where people had opportunities to learn about biosecurity. BEET was also used with veterinary students, swine system employees, horse enthusiasts and Minnesota 4-H Livestock Project participants. Although its primary function is demonstrating Danish Entry protocols used in swine and poultry production, people with other animal species such as beef cattle, goats and rabbits learned about appropriate biosecurity practices, too. Members of the Biosecurity Team made a presentation, Understanding Biosecurity When Working on Livestock Farms, at the 56th Annual Rural Energy Conference in La Crosse, WI.

University of Missouri collaborated with Minnesota and Oklahoma and received funding ($46k) for biosecurity workshops in 2016-2017. Missouri has received funding for a 2018-2019 biosecurity training/workshop. The faculty are collaborating with Missouri Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and NRCS to organize materials and workshop about biosecurity and mortality management information, to prevent future disease outbreak.  The workshops will be offered at five locations within the state. Attendees will be trained about major disease outbreak quarantine, mortality management, and more importantly, biosecurity.

Pig Production Environmental Footprint

Faculty from University of Minnesota and University of Nebraska-Lincoln are collaborating on a project to encourage the use of the National Pork Board Pig Production Environmental Footprint Calculator on swine operations in Minnesota and Nebraska, and promoting Extension faculty and staff resources to help with these calculations. This project helps build baseline information on resource utilization on Midwest swine farms, assess opportunities to improve resource efficiency and swine farm profitability, and gather producer feedback on the tool.  The goal is to engage 65 farms in the two states, and the work is funded by the National Pork Board. The project experiences provide guidance for future Extension work with the calculator. Initial discussions with producers indicate a strong desire to continue to improve environmental protection.

Energy Education and Outreach

Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Minnesota have contributed to various renewable energy and farm energy conservation extension programs underway in the Midwest. Members from WI, IA and MN participate as ex-officio members on the board of directors of the Midwest Rural Energy Council (MREC), which holds an annual educational conference.

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

South Dakota water extension and research faculty and staff helped organize and run the 2017 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference.  The format of the 2017 conference was a stakeholder working conference.  The morning sessions had presenters give an overview of the current state of South Dakota water resources including how water quality is measured and some current research projects.  The afternoon featured roundtable discussion guided by a series of six questions to identify where South Dakota water resources are, where we want to be and how to get there.  The comments were collected and results of the over 400 comments are being compiled into a white paper that will be presented at the 2018 conference.

CERCLA and EPCRA Reporting Requirements for Air Releases from Animal Waste at Farms

In April 2017, an appeals court ruling reversed a stay requiring livestock and poultry farms that emit more than 100 pounds of either ammonia or hydrogen sulfide in a 24-hour period to report air emissions as part of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. EPA considers animal production facilities as continuous emitters, which means they do not require a separate report for each day but instead a single report covering the whole year. The act was to be enforced immediately, but was then delayed multiple times as reporting deadlines approached. This development led to much confusion for farmers, which required outreach efforts. On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Omnibus Bill), was signed into law. When the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issues its mandate vacating the 2008 final rule (expected as soon as May 1, 2018), farms will remain exempt from the CERCLA reporting requirements as a result of the FARM Act.

Many states were involved in conference calls and discussions to clarify internal understanding and to assist with how to extend this information to farmers. Nebraska’s worksheet for calculating emissions was in fact published by EPA as a method for determining and calculating reportable emissions.  Illinois also provided interactive online worksheets using EPA published values. As well, Illinois and Kentucky created websites to summarize information and materials. 

Marketing and Delivery of Quality Grains and Bioprocess Products

Purdue University is leading a project (Klein E. Ileleji and Rose Prabin Kingsly Ambrose) to assess factors, which affect the quality and safety attributes of grain, improve stored grain management and systems efficiency, especially for large facilities, and implement increased Extension programming to cover these areas. This effort will be conducted through collaboration with other land-grant university Extension Specialists and Educators under the multistate project, NC-213.

Aquaculture Systems

Indiana researcher environmentally surveyed three tilapia and two shrimp buildings in winter and summer, and temperatures were recorded for at least two weeks following each visit (Albert Heber). The average indoor temperature and relative humidity during the winter and summer visits were 23.3°C (74°F) and 78%, and 26.1°C (79°F) and 65%, respectively. We observed cases of inadequate ventilation rates and air distribution, excessive surface condensation, and excessive heat loss. We also noted improper attic ventilation, inadequately sized heat exchangers, the use of expensive dehumidifiers, improper vapor barrier installation, and ill-advised use of ceiling inlets. A spreadsheet was developed to calculate building heat loss factors, heat and moisture balances, predict surface condensation, determine proper ventilation rate, and estimate energy usage. Calculations have shown, for example, that ventilation is more efficient for removing humidity than dehumidification, and that uninsulated floors are responsible for a significant amount of building heat loss.  

AgrAbility and Agricultural Safety and Health

Indiana faculty (William Field) conducted National AgrAbility Training Workshop, March 2018, in Portland, Maine. There were over 240 attended representing over 25 states.

William Field also conducted “Collaborative Agricultural Safety and Health Exhibit” at the 2018 Farm Progress Show in Iowa. Exhibits from Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa were involved in promoting safer work practices.

North American Manure EXPO [OH, PA, WI, OK, ND, MN, MO, IN, & SD]

The Manure Expo brings together Extension and research personnel from various states, including several represented by NCCC-09, and Canada to offer short classes and demonstrations relating to nutrient management and environmental protection.

The 2017 North American Manure Expo was hosted by University of Wisconsin, held at Arlington, WI. The two-day event happened on August 22 (Tour day, agitation demonstrations, and industry education seminars) and August 23 (Education sessions, vendor trade show, and field demonstrations). The theme of the Expo was “Professionalism in Nutrient Management”. South Dakota State University co-chaired the 2018 Manure Expo with University of Nebraska – Lincoln and North Dakota State University. The Expo was held in Brookings, SD, August 15-16, 2018, and used a similar show agenda as in 2017.

The Expo continues to bring the practical management, equipment, and new research findings regarding manure nutrient management together and present to various audiences. The technical field tours, demonstrations, and classroom sessions provide opportunities for Extension educators to present the materials to a large audience.

The 2017 two-day event brought together over 80 vendors and 1200-1400 participants. The first day of the Expo featured technical tours of various operation followed by educational seminars that evening. Day two of the Expo featured tradeshow, field demonstrations, and education seminars. Demonstrations on day two included solid manure spreaders, liquid manure spreaders, compost turning, and side-dressing crops with manure.

Livestock Mortality Management

Illinois and Michigan delivered a large animal non-emergency carcass composting workshop in Northern IL with assistance from Michigan State, IL NRCS, and Illinois State University.  The workshop included both presentations and hands-on demonstrations with an on-farm active mortality composting site.

Nebraska Extension continues to focus efforts on promoting composting as a biosecure and environmentally responsible carcass disposal method and encouraging development of Emergency Livestock Mortality Management Plans. Research led by a Nebraska NCCC-09 member generated recommendations for biosecure disposal of swine carcasses infected with the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) that have been distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada via National Pork Board publications, journal articles, media outputs, and webinars. Three Livestock Emergency Mortality Management Training events were delivered in Nebraska through funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security to improve the capabilities of regional emergency management associations and law enforcement officers to respond to non-routine livestock mortality events.

Pathways Project

The project titled “Mapping the Pathways for Effective Information Dissemination and Education between Manure Nutrient Management Agriculture Professionals” was a collaborative endeavor with both a national and North Central Region focus. The national project team disseminated a national survey to collect data on the functions, information sources, dissemination methods and barriers for information exchange by research institutions, private industry, government, education, regulatory, technical service providers, and producers, garnering nearly 1000 responses. South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri garnered funding through the North Central Region Water Network for initial survey analysis focused on North Central Region states. Based on the North Central Region Water Network survey, this work created new collaborations and increased Extension/outreach capacity in the North Central region and beyond. A journal article was published as a result of this project.

Review of Life Cycle Assessment on Carbon Footprint of Beef Production in the U.S. 

Kansas researchers conducted a systematic and comprehensive review of life cycle assessment on carbon footprint of beef and pork productions in the US.  The study offered (1) an initial critical review on types of LCA methodology and allocation method used, the scope, scale and system boundary defined in the LCA applications in beef production; (2) an LCA comparison of different beef systems; (3) a ranging of results on carbon footprint of beef production based on conditions of the US beef production, trends in various indicators and the current data gap. Results provided a better understanding of the whole-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the productions.

Receptor Modeling and Smoke Management Workshop

Kansas researchers conducted smoke management workshops and developed fact sheets for prescribed rangeland burning in Kansas, providing up-to-date information to regulators engaged in decision support and other stakeholders involved in air quality and land management, and acquainting them with current and future satellite capabilities and available resources.

Results of the receptor modeling has successfully unraveled the source profiles of Kansas pasture burning and quantified contribution of various sources to ambient PM_2.5 and ozone, as well as their seasonal patterns. The correlations between O₃ and PM_2.5 from smoke has been revealed. The results have been published in peer reviewed journal and a series of extension articles are to be generated to support the annual smoke management workshop and help smoke management.

Transport of soluble phosphorus

Michigan State University verified the leaching of soluble phosphorus from the freeze/thaw of cover crops and that the amount depends on the plant’s stage of growth. The researchers demonstrated an enhanced macropore analyses technique that enables the quantification of density using image processing software.  Data will be used to ultimately produce an index and/or data for modeling that will enable the inclusion of the transport of soluble phosphorus. into tile drains. Research on the transport of soluble phosphorus continues with the goal of producing an index/data that provides guidance on the use of manure and fertilizers that maximizes beneficial plant uptake and minimizes environmental risk. Research components include examining the extent and impact of macropores in different soil types, soluble phosphorus leaching from the freeze/thaw of cover crops, impact of manure application timing on soluble phosphorus release, and computational modeling of the fate of nutrients applied to crop soil.

Manure and Soil Health Program

NCCC-09 members from the North Central Region formed a working group in 2016 focused on understanding and promoting the role of manure in improving soil health. Represented in this working group are university and USDA personnel from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Farmers are increasingly aware of the importance of soil quality. Research has demonstrated that carefully managed manure applications can contribute to improved soil quality. However, a comprehensive assemblage of current knowledge has not occurred. The Manure & Soil Health (MaSH) initiative assembled current knowledge on this topic, improved its accessibility to those influencing manure management decisions, and used it to facilitate future research and educational activities. Specific accomplishments include:

• Hosting of four MaSH roundtable discussions Twelve experts provided reviews of current knowledge, critical issues, and information needs of farmers.
• Development of three MaSH related white papers on the topics of 1) Analysis of Missouri Soil Health Data; 2) Winter Manure Application: Management Practices and Environmental Impact; and 3) Synthesis of studies reporting soil quality metrics.
• A monthly blog was published to encourage on-going conversations about MaSH. A blog platform based upon WordPress for author development and the Soil Health Nexus web resource (http://soilhealthnexus.org/category/manure) was developed in collaboration with the North Central Regional Water Network, and blog articles are published monthly since February 2017. A total of 15 published blog articles is available at the web resource.
• Articles were distributed to an email listserv maintained for the MaSH blog. 216 individuals received these newsletters as of March 2018. The March 2018 blog article was opened by 57 individuals within the first 4 days following its release.  Articles are also distributed to 10 individuals who serve as editors for regional, state and national Extension and agency newsletters such as Nebraska Extension CropWatch, Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center (LPELC) newsletter, South Dakota State’s iGrow e-news, Michigan State University Extension’s News, NRCS Twitter Feeds and Soil Health Web resources, Purdue Extension’s Conservation Cropping Systems initiative news releases, etc. Re-purposing our articles through other Extension media appears to greatly increase exposure of Extension clientele to our blog content.  Three of the 10 editor shared that their media product reached 3,900 additional email addresses.
• The project delivered three Mash related white papers. The final products were published and distributed through two sources: 1) Soil Health Nexus web site, http://soilhealthnexus.org/resources/ and 2) Soil Health Institute has published these into their library of soil health research https://www.soilhealthinstituteresearch.org/Home/Search )
• Four grant proposals (totaling over $740,000) were developed by members of this group during 2017-18 to expand and continue on-farm research and demonstration of manure impacts on soil health; one proposal (NIFA) was declined for funding and three were awarded funds by the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NC-SARE) Program, Nebraska-based We Support Agriculture, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Fund Leveraging, Specifically, Collaborative Grants Between Stations and Members

1. Andersons Research Grant administered by The Ohio State University through the NC-231 Multi-State collaborative research project. October 2015. For preparing, editing, and first print run of MWPS-13: Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook, July 2017.

The goal of this project is to prepare and print a first print of a MWPS publication: MWPS-13: Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook.

2. Facilitating “Win-Win” Manure Utilization for Sustained Soil Health, Economic and Environmental Benefits. North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education – Professional Development Grant Program. 10/01/18 – 09/30/21. PI: M. Schmidt; Co-PI: R. Koelsch (University of Nebraska); Sub-awards: D. Andersen (Iowa State) and E. Cortus (University of Minnesota). $74,905

This project will support SARE’s sustainability goals of long term profitability (better utilization of manure’s nutrient value), stewardship of natural resources (improved water and soil quality), and quality of life for rural communities (limit risk of manure’s negative qualities, such as odor). An existing multi-state working group will deliver a professional development program for those advising crop farmers intended to: build awareness of manure’s value; demonstrate benefits locally via on-farm research; and teach crop farmers to confidently identify "win-win" opportunities for manure use on cropland.

3. Environmental Footprints for Regional Swine Production Systems Now and in the Future – A Demonstration Pilot Project. National Pork Board. 06/01/18 – 05/31/19. PI: E. Cortus; Co-PI: R. Stowell and A.M. Schmidt. $55,126.

The specific objectives are to (1) engage 65 producers in Environmental Footprint calculations of current production practices; (2) measure the change in knowledge, interest and trust in environmental sustainability and related metrics following engagement with local educators; and (3) identify and evaluate strategies that have potential to help local producers reach sustainability metric goals using Life Cycle Analysis.

4. Water and Nutrient Recycling: A decision tool and synergistic innovative technology. USDA-NIFA. 10/01/18 – 9/30/23. L. Greenlee, R. Stowell; A.M. Schmidt, T. Lim, J. Zulovich, etc. $4,342,280.

A collaborative effort between Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, and Montana.  Development of a decision tool allowing scientific assessment of individual farm manure management and energy needs, and subsequent recommendation for technologies to implement, is proposed. Collection of on-farm data, integration of data into the decision-making tool, economic analysis of the proposed technology, and outreach programming to influence utilization of the tool are primary roles of the UNL faculty on this project.

Other relevant accomplishments and activities

 MWPS is in the process of revising Wiring Handbook for Rural Facilities, with a projected release date of Spring 2019. Greg Stark, Texas A&M will update the NEC codes, and Scott Sanford, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will update the lighting portion through the addition of a new chapter. Illustrations and editing have been arranged.

• MWPS will be attending two days of training on accessibility conversions for downloads through ANR. Also starting the process of setting up Google Analytics to better monitor hits and visits to the ecommerce website and the impacts of social media, using google and Facebook ads as a possible advertising outlet.Synthesis of Short- and Long-term Studies Reporting Soil Quality, Crop Productivity, and Climate Resilience Metrics Under Agricultural and Municipal Waste Water and Biosolids Applications.
• South Dakota organized a livestock environmental training on November 1, 2017. Approximately 85 producers, county zoning board members, and others attended the day-long training.  Another training was held June 27, 2018 with over 110 attendees.  Attendees learned about water quality, animal nutrition, manure application, soil health, and nutrient management.  This training will be repeated in August, 2018 and December, 2018.
• South Dakota organized and led a workshop series related to urban stormwater management (April 4, 17, 24, 2018). The series was attended by a total of 28 homeowners and stormwater professionals. Participants learned about stormwater runoff, low impact development, rain garden design. Participants then worked in teams to develop their own rain garden design using the techniques taught in the workshop.  In June, 2018 the rain garden was constructed in Sioux Falls at a residence.  The rain garden will be monitored for one year for water quality and water quantity.

NCCC-09 Publications

NCCC-09 members are developing a new product for publication in the coming year(s) by MWPS.

• Manure Processing and Utilization (MWPS 18-4 1^st Edition), In development, R. Larson, E. Cortus, A. Schmidt, D. Anderson, T. Lim, K. Erb, S. Rahmen, Z. Liu, and J. Ni.

Additional publications from the 2017-18 reporting year include:

• Cortus, E.L., B. Kasu, J. Jaquet, N. Embertson, A. Schmidt, T.T. Lim and J. Heemstra. 2017. Relevant information sources in the vast and complex manure nutrient management network. Journal of Extension 56(3), Article 3FEA6. Available at: https://www.joe.org/joe/2018june/a6.php
• E. Gilley, S. L. Bartelt-Hunt, K. M. Eskridge, X. Li, A. M. Schmidt, D. D. Snow. 2017. Setback distance requirements for removal of swine slurry constituents in runoff. Trans ASABE 60(6): 1885-1894.
• Jadhav, H, S.J. Hoff, J.D. Harmon, and D.S. Andersen. 2018. Swine Finishing Room Infiltration: Part 2. Infiltration as Affected by Room Characteristics. (accepted, Applied Engineering in Agriculture).
• Jadhav, H,, S.J. Hoff, J.D. Harmon, I. Alverez, D.S. Andersen, and U. Passes. 2018. Swine finishing room infiltration: Part 1. Quantification and prediction. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 34(2):413-424.
• Janni, K.A., M. M. Torremorell, L.D. Jacobson, C. Alonso, B.P. Hetchler. 2018. Modeling airborne virus concentrations in filtered swine barns with negative-pressure ventilating systems. Trans of ASABE 61(3):1089-1099 doi.org/10.13031/trans.12561.
• Liu,Z. and Y. Liu. 2018. Review: Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from animal production. Greenh. Gases. S. 00:1–12; DOI: 10.1002/ghg.
• Ni, J. Q., A. J. Heber, T. T. Lim, S. M. Hanni, and C. A. Diehl. 2017. Laboratory evaluation of a manure additive for mitigating gas and odor releases from layer hen manure. Aerosol and Air Quality Research 17(9). doi: DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2016.07.0327.
• Ni, J. -q., Diehl, C. A., Chai, L., Chen, Y., Heber, A. J., Lim, T. T., & Bogan, B. W. (2017). Factors and characteristics of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter emissions from two manure-belt layer hen houses. Atmospheric Environment, 156, 113-124. http://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2017.02.033.
• Ramirez, B. C., Gao, Y., Hoff, S. J. & Harmon, J. D. Thermal environment sensor array: Part II. Data application to assess grow-finish swine housing. Biosystems Engineering. (accepted)
• Ramirez, B. C., Hoff, S. J. & Harmon, J. D. Thermal environment sensor array: Part I. Development and field performance assessment. Biosystems Engineering. (accepted)
• Schuster, N. R., S. L. Bartelt-Hunt, L. M. Durso, J. E. Gilley, X. Li, D. B Marx, A. M. Schmidt, D. D. Snow. 2017. Runoff water quality characteristics following swine slurry application under broadcast and injected conditions. Trans ASABE 60(1): 53-66.
• Smith, B.C., B.C. Ramirez, S.J. Hoff, J.D. Harmon, J.P. Shinn.   Design and validation of a mobile air filter testing lab for animal agricultural applications.  Buildings and Environment. (in preparation).
• Stevens, E.E., D.N. Miller, B.A. Brittenham, S.J. Vitosh-Sillman, B.W. Brodersen, V.L. Jin, J.D. Loy and A.M. Schmidt. 2018. Alkaline stabilization of manure slurry inactivates porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. J Swine Health and Prod 26(2): 95-100. http://www.aasv.org/shap.html.
• Vitosh-Sillman, S.J., A.M. Schmidt, J.D. Loy, and B. Brodersen. Effectiveness of composting as a biosecure mortality disposal method for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)-infected pig carcasses. Porcine Health Management. 2017; 3: 22. doi: 1186/s40813-017-0068-z

Books

• Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook, MWPS-13, July 2017. Midwest Plan Service
• Large Dairy Herd Management, 3rd Edition. 2017. American Dairy Science Association. Zulovich, J. M., & Harner, J. P. (2017). Preface - Section 3: Facilities and Environment. In David K. Beede, Editor-in-Chief (Ed.), Electronic Book – Large Dairy Herd Management (3rd Edition). American Diary Science Association. Zulovich served as lead Section Editor for Section 3: Facilities and Environment (132 pages). Section chapters and authors as follows:

Book Chapters

• Durso, L. and A.M. Schmidt. 2017. Antimicrobial resistance related to agricultural waste water and biosolid sources. In Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes. Edited by Patricia L. Keen and Raphaèl Fugère. Wiley-Blackwell, 1st Edition. ISBN: 978-1-119-19243-5. 392 pp. Published December 2017.
• Harner, J. P., Zulovich, J. M., Kammel, D. W., & Tyson, J. T. (2017). Chapter 03-19: Feed center system design and management. In David K. Beede, Editor-in-Chief (Ed.), Electronic Book – Large Dairy Herd Management (3rd Edition). American Diary Science Association.
• Kammel, D. W., Zulovich, J. M., & Harner, J. P. (2017). Chapter 03-12: A systems approach to dairy farmstead design. In David K. Beede, Editor-in-Chief (Ed.), Electronic Book – Large Dairy Herd Management (3rd Edition). American Diary Science Association.
• Lim, T.-T., C. Wang, A. J. Heber, N. Ji-Qin, and L. Zhao. 2018. Effect of Electrostatic Precipiration on Particulate Matter Emissions from a high-rise layer house. In Air Quality and Livestock Farming, 372 p. T. Banhazi, A. Aland, and J. Hartung, eds. Australia: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group.
• Maier, D.E., 2017. Lead author. Planning Guidelines, pp. 1-4, Grain Drying, pp. 51-82. Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook, Midwest Plan Service, Iowa State University
• Ni, J.-Q., A. J. Heber, and T.-T. Lim. 2018. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in swine production. In Air Quality and Livestock Farming, 372 p. T. Banhazi, A. Aland, and J. Hartung, eds. Australia: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group.
• Zulovich, J. M., Harner, J. P., & Kammel, D. W. (2017). Chapter 03-13: Systems approach to designing milking centers and other dairy systems. In David K. Beede, Editor-in-Chief (Ed.), Electronic Book – Large Dairy Herd Management (3rd Edition). American Diary Science Association.

Conference Papers

• Brown, J. T., T.-T. Lim, J. M. Zulovich, and C. Costello. 2018. Evaluation of Mechanical Scraper System Finishing Barn for Solid-Liquid Separation. In ASABE Annual International Meeting. ASABE Paper No. 1801273. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE.
• Harner, J. P., Marin, J. G., Zulovich, J. M., & Brouk, M. J. (2017). Water Conservation for Next Gen Dairies. In . Presented at the Western Dairy Management Conference, Reno, NV. http://wdmc.org/proceedings/
• Lim, T.-T., C. B. Bromfield, J. A. Zulovich, and R. Massey. 2017. Biosecurity: Collaboration to ensure state of readiness. In International Symposium on Animal Environment and Welfare. Rongchang, Chongqing, China.
• Parker, D. B., E. L. Cortus, K. D. Casey, G. W. Marek, K. R. Heflin, and H. M. Waldrip. 2018. Empirical model of annual nitrous oxide emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyard pens in the Southern High Plains. ASABE Paper 1800508. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE.
• Vitosh-Sillman, S., J.D. Loy, B. Brodersen, C. Kelling, K. Eskridge and M. Schmidt. 2018. Effectiveness of composting as a biosecure disposal method for PEDv-infected pig carcasses. Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management, Amarillo, TX, June 3-7, 2018.
• Zulovich, J. A., and T.-T. Lim. 2017. Initial technical feasibility of air conditioning to eliminate heat stress in swine grow-finish facilities. In International Symposium on Animal Environment and Welfare. Rongchang, Chongqing, China
• Zulovich, J. M., Milhollin, R. K., Harner, J. P., Horner, J. L. (2018) Robotic Rotary Parlor Systems for Dairy Operations. 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium. Paper ILES18-111. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE.
• Zulovich, J. M., Milhollin, R. K., Harner, J. P., Horner, J. L. (2018) Automated Milking Systems for Dairy Operations. 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium. Paper ILES18-112. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE
• Zulovich, J. M., Milhollin, R. K., Horner, J. L., Harner, J. P., Lim, T.T. (2018) Air conditioning for naturally ventilated dairy barns. 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium. Paper ILES18-109. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE
• Zulovich, J. M., Milhollin, R. K., Horner, J. L., Harner, J. P., Lim, T.T. (2018) Air conditioning for mechanically ventilated LPCV dairy barns. 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium. Paper ILES18-110. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE

Newsletters and Other Publications

• Frankenberger, J., B. Reinhart, K. Nelson, L Bowling, C. Hay, M. Youssef, J. Strock, X. Jia, M. Helmers, and B. Allred, 2017. Questions and Answers About Drainage Water Recycling in the Midwest. Purdue University Extension. West Lafayette, IN. ABE-156-W. Online at https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ABE/ABE-156-W.pdf.) Multi-state publication, with authors from 8 institutions (6 universities, USDA-ARS, and Iowa Soybean Association). Received an ASABE Blue Ribbon.
• Hellevang, K. Consider harvesting soybeans earlier to reduce risk and improve income. Corn and Soybean Digest and Michigan State University Extension
• Hellevang, K. Corn Harvest, Drying, Storage Challenging This Year. Grain Journal – Grain E-News October. Read more.
• Hellevang, K. Drying and Storage, Field Guide to Sustainable Production of High-quality Durum in North Dakota, A-1825, May 2017, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/field-guide-to-sustainable-production-of-high-quality-durum-wheat-in-north-dakota.
• Hellevang, K. Good management is necessary for long term grain storage. Corn and Soybean Digest. http://www.cornandsoybeandigest.com/grain-handling/good-management-necessary-long-term-grain-storage?NL=SO-01&Issue=SO-01_20171023_SO-01_54&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4_b&utm_rid=CPG02000000720653&utm_campaign=21750&utm_medium=email&elq2=374833b3786c40169c202884bc0c436f
• Hellevang, K. Grain Drying and Storage System Planning includes Automation, Safety, National Feed and Grain,
• Hellevang, K. Harvesting dry grain can evaporate profits, The Western Producer (Canada),
• Hellevang, K. Interview with Jodi Henke, Successful Farming; Interview with Sonka Begemann, Farm Journal.
• Hellevang, K. Keep stored grain cool, dry during summer, Corn & Soybean Digest
• Hellevang, K. Long-Term Grain Storage Requires Good Management Grain Journal – Grain E-News October. Read more.
• Hellevang, K. Long-term Storage Management, Corn Drying and Storage. Midwest Plan Service Website https://www-mwps.sws.iastate.edu/catalog/grain-handling-storage
• Hellevang, K. Storing grain through the summer, MN Farm Guide, Peter Scharpe
• Hellevang, K. What to do When Grain is Too Wet or Too Dry, agweb.com, (Farm Journal magazine)
• Hellevang, K. Where to measure grain temperature, iowafarmertoday.com,
• McMaine, J. March, 2018. Nutrients in water – Why does it matter and what can we do?. Guest Column for Emerge South Dakota Corn Growers’ Association Quarterly Industry Publication
• McMaine, J., A. Nardi. October, 2018, South Dakota Leadership Spotlight, New Format for Eastern South Dakota Water Conference. Guest Column in Current, North Central Region Water Network monthly newsletter.
• McMaine, J., D. Kringen, T. Trooien. January, 2018, General Impacts of Tile Drainage on Hydrology and Water Quality in South Dakota. White Paper for SD Legislature
• Schmidt, A.M. 2017. Stockpiling Manure and Biosolids. UNL BeefWatch, Troy Walz (Ed.), Lincoln, NE: UNL BeefWatch electronic newsletter. https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/6982/40034
• Schmidt, A.M. 2018. Emergency Holding Pond Management During Wet Weather. In cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). Special guidance document distributed via Nebraska Extension and the NDEQ.
• Smith, J. S., R. Crow, S. Safferman. 2017. Winter Manure Application: Management Practices and Environmental Impact. Manure and Soil Health Working Group Report. http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/02/ncrwn-winter-manure-app-mngmt-practices-enviro-impact-report-FINAL.pdf 16 pages.
• Smith, J. S., R. Crow, S. Safferman. 2017. Winter Manure Application: Management Practices and Environmental Impact. Manure and Soil Health Working Group Data Brief. http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/01/ncrwn-winter-manure-app-mngmt-practices-enviro-impact-data-brief-FINAL-1.pdf . 7 pages.
• Smith, J.S., Crow, R., Safferman, S.I. “Winter Manure Literature Review – Document Summaries”.  North Central Regional Water Network, Soil Nexus. http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/02/ncrwn-winter-manure-literature-review–document-summaries-FINAL.pdf
• Smith, J.S., Safferman, S.I. (2017). “Winter Manure Application: Research Needs and Future Direction.”  North Central Region Water Network, Soil Nexus.  http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/02/ncrwn-winter-manure-literature-review–document-summaries-FINAL.pdf.
• Wang, H. A., T. Lim, D. Brandt, S. Norkaew, R. Miles. 2017. Manure Land Application and Soil Health Indicators. Manure and Soil Health Working Group Report. http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/02/ncrwn-manure-land-application-and-soil-health-indicators-report-FINAL.pdf 12 pages.
• Wang, H. A., T. Lim, D. Brandt, S. Norkaew, R. Miles. 2017. Manure Land Application and Soil Health Indicators. Manure and Soil Health Working Group Data Brief. http://soilhealthnexus.org/files/2018/02/ncrwn-manure-land-application-and-soil-health-indicators-data-brief-FINAL.pdf 8 pages.
• Manure and Soil Health Blog. 2017. 15 articles summarizing science related to manure impact on soil health. http://soilhealthnexus.org/category/manure/.

Magazine Articles

• Cortus, E. 2018. Swine & U: Sustainability requires definition, standards, measurements. 19 April 2018. The Land.
• Janni, K. and Cortus, E. 2018. Learn More About Manure at 2018 North American Manure Expo. 14 July 2018. Dairy Star.
• Ramirez, B.C., September 2017. New heat stress index captures complete thermal environment picture. National Hog Farmer
• Ramirez, B.C., Smith, B.C., December 2017. Clearing the air on filter terminology and mechanics. National Hog Farmer
• Janni, K. 2018. Do you need an engineer on your team? 27 January 2018. Dairy Star
• Harmon, J.D., Hoff, S.J., Ramirez, B.C., May 2018. Mild weather (transitional) ventilation: easy or a major challenge? National Hog Farmer
• Harmon, J.D., Hoff, S.J., Ramirez, B.C., May 2018. All about evaporative cool cells. National Hog Farmer
• Janni, K. 2018. Preparing for equipment breakdowns. 12 May 2018. Dairy Star
• Janni, K. 2018. Remodel or retire? Hoard’s Dairyman. 25 May 2018. 163(10):337.
• Hoff, S.J., Ramirez, B.C., July 2018. ‘Air’ on the side of efficient barn energy. National Hog Farmer

Websites and Electronic Resources

• unl.edu: Website designed to host producer tools and resources for assessment and management of potential environmental and social risks on livestock production sites; led by: A.M. Schmidt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Online Land Application Training (LAT) Module: Developed for use by animal feeding operation manure managers as an alternative to the live Land Application Training workshopshosted annually by Nebraska Extension, available at: https://water.unl.edu/welcome-land-application-training-online; led by: A.M. Schmidt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Regulatory Guidance Tool: On-demand web-based tool for assessment of regulatory permitting requirements associated with a user-defined livestock system and geographic location inputs, available at: https://agsiteplanner.unl.edu/tools/regGuidance/#/location; led by: A.M. Schmidt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Risk Management Assessment Tool: On-demand, web-based tool for assessment of livestock-related environmental and social risks associated with geographical locations, available at: https://agsiteplanner.unl.edu/tools/riskManagement/; led by: A.M. Schmidt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations

• Presentations by NDSU in other states done in cooperation with their extension service included:

1. Barley Handling and Storage, Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference, Detroit, Michigan,
2. Climate Effects on Grain Storage, National Webinar organized by Purdue University
3. Use of Aeration to Control Grain Quality, Minnesota Stored Grain Pest Management Workshop, St. Cloud, MN
4. Benefits of Grain Drying, Shivvers Grain Dryer Dealer’s Meeting, Osceola, IA,
5. Grain Bin Technology, Freemont, NE
6. Grain Drying and Storage: Best Management Practices, Clyde, NY

• Field, W. Collaborative Agricultural Safety and Health Exhibit at the 2018 Farm Progress Show in Iowa. Exhibits from Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa were involved in promoting safer work practices.
• Field, W. National AgrAbility Training Workshop, March 2018 held in Portland, Maine. Over 240 attended representing over 25 states.
• Harmon, J.D., Ventilation Workshop. 7 locations around Iowa during 2018.
• Heber, A.J. and B. Rode. “Building Environmental Control”. 2018. OAA-OCAFS Conference, Columbus, OH, January 26.
• Heber, A.J. and B. Rode. “Field Assessment of Design and Operation of Midwestern Aquaculture Buildings”. 2018. NCRAC Meeting, Kansas City, MO, February 8.
• Janni, K.A. and Neu, A. Biosecurity: Understanding its importance when working on livestock farms. Feb 15, 2018. Midwest Rural Energy Council 56th Annual Rural Energy Conference, La Crosse, WI.
• Janni, K.A., M. M. Torremorell, L.D. Jacobson, C. Alonso, B.P. Hetchler. Modeling airborne virus concentrations in filtered swine barns with negative-pressure ventilating systems. Aug. 19, 2017. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Spokane, WA.
• McMaine, J. Panel Discussion, Brookings, SD, April 28 – Served on panel that answered questions from producers and concerned citizens regarding ways to reduce impact of agricultural on water quality.
• McMaine, J. Radio Interview, Ag News with Mick Kjar, May 8, 2018 – Discussed Livestock Environmental Training
• McMaine, J. Radio Interview, Dakota Farm Talk with Pam Geppert, May 18, 2018 – Discussed Livestock Environmental Training
• McMaine, J. Radio Interview, KELO It’s Your Business with Bill Zortman, January 3, 2018 – Discussed Strategies for Improving Water Quality while Maintaining Profitability
• McMaine, J. Radio Inverview, Dakota Farm Talk with Pam Geppert, April 2 – Discussed rain gardens and stormwater runoff.
• McMaine, J. Sioux Falls Farm Show, Sioux Falls, SD, January 26, 2018 – Presentation – Agriculture and Water Quality – What can we do? Approximately 18 stakeholders present.
• McMaine, J. Western South Dakota Hydrology Conference, Rapid City, SD, April 19, 2018 – Presentation – The Path Forward – Insight Gained from Directed Stakeholder Discussion at the 2017 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference. Approximately 95 stakeholders present.
• McMaine, J. Workshop Series – April 4, 17, 24, 2018 – Attended by a total of 28 homeowners and stormwater professionals. Participants learned about stormwater runoff, low impact development, rain garden design. Participants then worked in teams to develop their own rain garden design using the techniques taught in the workshop.
• Pathak, V. and Ambrose, R. P. K. 2018. Effect of starch-based hydrogel coating on early growth of corn. NC-213 Annual Meeting. Kansas City, MO.
• Ramirez, B.C., Minimizing the impact of heat stress on pigs: Common ventilation errors, how to correct them and how to prevent them. 2018 Iowa Swine Day. Ames, IA.
• Ramirez, B.C., Pit pumping ventilation safety. 2018 JBS Annual Producer Meeting. Des Moines, IA.
• Ramirez, B.C., Ventilation Workshop. Ohio State University. Columbus, OH.
• Salish, K., Mosher, G. A. and Ambrose, R. P. K. 2018. Developing GUI to predict the contamination of GM corn in non-GM corn. NC-213 Annual Meeting. Kansas City, MO.

Videos

• Two videos were produced on two-zone and three-zone Danish entry practices. They are available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=BAfblgkMKuE&t=71s and   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIsXmyQY4Tg
• Long-term Grain Storage, Nebraska Extension, Oct 16. https://youtu.be/JUTlDnmPSy0
• Malting Barley Drying and Storage (North Dakota). https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=Qi-8qKxilw8
• Two videos were produced about closure of earthen manure storage basins:

Lagoon and Earthen Manure Storage Basin Closure: Part 1 – Estimating the volume, nutrients, and land application needs of accumulated effluent and biosolids, available at: http://porkgateway.org/resource/lagoon-earthen-manure-storage-basin-closure-part-1-estimating-volume-nutrients-land-application-needs-accumulated-effluent-biosolids/

Lagoon & Earthen Manure Storage Basin Closure: Part II – Applying nutrients to cropland and decommissioning the structure, available at: http://porkgateway.org/resource/lagoon-earthen-manure-storage-basin-closure-part-ii-applying-nutrients-cropland-decommissioning-structure/