Feedlot Update - Nov. 5, 2014

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Feedlot Update

Nov. 5, 2014

New staff training a priority at county feedlot officer conference

MACFO tour 2014

County and MPCA feedlot staff engaged in a full schedule of training, reports, and educational tours during the annual convention of the Minnesota Association of County Feedlot Officers (MACFO) Oct. 13-15 in Alexandria. With 12 county staff recently hired, training and mentoring were priorities. There are 53 counties formally delegated to administer the 7020 feedlot rule, not including large feedlots with federal permits. 

The MPCA reviews the county programs and provides training. During 2013, delegated counties conducted 1,920 inspections for rule compliance or construction. About 90 percent of the feedlots inspected were reported to be in compliance with the rules. Permits issued by counties in 2013 included 119 construction and 95 interim, which cover a two-year period to correct a pollution issue. A tour of the Greg Sabolik dairy farm southwest of Alexandria showed improvements including a new barn with sand bedding, new parlor, and a two-stage manure storage basin. They milk 200 cows with room for 250, but an abundance of surrounding surface water limits expansion beyond that.

The MACFO annual meeting brought several changes to the board of directors: Doug Bos, Rock County, is the new president. Russ Hilbert, Kandiyohi County, succeeds Bos as treasurer. Dan Vermilyea, Steele County, continues on the board as past president. New regional representatives are: Southwest - Jake Grages, Jackson County, and southeast - Wade Schulz, Rice County.

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MPCA gears up to participate in variety of ag tradeshows

2014 pork congress

The MPCA is gearing up for participation in a variety of farm trade shows this fall and winter. Watershed and feedlot program staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about permitting and practices that support successful agricultural production and natural resource protection. If you plan to attend, be sure to visit our booth at these upcoming events:

  • Nov. 6: Agri-Growth Council, Minneapolis Convention Center.
  • Nov. 21-22: Farm Bureau, Doubletree Hotel, Bloomington.
  • Dec. 3-4: Dairy Expo, St. Cloud convention center.
  • Dec. 5-6: Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, Grand Casino-Hinkley.
  • Dec. 8: Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Doubletree Hotel, Bloomington.
  • Jan. 21-22: Pork Congress, Minneapolis Convention Center.
  • Jan. 29: Ag Expo, Verizon Center, Mankato. 

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Follow best practices for successful fall manure application

fall land app

Fall is a busy time for farmers, and not only for the harvest; for those with livestock it’s time to apply stored manure on harvested cropland. And just as important as it is to plant and harvest crops correctly, manure application requires proper techniques to get the most value as fertilizer and avoid runoff polluting waters. MPCA feedlot program officials encourage livestock farmers and manure applicators to check their equipment, review manure application rates, and be aware of nearby sensitive land and water features.

As with all aspects of farming, weather is a major factor. The MPCA advises listening to the weather forecast and avoid applications just prior to predicted rain. Reduce application rates if field and weather conditions are not ideal. More information is available on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) nutrient and manure management webpage: www.pca.state.mn.us/gp0r69c. Factsheet: Practices for successful fall livestock manure application.

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News briefs

dons cake

Hauge closing out career with county feedlot program

MPCA county feedlot program administrator Don Hauge is retiring Jan. 5. Don joined the MPCA staff in 1991 working in municipal wastewater compliance. In 1995 he moved to the feedlot program as rule coordinator. "Feedlot odor was the big issue at the time," Don says. Feedlot registration was a new idea, and the county grant program was in its infancy. "We have always characterized the relationship between the MPCA and the county program as being a partnership," Don says. "That has allowed the program to draw best on the strengths and commitments of the county feedlot officers. Many talented and dedicated people have entered public service through the feedlot program." Don says he has enjoyed his time at the MPCA. He has no immediate plans for the future other than traveling with his wife to a warmer, desert climate this winter. Photo: Don serves up cake during recognition at a feedlot staff meeting Oct. 29.

courtney ahlers-nelson

Ahlers-Nelson takes temporary post at EQB for pipeline project

Courtney Ahlers-Nelson is taking a one year leave of absence from the feedlot program and the MPCA to work for the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) on the issue of oil pipelines. Courtney will be the project manager for the Interagency Pipeline Coordination Team. The team of technical and leadership staff from EQB member agencies is preparing a report on the various activities of state agencies related to the planning, review, permitting, construction, and the ongoing maintenance, monitoring and emergency response aspects of large pipeline projects.

Malissa Fritz moves from Board of Animal Health communications to CHS

Malissa Fritz is leaving the communications director post at the Minnesota Board of Animal Health for a new position of director of issues management and leadership communications for  CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company. A graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural journalism, Fritz also farms near the Twin Cities with her family. For more information: Lani Jordan, (651) 355-4946, lani.jordan@chsinc.com.

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Livestock & Poultry Environmental News

LPE News logo

Livestock & Poultry Environmental News, October 2014
Webcast Series-October: Feed Nutrient Management Planner $. Nutrients in feed are the primary source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium imported to livestock and poultry farms. This month’s webcast will highlight a decision aid tool that follows the nutrients in feed all the way to the land application of manure for crop production. More...

Future topics:

November - winter manure spreading
December - youth programs for manure management education
January - mobile manure apps
If you have a suggestion for a topic or speaker, fill out the webcast suggestion form.
As always, you can check out the recordings of past webcast at our webcast archive and view the schedule at upcoming webcasts.

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U of M Beef Team cattle feeder days Dec. 9-11

The University of Minnesota Beef Team will hold Cattle Feeder Days Dec. 9-11 in Morris, Tracy, Luverne and Rochester. Team members Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo and Nicole Kenney Rambo will give presentations on Value of De-Oiled Distillers Grains in Feedlot Diets and Mineral Nutrition of Feedlot Cattle, respectively. Dr. Alvaro Garcia, of South Dakota State University, will talk about Seeking, Hiring and Retaining and Effective Labor Force in the Feedlot. Programs will be held at the following locations:

  • Dec. 9: Morris, 9:30 a.m., U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center; 46352 State Hwy 329.
  • Dec. 9: Tracy, 5:30 p.m., The Caboose; 1045 Craig Ave.
  • Dec. 10: Luverne, 5:30 p.m., Blue Mound Banquet Center; 401 W Hatting St.
  • Dec. 11: Rochester, 5:30 p.m., Heintz Center; 1926 Collegeview Road East.

The registration fee is $30 per person, with each additional person from the same farm or family at $15. A meal and educational materials are provided. Visit www.extension.umn/beef for more information or contact Nicole Kenney Rambo 320-235-0726 ext 2009 nmkenney@umn.edu. 

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In the news

Publication highlights research funded by Minnesota corn farmers
Minnesota Farm Guide, 10/23/14
Fall and winter manure spreading considerations
Fall newsletter, Wisconsin Discovery Farms
Agriculture, Interior Departments partner to measure conservation impacts on water quality
News release, 10/21/14
No agreement on Wabasha feedlot issue
Rochester Post-Bulletin, 10/22/14
13,000 pigs die in massive fire at Truman hog farm
Mankato Free Press, 10/26/14
USDA Farm Service Agency county committee elections begin Nov. 3
News release, 10/31/14

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Calendar

Nov. 6: Agri-Growth Council annual meeting, Minneapolis Convention Center.
Nov. 21-22: Minnesota Farm Bureau convention, Double Tree Hotel, Bloomington.
Nov. 21-23: Minnesota Farmers Union convention, Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis.
Dec. 2-4: Minnesota Dairy Expo, River's Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud.
Dec. 4-6: Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association convention, Grand Casino Hinckley.
Dec. 7-9: Soil and Water Conservation Districts' convention, Double Tree Hotel, Bloomington.
Jan. 9-10: Minnesota Organic Conference, River's Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud.
Jan. 28-29: Minnesota Ag Expo, Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato.
Jan. 21-22, 2015: Minnesota Pork Congress, Minneapolis Convention Center.
March 17-19, 2015: Midwest Poultry Federation convention, St. Paul RiverCentre.

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Send the news

The MPCA Feedlot Update welcomes news from partners about, projects, people, and upcoming events. Email submissions to forrest.peterson@state.mn.us. Past issues of Feedlot Update are available on the feedlot program publications webpage.