Tuesday August 23 Ag News

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR WILL FEATURE 4-H EXHIBITS, VIDEO WALL, FOOD SAMPLES

    Visitors to the 147th Nebraska State Fair – Aug. 26 to Sept. 5 in Grand Island – will celebrate the people, products and talent of Nebraska. The fair is a chance for about 144,000 Nebraska 4-H youth, representing all 93 counties, to share what they have learned and worked on throughout the year.

    "At the fair, we celebrate the success of thousands of youth who have learned and grown through 4-H," said Kathleen Lodl, associate dean of Nebraska Extension and 4-H program administrator. "It's also an opportunity for youth to discover areas they'd like to learn more about and meet other 4-H members with similar interests from across the state."

    Many of the 4-H projects will focus on the youth's year-long service to their communities, which is a staple of the organization. For example, Nebraska 4-H youth, families and volunteers were invited to participate in a statewide community service effort by creating and donating quilts to U.S. service members. Nebraska 4-H members and volunteers worked alone or in groups to make the quilts. The finished products could then be entered in the fair in the citizenship, quilt quest or design decisions project areas.

    During the fair, these quilts will be donated to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. To date, Quilts of Valor has donated more than 142,000 quilts. Nebraska 4-H will present the quilts at 10 a.m. Sept. 3 in the 4-H-FFA building.

    A new attraction debuting at this year's fair is the #NE4H video view wall. Located in the 4-H-FFA building, it features 12 large televisions that will showcase point-of-view videos taken by 4-H members.

    Visitors can download the Nebraska State Fair 4-H app to keep track of events, results and exhibit maps. The app can also be used to play the Seek and Scan game, which allows visitors to scan symbols on signs next to 36 static exhibits to unlock videos. 

    Beyond 4-H activities, Nebraskans will have opportunities to interact with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The university's Food Processing Center will have a food sampling display in the 4-H-FFA building. Many Nebraska favorites, along with newly introduced products, will be available for tasting. Products include salsa, pickles, soups, lemonade, seasoning blends, jellies, barbecue sauces, beef jerky, popcorn, sunflower seeds, marinades and more.

    "The Food Processing Center display is a must-stop destination for many fairgoers,” said Jill Gifford, manager of the center's National Food Entrepreneur Program. "Nebraska food companies provide samples to remind customers about their products and introduce new products to potential customers."

    Companies scheduled to participate include: Preferred Popcorn, Chapman; Hiland Dairy Co., Grand Island; Kiehl and Stroh Co., Hastings; Balabans, Henderson; Hill's Sunflower Seed Co., Lincoln; Holen One Farms, Loomis; Oxford Locker Inc., Oxford; and Country Rhoads, Superior.

    UNL Red Out Day at the state fair is Sept. 4. Fairgoers are encouraged to wear red and come to the Family Fun Zone Stage at 4 p.m. for a Husker pep rally. Fans can hear the beatboxing skills of DeWayne, cheer along with Husker cheerleaders and Lil' Red, and have the opportunity to win prizes. To follow the event on Twitter, use "#UNLREDOUT."

    For more information on the Nebraska State Fair, including schedules, visit http://4h.unl.edu or http://statefair.org.



LATE PLANTING ALTERNATIVES FOR FALL GRAZING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               August is ending; September beginning.  Pasture season is nearly over.  Or is it?

               Most areas have been blessed with summer precipitation and forecasts suggest it will continue into fall.  This is encouraging many folks to think about planting something for fall pasture.  Unfortunately , there is no magic bullet, or should I say magic plant, that can provide grazing instantly.  All plants need some time – as well as the right temperature, moisture, and nutrient conditions – to grow.

               Of all the options available, oats and annual ryegrass may have the best chance of producing enough growth yet this fall to pay for its planting.  Since turnip, forage rape, and radish seeds are relatively inexpensive, they also might work with a warm fall, but don’t count on it.

               Instead of trying to save hay by growing some fall pasture, you  are more likely to save more hay by planting winter rye or triticale for early spring pasture.  Depending on the number of acres you plant and what other spring grazing options you have, these winter small grains should help eliminate the last two to six weeks of hay feeding this winter. And, as an added benefit, they also get cows and new-born calves out onto clean, high quality pasture when their nutritional requirements are high enough to make good use of fresh pasture.

               If you still want to try something for this fall, plant a mix of thirty pounds of oats with sixty pounds of winter rye.  This mix should give you some fall grazing plus good spring forage as well.

               Waiting until September to plant usually gives only modest amounts of fall grazing.  And it always will be much less than plantings made in August – when they should be.



Green Plains to Buy 3 Abengoa Bioenergy Ethanol Plants

Omaha-based Green Plains Inc. announced Monday that it was the successful bidder on three ethanol plants for sale by Abengoa Bioenergy conducted under the provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

The company will purchase the Madison, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Indiana and York, Nebraska ethanol facilities, with combined annual production capacity of 236 million gallons per year, for $237 million in cash plus certain working capital adjustments.

Upon completion of the acquisitions, Green Plains will own and operate 17 dry mill ethanol facilities with combined production capacity of nearly 1.5 billion gallons per year.

"We continue to focus on making strategic investments in high quality assets as we expand our production footprint," said Todd Becker, president and CEO at Green Plains. "The Madison and Mount Vernon plants will give us access to the Mississippi River, supporting our new export terminal planned in Beaumont, Texas."

He added, "We will broaden our product offering globally with industrial alcohol production at the York plant. These acquisitions further our commitment to deliver long-term value for both Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Partners shareholders."

The company's acquisition agreements are subject to review and approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri at a hearing currently scheduled for Aug. 29. The acquisition are expected to be complete no later than Sept. 30, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, at which time the ethanol storage and transportation assets will be offered to Green Plains Partners.



Women’s Learning Circle Presents: Working with NRCS & FSA Programs

The Center for Rural Affairs will host the fourth in its series of learning circles of women farmers and landowners in eastern Nebraska to provide sustainable farming and conservation education and outreach. Working with NRCS and FSA Programs will be held at Common Good Farm near Raymond, Neb., on Sept. 10, 2016.

The circles are co-led by agricultural professionals at the Center for Rural Affairs and farmer-leaders. They provide education on successful and sustainable production in a changing climate.

"We encourage any woman who is interested in farming or already farming to participate,” commented Sandra Renner with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Our first three circles have been well attended and look forward to gathering together again to learn more from one another."

Renner added, “Whether beginning or established farmers, we have seen that women on farms largely share a commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Most raise a combination of specialty crops and small livestock, often with organic practices.”

According to the Center for Rural Affairs, learning circles are an important, innovative method for giving participants the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to enact change. In addition to learning from experts, our group will engage in peer-to-peer learning.  Women farming largely share a commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and the learning circle model supports engagement between women.

Participating women are considered the “experts” on their own production, farmland, and conservation needs, and are encouraged to speak about their own experiences and goals rather than passively listen to a professional in a traditional lecture format. This format builds knowledge, confidence, and community.

Event Details:
What:  Women Farmer and Landowner Learning Circles: Working with NRCS and FSA programs
When:  Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 - 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Where:  Common Good Farm, 17201 NW 40th St, Raymond, Neb., 68428
Topic:  Working with NRCS and FSA programs: Participants will tour Common Good Farm, a certified bio-dynamic farm and Nebraska’s oldest CSA, to learn more about how they’re using hoop houses to extend their growing season.  They’ll also hear from other farmers using NRCS and FSA programs, and how those might benefit their farm business.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided after the learning circle.

Since space is limited, interested participants are asked to register in advance by Sept. 7 to reserve a space. Contact Sandra Renner at sandrar@cfra.org or (402) 320-3444 to register or for more information about the event. Individuals interested can also RSVP to this event on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ruralaffairs/events).

Save the date for our last Women’s Learning Circle of 2016 to be held at the Women Food & Ag Network Annual Conference on Nov. 4-5, 2016 in Nebraska City, Neb., at Lied Lodge.  Stay tuned for details about special activities during the conference and offerings for learning circle participants.



Grassley Announces Judiciary Committee Hearing on Seed and Chemical Industry Consolidation

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today announced a hearing on the increasing consolidation within the seed and chemical industry.  The hearing will be held in late September. 

“The seed and chemical industries are critical to agriculture and the nation’s economy, and Iowans are concerned that this sudden consolidation in the industry could cause rising input costs in an already declining agriculture economy,” Grassley said.    

The hearing will focus on the transactions currently being reviewed by antitrust regulators, and the current trend in consolidation of the seed and chemical industries.

While details have not been finalized, views from the companies under review by antitrust regulators, consumers and antitrust experts will all be represented at the hearing.



Corn and Soybean Field Guides Now Combined for Farmer Convenience

Corn and soybean farmers, agronomists and crop scouts now only have to carry one reference guide to the field when identifying insects and diseases, staging crops or looking up production-related information. The Corn and Soybean Field Guide, produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, combines the Corn Field Guide 2nd Edition and the Soybean Field Guide 2nd Edition into one publication for a more efficient version.

“We combined the two publications to make it easier for those scouting the two most common crops grown in Iowa, and streamlined the integrated pest management resources that ISU Extension and Outreach offers,” said Daren Mueller, assistant professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology and Integrated Pest Management program coordinator.

The revised Corn and Soybean Field Guide includes updated text and 375 images, illustrations, diagrams and tables to assist farmers with identifying corn and soybean diseases, insects and disorders found throughout the Midwest. The 158-page field guide also focuses on development stages, pesticide decisions and production-related topics.

“A section on integrated pest management will help producers make scouting and fungicide, herbicide and insecticide decisions,” said Adam Sisson, extension specialist for the Integrated Pest Management Program at Iowa State University. “And for the first time, we have included information on newer soybean viruses to help producers when they scout their fields.”

The combined field guide maintains its pocket-sized stature at 3 3/4 inches by 6 inches, and is constructed of durable, weather-safe materials to withstand regular use in the field.

The Corn and Soybean Field Guide is available to purchase online at the Extension Store. The publication costs $15 and the printable download is available for $5. The field guide also can be purchased in boxed quantities of 25 at a reduced price of $10 per copy.



Wanted: Farmers to Test Online Iowa State University Conservation Cost Tool

Iowa State University researchers are seeking feedback from Iowa farmers willing to test an early online version of a tool to better understand the costs of implementing nutrient management and soil conservation practices.John Tyndall

The researchers are near completion of a beta version of the online tool to help articulate the cost of various best management practices designed to reduce nutrient and sediment loss.

John Tyndall, associate professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, says he hopes to glean insights from user interaction and feedback.

“Cost information is so crucial for decision making,” said Tyndall. “While developing this tool, it became very clear that up to date, scalable and transparent cost information for environmental Best Management Practices is scarce and in some cases, simply non-existent.”

Tyndall says that much of this work was initiated by Dr. Laura Christiansen as part of her PhD work at Iowa State and that it’s caught the interest of other states. “Other states with nutrient reduction strategies have been borrowing initial cost numbers from us,” he said.

 “We wanted to create a tool that mimics similar financial decision-support tools farmers are familiar with,” Tyndall said. “Comprehensive conservation cost tools like this haven’t existed before. This new tool covers most all reduction strategy BMPs and is designed to be updated and adjusted depending on scale of use and management characteristics.”

By providing farmers with information and decision reports similar to those available for other aspects of their production systems, Tyndall hopes that farmers find this tool useful for making the financial commitment to conservation.

He hopes the beta online tool also will provide insight on the types of production practices farmers commonly use. He will continue to refine the tool to ensure it is dynamic and up-to-date with cost trends.

The latest update to the decision tool includes the addition of management practices such as contour prairie strips and saturated buffer strips, all of which have demonstrated ability to reduce nutrient transport into waterways. The research is funded by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center.

Farmers who are interested in learning more about this decision support tool may contact Tyndall at jtyndall@iastate.edu. To learn more about Iowa Nutrient Research Center funded projects, visit the Iowa State exhibit at the Farm Progress Show near Boone Aug. 30 - Sept. 1. Many research results around best management practices will be on display and serve as topics for speakers. Find the Iowa State building at the corner of Central and Seventh Avenues on the Farm Progress Show grounds.

Research funded by Iowa Nutrient Research Center
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center has funded 31 research projects conducted by scientists at Iowa State, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa since its establishment in 2013 by the Iowa Board of Regents in response to legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Branstad.

The center, administered by Iowa State University, is meeting the need for continued research and innovation to address Iowa’s water quality concerns. It supports research to evaluate the performance of current and emerging nutrient management practices, providing recommendations on implementing the practices and developing new practices.

The center’s director is John Lawrence, associate dean for extension and outreach in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of ISU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Up 2 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2016 was 81.8 million head. This was up 2 percent from June 2015, and up 10 percent from June 2014. The breeding inventory, at 7.22 million head, was up 1 percent from a year ago and up 2 percent from 2014. Market hog inventory, at 74.6 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 11 percent from 2014. The semi-annual pig crop, at 74.3 million head, was up 1 percent from 2015 and up 11 percent from 2014. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.04 million head, up slightly from last year and up 3 percent from 2014.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2016 was 68.4 million head. This was up 2 percent from June 1, 2015 and up 1 percent from March 1, 2016. The breeding inventory, at 5.98 million head, was up 1 percent from last year, but down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 62.4 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 30.3 million head, was up 3 percent from 2015 and up 10 percent from 2014. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.90 million head, up 1 percent from 2015 and up 3 percent from 2014. 

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on July 1, 2016 was 13.5 million head. This was up 2 percent from July 1, 2015 and up 3 percent from July 1, 2014. The breeding inventory, at 1.24 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up 2 percent from 2014. Market hog inventory, at 12.2 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 4 percent from 2014. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.4 million head, was up 2 percent from 2015 and up 7 percent from 2014. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.27 million head, up slightly from last year and up 2 percent from 2014.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential hog supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on June 24, 2016. Canadian inventory numbers were previously released on August 18, 2016.



New Poll Shows Strong Support for Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement

A new poll from Morning Consult shows most voters favor fair trade - something all candidates should keep in mind as a congressional vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement comes closer to reality.

"Most Americans support free trade," American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, "and most farmers do, too. Exports account for almost a quarter of American farm receipts, so opposing fair trade agreements like TPP doesn't make a lot of sense to rural America."

Among other things, the August poll found:
-    Fifty-seven percent of registered voters have a favorable view of "fair trade."
-    Fifty percent said they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew it would provide new markets overseas for U.S. farm products.
-    After Americans were told TPP would increase net farm income by $4.4 billion and agricultural exports by $5.3 billion, 52 percent said they would be more likely to support TPP. More than half (51 percent) say an estimated increase of 40,100 jobs resulting from the agreement would make them more likely to support TPP.
-    Fifty-two percent of voters say they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew the deal would increase annual income in the U.S. by $131 billion.
-    Sixty-nine percent of voters support trade policies that will open new markets for U.S. products and U.S. farmers while less than one in 10 (8 percent) oppose.

"Most trade deals start out with loud opposition, only to fade away once the details become known," Duvall said. "We are convinced TPP is no different: The more people know, the more they will support this vitally important agreement."



CWT Assists with 152,000 Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted two requests for export assistance to sell 152,119 pounds (69 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from August-October 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 32.313 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 8.373 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 21.301 million pounds of whole milk powder to 21 countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 642.144 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long-term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



USDA to Purchase Surplus Cheese for Food Banks and Families in Need, Continue to Assist Dairy Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years. The purchase, valued at $20 million, will be provided to families in need across the country through USDA nutrition assistance programs, while assisting the stalled marketplace for dairy producers whose revenues have dropped 35 percent over the past two years.

"We understand that the nation's dairy producers are experiencing challenges due to market conditions and that food banks continue to see strong demand for assistance," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This commodity purchase is part of a robust, comprehensive safety net that will help reduce a cheese surplus that is at a 30-year high while, at the same time, moving a high-protein food to the tables of those most in need. USDA will continue to look for ways within its authorities to tackle food insecurity and provide for added stability in the marketplace."

USDA received requests from Congress, the National Farmers Union, the American Farm Bureau and the National Milk Producers Federation to make an immediate dairy purchase. Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 authorizes USDA to utilize fiscal year 2016 funds to purchase surplus food to benefit food banks and families in need through its nutrition assistance programs.

USDA also announced that it will extend the deadline for dairy producers to enroll in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy to Dec. 16, 2016, from the previous deadline of Sept. 30. This voluntary dairy safety net program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. A USDA web tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy producers to calculate levels of coverage available from MPP based on price projections.

On Aug. 4, USDA announced approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to U.S. dairy producers enrolled in MPP-Dairy, the largest payment since the program began in 2014.

"By supporting a strong farm safety net, expanding credit options and growing domestic and foreign markets, USDA is committed to helping America's dairy operations remain successful," said Vilsack.

While USDA projects dairy prices to increase throughout the rest of the year, many factors including low world market prices, increased milk supplies and inventories, and slower demand have contributed to the sluggish marketplace for dairy producers.

USDA will continue to monitor market conditions in the coming months and evaluate additional actions, if necessary, later this fall.



NMPF Statement on USDA Decision to Purchase Cheese to Help Dairy Farmers
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation

“We appreciate the prompt action taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture today to purchase $20 million worth of cheese products to donate to food assistance programs, following the request made to USDA by NMPF on August 12.

“This cheese purchase will provide some assistance to America’s dairy farmers through increased demand for their milk, while also serving the needs of Americans who patronize food banks and other charitable assistance organizations that will distribute the cheese purchased by USDA.

“We will continue to assess the economic situation facing dairy farmers, and suggest ways to help farmers endure this lengthy period of low prices.

“We also appreciate the USDA extending the sign-up deadline for enrollment decisions in the dairy Margin Protection Program. Giving farmers until December 16 to adjust their coverage levels for calendar year 2017 will help increase the opportunity for dairy farmers to utilize this crucial risk management tool.

“We will continue to work with USDA and Congress to find ways to further improve the Margin Protection Program for dairy farmers.”



 Environmental Groups Hamper Endangered Species Conservation

Today, the Center for Biological Diversity along with other radical environmental groups threatened to sue the Department of Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service to force action on 417 proposed listings under the Endangered Species Act, all stemming from a massive lawsuit settlement brokered behind closed doors and without stakeholders at the table.

Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Federal Lands, said the behavior of these groups has hampered species recovery by placing arbitrary listing-decision deadlines that leave no time for sound research and science-based decisions.

“This is precisely why the Endangered Species Act is broken,” said Lane. “Groups like the Center for Biological Diversity are attempting to force their agenda on FWS through litigation abuse. Substantive ESA reform is needed now to allow FWS the autonomy necessary to prioritize species conservation according to need, rather than political agenda.”

During the nearly 40 years since the ESA was passed, the Act has a recovery rate of less than two percent and has over 2,000 domestic species listed.

“Attention should be placed on creating real recovery goals and delisting species when they are no longer considered endangered, rather than overwhelming the agency with paperwork,” said Lane.



Deere Reports Lower Quarter Earnings

Net income attributable to Deere & Company was $488.8 million, or $1.55 per share, for the third quarter ended July 31, compared with $511.6 million, or $1.53 per share, for the same period last year. For the first nine months of the year, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $1.239 billion, or $3.91 per share, compared with $1.589 billion, or $4.67 per share, last year.

Worldwide net sales and revenues decreased 11 percent, to $6.724 billion, for the third quarter and declined 9 percent, to $20.124 billion, for nine months. Net sales of the equipment operations were $5.861 billion for the quarter and $17.737 billion for the first nine months, compared with $6.840 billion and $19.843 billion for the periods last year.

"John Deere's performance in the third quarter reflected the continuing impact of the global farm recession as well as difficult conditions in construction equipment markets," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. "All of Deere's businesses remained profitable with the Agriculture & Turf division reporting higher operating profit than last year. As in past quarters, our results benefited from the sound execution of our operating plans, the impact of a broad product portfolio, and our success keeping a tight rein on costs and assets."

Deere's equipment operations reported operating profit of $625 million for the quarter and $1.526 billion for nine months, compared with $601 million and $1.842 billion last year. The improvement for the quarter was primarily driven by price realization, lower production costs and a decrease in selling, administrative and general expenses, partially offset by reduced shipment volumes and the unfavorable effects of foreign-currency exchange.

Agriculture & Turf. Sales fell 11 percent for the quarter and 7 percent for nine months due largely to lower shipment volumes and the unfavorable effects of currency translation. These factors were partially offset by price realization.



Eliminate Odor & Toxic Gases at Animal Waste Lagoons

Odor and toxic gas problems at swine production farms are an old and persistent problem that effect surrounding areas. Some argue that there are health hazards, pollution problems and quality of life issues in the affected areas. The basic problem for the farmer is that they do not have a good method to add dissolved oxygen to the wastewater in the lagoons to eliminate the odor and toxic gases.

A good way to eliminate lagoon odor is to aerate the lagoon with our unique system and maintain the amount of dissolved oxygen in the waste lagoons at 1 to 2 ppm. This will give the beneficial bacteria enough oxygen to live and digest the waste in lieu of just going septic which is the cause of the odor and gas formation.

Using pump aerators that spray the waste water into the air are not very efficient and incur high energy and maintenance costs This technology only provides aeration within the spray circle about 18" deep. The deeper areas get very little dissolved oxygen. Toxic gases can layer into the solids and be released upon agitation. A normal waste lagoon system may require 5 to 10 spray aerators which can require a total 250 to 300 HP to operate the pumps, generally; the farmers cannot afford the energy costs to run these machines. In addition, maintenance of these units is expensive and time consuming. This method has no capacity to circulate the aerated water for enhanced bacterial digestion.

Some experts suggest that the industry install anaerobic lagoons to capture and use the methane gas the lagoons create. This is very expensive and requires maintenance to ensure the integrity of the lagoon seals. In addition, there may be a safety hazard by storing 3 or 4,000 cubic feet of explosive gas on the farm. The process of reusing this gas for fuel for heating is problematic as operators may not be eager to deal with the safety issues that arise in handling a highly explosive gas.

Most municipal wastewater plants use bottom mounted aerators/diffusers to provide adequate oxygen for bacterial respiration and good digestion of the organic waste. This solution is not practical for farmers as diffusers would quickly foul and become inefficient due to the high solids waste being treated.

Fortrans Inc offers a solution for providing cost effective aeration in animal waste lagoons by using the patented Dif-jet air injector that does not foul during operation in high solids water. The Dif-Jet systems are located out of the water so any maintenance is easy. Each Dif-Jet air injector in the system manifold can add from 1 to 2 pounds of dissolved oxygen per hour per horsepower to high solids wastewater depending on blower capacity/cfm of air delivered to the aeration manifold and the size of the air injector.

The Dif-Jet air injector system requires a low pressure blower usually 8 to 10 psi. and a heavy duty sewage pump to circulate the water through the aeration manifold where the non-fouling Dif-Jet mixes air into the water and then circulates the water in the lagoon to provide good mixing. The entire lagoon would then have the desired amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. The total HP required would be around 50 to 80 depending on capacity of the lagoon. The systems cost around $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the size of the blower and pump required to maintain the proper level of dissolved oxygen in the lagoon. See our website for more information: www.fortransinc.com.