Aerial photos of farms and farming practices are becoming easier to find and collect. But drones and satellites can provide more than pretty pictures. In this webinar, the three speakers will share applications of drones and remote sensing for air and water quality measures around livestock farms. Dirk Charlson will share his simple approach to collecting drone imagery, and the range of opportunities for analyzing images and mapping practices. Nesli Akdeniz has collected air quality measures in pasture systems with drones. Finally, Becca Muenich has used remote sensing to examine land application practices. While it may seem like these applications are flying by faster than we can see, the speakers will help ground us with their experience. This presentation was originally broadcast on December 12, 2025. Continue reading “A view from above – application of drones and remote sensing for air and water quality measures around livestock farms”
A Systems-Approach to Understanding the Nutrient Cycle Across the Pork Ecosystem
This webinar explores how an integrated, systems-based understanding of the nutrient cycle can drive more sustainable pork production. By examining both feed utilization within the animal and nutrient management beyond the barn, the discussion connects nutritional strategies and manure treatment technologies as key components of the pork ecosystem. Presenters will highlight advances in precision feeding, enzyme use, and feed processing that improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, as well as research optimizing zinc inclusion to balance performance and sustainability. This presentation was originally broadcast on November 14, 2025. Continue reading “A Systems-Approach to Understanding the Nutrient Cycle Across the Pork Ecosystem”
Mortality Management – From Routine to Catastrophic
This webinar will explore how mortality is part of livestock production, whether in the day-to-day on the farm or after a catastrophic disease or environmental disaster. Handling and disposal of mortality in a safe and efficient manner is critical for continuity of operations. In this webinar, the presenters will present on studies evaluating different techniques of mortality management and the lessons learned from each study This presentation was originally broadcast on October 10, 2025. Continue reading “Mortality Management – From Routine to Catastrophic”
Rethinking Manure Management with 360Rain: Expanding Application Windows and Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency
This webinar will explore how the 360Rain autonomous irrigation system is being used as a new tool for manure management. By enabling in-season manure application, 360Rain opens opportunities to better match nitrogen availability with crop uptake, reduce manure storage time (and associated methane emissions), and even provide supplemental irrigation. This presentation was originally broadcast on September 26, 2025. Continue reading “Rethinking Manure Management with 360Rain: Expanding Application Windows and Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency”
Flies, Frass, Feces, and Fields
This webinar will examine how black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can transform food and agricultural waste into valuable products for both animal feed and soil health. Presenters will discuss large-scale BSFL production, the frass co-product, and how nutrient content can vary based on inputs and processing. This presentation was originally broadcast on August 15, 2025. Continue reading “Flies, Frass, Feces, and Fields”
Manure processing for discharge water quality – technical performance and county perspectives for advancing water quality
This webinar will examine the potential of advanced manure processing systems to treat manure to water quality standards suitable for discharge. It will feature insights from Dane County Land Conservation, including their objectives in supporting system installation, the ownership and operational structure, financial support mechanisms, observed outcomes, and future planning. This presentation was originally broadcast on June 20, 2025. Continue reading “Manure processing for discharge water quality – technical performance and county perspectives for advancing water quality”
A USDA multi-location project monitoring ammonia deposition near animal production sites
Animals excrete a lot of nitrogen as they grow with a large fraction escaping into the air as ammonia. What happens to that ammonia, and can we predict how that excess nitrogen might be beneficial to nearby crop production? This webinar will present pilot-scale research for manure and food waste treatment. This presentation was originally broadcast on May 16, 2025. Continue reading “A USDA multi-location project monitoring ammonia deposition near animal production sites”
Mobilizing Microbes in Treatment Processes
Microbes are abundant in manure and food waste. Harnessing and/or controlling microbial action in a treatment process is challenging – but some technologies are making headway. This webinar will present pilot-scale research for manure and food waste treatment. This presentation was originally broadcast on March 21, 2025. Continue reading “Mobilizing Microbes in Treatment Processes”
Moving Manure Research Forward Through the NRCS CIG Program
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is a federal grant program that is part of the USDA NRCS EQIP program. This talk will describe the most significant parts of the program, explain the program intent and eligibility, and outline important program requirements that are unique to CIG. The second part of the presentation will review several successful projects on equipment and practices for in-season nutrient management and nutrient recovery techniques. This presentation was originally broadcast on February 28, 2025. Continue reading “Moving Manure Research Forward Through the NRCS CIG Program”
Application of Manure on Growing Crops
Scheduling conflicts, equipment breakdowns, and wet field conditions can wreak havoc on spring manure application and planting schedules. This webinar will provide valuable insights into maximizing the efficiency and timing of manure application for growing crops, especially corn. By exploring innovative techniques for liquid manure application and the potential for in-season poultry litter application, participants will learn possible ways to navigate challenges in crop management while ensuring nutrient efficiency and maintaining crop yield and quality. This presentation was originally broadcast on January 17, 2025. Continue reading “Application of Manure on Growing Crops”