In this webinar, we discuss how the use of plastics in agriculture contributes to soil contamination, microplastic pollution, and reduced long-term soil health. Single-use plastics like mulch films, bale wrap, and silage bags and covers can degrade into contaminants that can alter soil pH, disrupt microbial communities, and hinder plant growth. Additionally, plastic residues can leach hazardous chemicals, which could end up in the food chain. The panel addresses concerns about plastic use in agricultural settings, alternatives to traditional plastics, recycling agricultural plastics, and equipment design to handle agricultural plastics. This presentation was broadcast on August 21, 2026.
An application for continuing education credit for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) and members of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) will be submitted.
Panel Discussion – From Barn to Field: Plastic Pathways
All Speakers (1:00:31)
About the Speakers
Leslie Johnson, University of Nebraska
 |
| Leslie Johnson, University of Nebraska |
Leslie Johnson is the Animal Manure Management Extension Educator at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She does regular manure programming across the state of Nebraska and serves the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community in many ways. Additionally, she is actively engaged in her family’s farming operation in rural Wayne County. On their farm, they raise dryland row crops, alfalfa, and have a small cow-calf herd and a few chickens and ducks.
George Huber, University of Wisconsin
 |
| George Huber, University of Wisconsin |
George W. Huber is the Richard L. Antoine Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a leading researcher in sustainable plastics, renewable chemicals, and the circular bioeconomy. His research develops new biodegradable plastics and biobased materials designed to meet performance needs while reducing environmental impacts, alongside technologies for recycling and upcycling existing plastic waste. As founding Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Center for Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics (CUWP), he has led efforts to create scalable solutions for managing plastic waste and advancing sustainable materials. Professor Huber has published over 230 scientific papers, holds more than 30 patents, and has co-founded several companies to commercialize innovations in renewable chemicals, sustainable plastics, and waste valorization.
Loren Haselhorst, Christensen Family Farms
 |
| Loren Haselhorst, Christensen Family Farms |
Loren is an Agronomist with Christensen Family Farms. His focus on manure management, compliance, and record-keeping. He is a Certified Crop Advisor. Loren also has a grain and livestock operation with his family.
Bobbi Stromer, USDA ARS
 |
| Bobbi Stromer, USDA ARS |
Bobbi is a chemist with a decade of experience investigating how chemicals interact with surfaces. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska Kearney and a PhD from the University of Connecticut. She focuses on leveraging knowledge of chemicals and the environment to design impactful solutions.
Mindy Spiehs (moderator), USDA ARS
 |
| Mindy Spiehs, USDA ARS |
Mindy is a Research Animal Scientist evaluating effects of diet, housing, livestock bedding material, and other management factors on odor and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock waste and housing facilities.
More Resources on the Topic
- The Alarming Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on One Health and Interconnections with Food Producing Animals
- You Are What You Eat
Find out more about this webinar and future webinars by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC).
