This webinar examines the role of the environment in livestock disease risk and surveillance. Presentations will explore the association between manure handling activities and PRRSV outbreaks in wean-to-market swine, as well as the use of environmental sampling to better understand pathogen distribution on HPAIv-infected egg layer farms. Together, these studies highlight how environmental data can inform biosecurity practices, disease monitoring, and future research applications in livestock production systems. This presentation was originally broadcast on February 20, 2026. Continue reading “Pathogens Beyond the Animal: Environmental Drivers of Disease in Livestock Systems”
Clear Communication, Safer Operations: Why Multilingual Manure Management and Farm Safety Training Matters
This webinar discusses how prioritizing Spanish-language and culturally informed training, agricultural operations can improve clarity, strengthen worker confidence, enhance environmental stewardship, and foster a safer, more resilient workforce. This presentation was originally broadcast on January 23, 2026. Continue reading “Clear Communication, Safer Operations: Why Multilingual Manure Management and Farm Safety Training Matters”
A view from above – application of drones and remote sensing for air and water quality measures around livestock farms
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”
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”
Responding to PFAS on Dairy Farms in Maine
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent in the environment and in humans. While agriculture is not the source of PFAS, feed and animal production are potential transfer points. This webinar shares experiences from Maine, where PFAS was detected in soil, feed, milk, and meat and initiated a multi-pronged response and remediation approach from multiple agencies, on multiple farms. Our speakers will share the important distinctions between PFAS chemicals, short- and long-term ramifications for local farms, and remediation techniques – both implementation and research scale. This presentation was originally broadcast on December 13, 2024. Continue reading “Responding to PFAS on Dairy Farms in Maine”
Engaging Farm Safety and Manure Management: Innovative Teaching Methods in Action
The agricultural industry consistently has the highest risk for occupational injuries and fatalities. This session will share some proven techniques for making changes to farm safety practices and manure management that could positively impact generations to come. We will explore dynamic and interactive teaching methodologies that could be adapted for use in at your facility and in your training programs. These methods employ activity-based learning, where participants have the opportunity to learn, apply and discuss real-world scenarios in a safe environment. This presentation was originally broadcast on November 22, 2024. Continue reading “Engaging Farm Safety and Manure Management: Innovative Teaching Methods in Action”
Managing Dairy Manure for Increased Soil Health and Forage Production Sustainability
Manure is a valuable source of crop-essential nutrients that, when managed carefully, can help build soil organic matter, enhance nutrient cycling, and improve overall soil health and climate resilience over time. In 2022, a statewide on-farm research project was initiated in New York State to quantify the nitrogen (N) replacement value, corn silage or grain yield, and soil health enhancements of various manure sources. Between 2022 and 2023, eleven on-farm field trials were implemented. Yield data are being used to quantify differences in most economic N rate between manured and non-manured strips, and to quantify the yield impact of the manure applications. In 2024, eight additional trials were added using various manure sources. Results so far indicate that manure can offset N fertilizer needs and increase corn silage yield beyond its nutrient contributions, but impacts are field-specific, reflecting differences in field histories and growing conditions. Assessments of soil microbial biomass for sites in 2023 and 2024 reflected the manure history for trial locations and suggest that mid-season assessments may help identify where nitrogen fertilizer addition is beneficial for the crop and where not. Assessment of variability of different manure sources point to the importance of manure sampling and analyses. Preliminary results will be shared. This presentation was originally broadcast on October 18, 2024. Continue reading “Managing Dairy Manure for Increased Soil Health and Forage Production Sustainability”