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”
The Role of Agriculture in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition: Sources, Impacts, and Management
Agriculture is the largest source of ammonia emissions and contributes to nitrogen deposition which can impact ecosystem health. This webinar introduces the topic of nitrogen deposition and provides an overview of the role of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) in determining nitrogen deposition sources. In addition, the speakers provide an overview of a region being impacted by agriculture related nitrogen deposition and discusses agricultural management practices that may reduce ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition. This presentation was originally broadcast on September 20, 2024. Continue reading “The Role of Agriculture in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition: Sources, Impacts, and Management”
Fifty Years of Environmental Progress for US Dairy Farms
Many changes have occurred in the technology, management, and resulting productivity and environmental impacts of United States dairy farms over the past 50 years. Based on research recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science, Dr. Al Rotz will discuss how changes in production have impacted 13 environmental metrics and where improvements can still be made in the future. This presentation was originally broadcast on August 16, 2024. Continue reading “Fifty Years of Environmental Progress for US Dairy Farms”
Optimizing Agricultural Practices: Balancing Manure Use and Minimizing Compaction
This webinar discusses why compaction is a cropping challenge, considers how the application of manure can lead to it, and the effects of manure on soil resiliency. This presentation was originally broadcast on April 19, 2024. Continue reading “Optimizing Agricultural Practices: Balancing Manure Use and Minimizing Compaction”