NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

February 11, 1999

Environmental Assurance Workshops Set for Hog Producers

Making better use of manure will be a key topic of two seminars scheduled for North Dakota pork producers.

The North Dakota State University Extension Service and the North Dakota Pork Producers Council will hold two environmental assurance workshops, one at the German-Hungarian Lodge in Dickinson on Monday, Feb. 22, and the second at Roby's Cafe in Valley City on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The workshops begin at 10:30 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. Educational materials will be provided by the council. Local sponsors will provide lunch.

"Initial results of a survey of livestock producers indicates that many producers are not giving enough credit for the nutrients contained in their manure," says NDSU Extension livestock waste specialist Scott Birchall. "Research from other states suggests that significant savings in fertilizer costs are possible by more accurately accounting for those nutrients. Regulations are also increasing the emphasis for on developing manure application plans.

Brad Espe and Gary Haberstroh of the North Dakota Department of Health will discuss regulations that affect pork producers. NDSU Extension swine specialist Tom Socha will outline options for odor control. Birchall will outline how to develop a manure application plan and will discuss options for composting manure and dead animals.

Bill Rosencrans, a pork producer from Hettinger and Western Region Chairman of the North Dakota Pork Producers Council, will talk about the importance of good community relations for hog producers.

For more information, contact Birchall at (701) 652-2951.

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Source: Scott Birchall (701) 652-2951

Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629