Podcasts

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Talkin' Crap

This podcast is produced and hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach manure management specialist Dr. Dan Andersen. This podcast will feature information and interviews with individuals with expertise related to the science technology and best management practices surrounding manure management. Please subscribe to the Talkin' Crap podcast and stay tuned for new episodes. Follow us on Twitter @DrManure or check out our website at www.extension.iastate.edu/immag.

Latest Episode

What Should We Do with Biogas?

Dan Andersen discusses the management of biogas, particularly methane from manure, and its impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

April 21

Episodes

What Should We Do with Biogas?

Dan Andersen discusses the management of biogas, particularly methane from manure, and its impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

April 21

Circles on the Map: What GIS Tells Us About Manure and Cropland in Iowa

Dan Andersen is joined by Cain Bynum to discuss the spatial analysis of manure management in Iowa using GIS to align manure nutrients with crop demand.

March 17

From River to Tap: How Iowa Turns Water into Drinking Water

This month on Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen sits down with Christina Murphy, General Manager of West Des Moines Water Works, to discuss how urban drinking water is treated, monitored, and delivered safely to the public. They also explore the shared challenges faced by both agriculture and water utilities, from nutrient management to water quality pressures, and discuss collaborative steps to improve water quality.

February 17

From Uncertainty to Insight: Handling Manure Nitrogen Variability

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses the challenges and uncertainties in manure management related to the variability in manure nitrogen content.

January 20

Farm Gate to Field Edge: Tracking Nutrient Efficiency in Dairy Systems

In this episode, Dan Andersen sits down with Dr. Agustin Olivo from the University of Guelph to explore nutrient efficiency in dairy farming. Dr. Olivo highlights adaptive nitrogen management practices from New York. Tune in for practical insights on precision nutrient management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in dairy systems. Show Notes

December 16

Feed, Fields, and Footprints: Sustainability of Iowa's Feed Supply

In this episode, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the carbon intensity of Iowa's livestock feed supply chain. The discussion emphasizes the potential for reducing emissions through efficient farming practices and the future market opportunities for low-carbon feed. Show Notes

November 18

Inside the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative: Rethinking Nitrogen Rates

In this episode, Dan Andersen is joined by Mitch Baum to explore the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative - an effort to improve nitrogen management on farms. They delve into how on-farm nitrogen rate trials are being utilized to maximize nitrogen efficiency and introduce N-FACTS, a new tool designed to help farmers optimize nitrogen use for improved yields and environmental outcomes. Show Notes N-FACT Tool

October 14

Harvest Hazards: Manure Management and Farm Safety

Dan Andersen shares essential manure safety tips for Iowa’s fall harvest season, focusing on road safety, health and wellness, and confined space hazards. He emphasizes proper equipment lighting, rest and hydration, gas detection, and PPE to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety. Show resources: Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Monitoring Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure Agitation Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn Ventilation Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle Facilities

September 16

Foaming at the Pit: Causes, Consequences, and What We've Learned

Manure foam – what is it, why does it happen, and why should you care? In this episode, Dan Andersen breaks down the bubbling mystery of manure foam, the science, the risks, and the research. He also explores best practices to stay safe and informed based on years of research and forming instances across the Midwest, explores what is happening under your slotted floor, and what you can do about it. Show Notes

August 19

Available or Not: The Nitrogen Guessing Game in Manure Planning

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses nitrogen availability in livestock manure. He dives into PMR 1003, Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production, which estimates nitrogen availability and the need for updated research to reflect changing manure handling methods and storage practices. Show Notes PMR 1003 Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production

July 22

From Slurry to Science: Making Manure Data Work for You

In this episode, Dan Andersen dives into ManureDB, a tool from the University of Minnesota, which analyzes manure samples from across the United States. Dan discusses the nutrient composition of various manures, the impact of storage type and climate on nutrient concentrations, and the importance of manure sampling. Visit ManureDB at: http://manuredb.umn.edu/ Show notes can be found here

June 24

Revisiting the Yield Goal Method: Modern Insights on the Yield Goal Method

In this month’s episode, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the yield goal method for manure management in Iowa, which estimates nitrogen needs based on expected corn yield. They also look at the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, which is generating yield response curves to improve nitrogen management. The discussion highlights the need for updated nitrogen use factors and the impact of weather conditions on nitrogen availability and loss. CROP 3181: Pounds of Nitrogen per Bushel of Corn - Benchmarking Farms Against Local Averages CROP 3140: Use of Late-Spring Soil Nitrate Test in Iowa Corn Production

March 17

Spreading Success: Inside Iowa's Manure Industry

Dan Andersen and Tony Mensing dive deep into the Iowa commercial manure application industry, uncovering fascinating insights from a 2024 survey. They explore the key concerns facing the industry, including the high costs of equipment, labor challenges, and application capacity issues, and highlight the role of seasonal employees in ensuring smooth operations.

February 18

Timing is Everything: Reducing Methane Emissions with Manure Management

In this edition of Talkin’ Crap, Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea discuss how the frequency and timing of manure application can significantly impact methane emissions, with Jake's research showing that adjusting application timing can reduce emissions by up to 50%. They also explore the potential financial benefits of carbon credits. Methane Emissions Show Notes This material is based upon work supported by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under a federal award number NR233A750004G072. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture for those products or services.

January 21

Cold Weather, Hot Topics: Winter Manure Management

In this episode of Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the challenges and best practices for winter solid manure application. They highlight the risks associated with winter manure application, such as nutrient movement due to frozen or snow-covered ground, and the importance of following state regulations. Find show notes here.

December 17

To Heat or Not to Heat: The Anaerobic Digester Debate

Dan Andersen and Luke Soko discuss the potential of anaerobic digestion for manure management, focusing on whether to heat or not to heat digesters. Heating digesters can increase methane production but require insulation to mitigate heat loss. Find show notes here. This material is based upon work supported by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under a federal award number NR233A750004G072. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture for those products or services.

November 19

The Hidden Hazard: Hydrogen Sulfide Safety During Manure Agitation and Pumping

In this episode of Talkin' Crap, Dan Andersen and Brett Ramirez discuss the risks associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) during manure agitation and pumping. They highlight the importance of proper ventilation to prevent H2S exposure, which can be fatal to humans and animals. Find the show notes here. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has developed several publications addressing hydrogen sulfide safety, which are linked below. Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure Agitation Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Monitoring Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle Facilities Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn Ventilation

October 15

The Value of Manure Sampling

Join Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea as they discuss the importance of manure sampling for effective fertilizer use. They highlight different sampling methods for liquid, slurry, and solid manures, review the benefits of pre-sampling and sampling during application, and examine the economic value of manure tests. Find show materials here.

September 17

The Power of Manure Timing: Enhancing Nitrogen Efficiency

Dan Andersen is joined by Jake Willsea, a graduate student at Iowa State University, to discuss his research on in-season nitrogen application management using the 360 Rain irrigation machine. Jake analyzes long-term studies from the University of Minnesota and shares his findings about side-dress and fall nitrogen. Find show materials here.

August 23

The Future of On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses the future of anaerobic digestion, including influential policies and programs, and whether or not it may have a place on Iowa swine farms in the future. Talkin' Crap is one year old and we would greatly appreciate your feedback by completing a survey. The survey should take less than five minutes and will help us determine topics we cover in the future. Talkin' Crap Survey

June 27

Manure Madness

In the spirit of March Madness, Dan Andersen and Jake Willsea spend this episode analyzing common livestock manures found in Iowa and discuss the benefits of each type.

March 28

Manure Hydrology

In this episode, Dan Andersen looks beyond N and P and focuses on how soil properties and equipment choices impact the volume of manure that can be applied. Liquid Slurry Manure Movement in Soil

December 20

Anaerobic Digester Performance

Dan Andersen begins the episode with manure gases and road safety reminders for fall manure application. Later in the episode, Luke Soko, a graduate student at Iowa State University, joins Dan to discuss his research, which focuses on anaerobic digester performance between covered lagoons and heated digesters. Hydrogen sulfide safety publications mentioned in the podcast are linked below: Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Manure Agitation Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Monitoring Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Barn Ventilation at Cattle Facilities Hydrogen Sulfide Safety - Swine Barn Ventilation

October 4

Manure Systems and Carbon Footprints

Dan Andersen delves into carbon neutrality in livestock production, and the impact manure emissions have on a carbon-neutral system. He also looks at current practices, like anaerobic digestion, that are already being used to reduce methane emissions, as well as practices being considered for the future. Supporting materials for this podcast can be found here.

August 21

Manure and Spill Response in Iowa

In this episode, Dan Andersen discusses manure spills, including common causes of spills, how spills are contained, and use of technology to help prevent equipment failure. Dan also looks at the causes and timing of fish kills in Iowa, as well as the downward trend of livestock and manure-related fish kills. Find show materials here.

August 2

Circularity and Systems Thinking in Manure Management

Our first podcast examines the science, technology, and best management practices surrounding manure management. Dan Andersen, Rachel Kennedy, and Melissa McEnany discuss circularity and systems thinking in livestock and manure management. Find show materials here.

June 5