Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Technical contact: Amy Ness, 218-825-3052 St. Paul, Minn. -- Talk about recycling, for thousands of years agriculture has made good use of livestock manure as fertilizer for crops. While the basic biological and organic processes have remained basically the same all those years, in modern times we've become a little more technologically advanced in how we handle livestock manure. You can find out just how advanced by attending the third biennial Midwest Manure Expo Thursday, Aug. 11, at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. The event goes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. "All of the newest technologies that preserve manure nutrients, enhance the profitability of manure application, and protect the environment will be featured," says David Schmidt, engineer in manure management systems with the University of Minnesota Extension Service and event coordinator. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be among a host of agencies and vendors offering information and field demonstrations on the latest technologies designed to make efficient use of manure and at the same time protect the environment. The MPCA administers state and federal rules governing the management of livestock waste, including application of manure on cropland. It provides information about setbacks and application rates established to protect waters from becoming polluted by manure. "We're excited about seeing this event take place in Minnesota," says Dave Wall, MPCA manure management expert. "There have been a lot of changes in recent years, both in regulatory and technological terms. We try to provide information and tools to help producers make the most efficient use of manure and in a manner that prevents it from contaminating our waters. When we're successful it's both an economic and environmental benefit." Field demonstrations will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., and 2 to 4 p.m. Educational programs will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a trade show with numerous equipment vendors runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there will be one-hour tours of the research center's manure treatment center and biofilter. Food and refreshments will be available from vendors. Main sponsors of the event include the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Custom Applicators Association, Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pork Board, MPCA and University of Wisconsin. For more information visit the Manure Handling Expo Web site at www.manure.umn.edu/fieldday05 .