Darin Mann, of M&M Feedlot in Idaho, discusses his operation.
Manure from livestock operations can have a negative perception by the general public – it can smell, attract flies and, if not handled properly, can cause environmental concerns. But one family in Idaho is working hard to change that perception through environmental stewardship and an innovative approach to manure management, and by all accounts they are succeeding.
Moisture can be a real problem in freestalls bedded with manure solids. It aids the growth of bacteria, which can lead to herd health issues. Raking freestalls bedded with manure solids is a common practice to combat the moisture, but many times it just scratches the surface.
When the Whittle family in Volga, Iowa, began contemplating a switch to sand bedding, they knew their manure-handling system would also need an overhaul to make it an optimal change. The end result incorporated sand settling lanes and weep cells, something they had never seen done before.
The results are in from Progressive Dairyman's dairy reform poll.