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Manure Management

The Upper Midwest experienced a number of severe injuries and fatalities in the last few years related to the management of manure from animal agriculture operations.

The potential hazards from manure have been known for decades, but as the industry changes and more comprehensive and complex manure management takes place. UMASH is involved with two emerging issues associated with manure: 1. Occupational risks and exposure for custom waste applicators and 2. Using manure solids as bedding on dairy farms investigating both animal and human health implications.

Custom Waste Applicator Survey

PROJECT LEADS

Melissa Wilson, PhD,
Assistant Professor, Extension Manure Specialist
Department of Soil, Water, and Climate
University of Minnesota

Chryseis Modderman,
Extension Educator, Crops – Manure Management
Regional Extension Office/Research and Outreach Center 4
University of Minnesota
Morris, MN

Erin Cortus, PhD,
Associate Professor, Ag Extension Engineer
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
University of Minnesota

Jeff Bender, DVM, MS,
Professor, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Director, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)
Adjunct Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Minnesota

Kevin Janni, PhD,
Professor, Extension Engineer
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
University of Minnesota

UMASH collaborated with Extension to develop and distribute a survey to the Minnesota Custom Waste Applicators. The survey focused on occupational and possible zoonotic risks due to the nature of the work. A manuscript of the survey is underway with the intention of publishing in 2020 or 2021. Educational resources are being considered with respect to the current safety and health concerns which can be used within the state wide workshops to build awareness and reinforce prevention.

Investigation of the Relationship between Method of Processing Recycled Manure Solids Bedding and Udder Health and Production on Midwest Dairy Farms

Project Leads:

Sandra Godden, DVM,
Professor, Extension Outreach
Department of Veterinary Population Medicine
University of Minnesota

Peter Raynor, PhD,
Professor
Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health
University of Minnesota

Randall Singer, DVM, PhD,
Professor
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
University of Minnesota

Brian Crooker, PhD,
Professor
Department of Animal Science
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences, University of Minnesota

Jeff Bender, DVM, MS,
Professor, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Director, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)
Adjunct Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Minnesota

Kevin Janni, PhD,
Professor, Extension Engineer
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
University of Minnesota

This research team initiated a multidisciplinary study to evaluate the udder health, air quality, and antimicrobial resistance in manure solids as well as the economic considerations for herds using different Recycled Milk Solids (RMS) processing methods.

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If you have questions, comments or you would like to connect with UMASH regarding this topic, please contact:
Carol Peterson ctrefry@umn.edu