Rick Koelsch - Professor of Biological Systems Engineering

Rick Koelsch - Professor of Biological Systems Engineering

Poultry Litter’s Agronomic and Natural Resource Benefits

Soils and data scientists reviewed the results from 90 research studies and 866 field observations comparing poultry litter with inorganic fertilizer. Their findings provide  several important insights to consider when using broiler litter in Nebraska. This article will attempt to answer:   What is poultry litter’s nutrient value?   Is there a yield benefit from poultry litter?  Which soils benefit most from poultry litter?   Is there value from sustained poultry litter use?

Many Nebraska farmers are experienced with using beef feedlot and swine manures as fertility products. Over the next few years, Nebraska crop farmers may have opportunities to consider using broiler poultry litter as a soil amendment and fertilizer. Other regions of the US have a history of using poultry litter in crop production from which we can take away a few lessons.

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Precision Manure Application on Display at Manure Expo

Precision manure application is an important trend in managing animal manures.
While the North American Manure Expo may not reach bucket level status for your vacation plans, for anyone replacing or upgrading equipment for managing manure, it is the place to be. One emerging theme common at this year’s Manure Expo was “Precision Manure”. This article will share a few observations around my conversations with vendors and manure applicators on “Precision Manure”.

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Sharing Animal Agriculture's Sustainability Story

Visual illustrating agriculture’s circular economy for managing C, N, and other nutrients.
Animal agriculture often endures criticism from neighbors and consumers relative to sustainability. But when it comes to management of carbon and nutrients, animal agriculture has a positive story to share. Many environmental and sustainability organizations promote the importance of a “circular economy” for increasing sustainability. Those engaged with Nebraska agriculture should help our neighbors and consumers recognize agriculture’s long term practice of implementing this circular economy. This article will help introduce agriculture’s circular economy for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and other nutrients and messages you might share with neighbors and consumers about the Nebraska Advantage for sustainability.

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Muddy Feedlot Surfaces: What Are My Options?

Muddy feedlot conditions common in Nebraska in 2019 lead to poor animal performance, some health issues, and increased odors as temperatures warm. What are your options for minimizing these challenges?
An undesirable combination of precipitation events and freeze/thaw cycles has contributed to some very muddy feedlot surfaces in the winter and spring of 2019 in Nebraska. Preventative design and management options exist for minimizing the occurrence and extent of muddy open feedlot conditions, but very few ‘fixes’ exist for addressing muddy conditions once they are in place. Additional information on your options follows...

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Disposal of Flood Soaked Grains and Forages

Flood damaged feeds present some unique challenges. Photo courtesy of John Wilson and Lee Valley, Inc.

Flood-soaked grain or hay is almost certain to be contaminated, making it unfit for use as food or feed.  This summary describes regulatory considerations and recommended actions for management of agricultural grains and forages deemed unusable for food or feed following flooding.

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