Dried sewage sludge could solve the phosphorus question.

Sewage sludge could fertilize crops

Researchers in Madagascar think the environmental benefits 
of recycling phosphorus can’t be ignored

Researchers say they may have found another manure source that’s perfect for fertilizing crops — the catch is it’s of the human variety. In a recent article in the open-access journal Frontiers in Nutrition scientists from Madagascar’s University of Antananarivo investigated using thermally conditioned sewage sludge on crops. Thermal conditioning kills potentially harmful pathogens, leaving

Cattle and other animals alter antibiotics as they pass through their digestive systems.

Antibiotics manure risk requires a rethink

Manitoba researchers say previous studies ignore the interplay of animals’ digestive systems on the drugs

A University of Man­itoba research paper may upend the way environmental scientists consider the issue of residual antibiotics in manure. They’re a cause of concern because when they’re fed to animals, a lot of the antibiotics pass right through the animal and into the manure. Scientists have worried that could promote antibiotic resistance. “Often, 90 per


Manure management specialist Scott Dick was one of the industry partners recently recognized by the Manitoba Pork Council.

Manitoba Pork recognizes industry participants at AGM

Steve’s Livestock Transport and manure management specialist Scott Dick were singled out for 
ongoing contributions to pork sector’s success

Manitoba Pork Council (MPC) has recognized two industry partners who have contributed to the overall success of the pork business at its 2016 annual general meeting. The group presented awards to Steve’s Livestock Transport and Agra-Gold Consulting co-founder Scott Dick to recognize their ongoing commitment to the hog sector. Steve’s Livestock Transport was recognized for

Phosphorus-laden solids separated from hog manure in a storage shed on Lauren Wiebe’s farm near St. Malo.

Manure separation could be key to P accumulation issue

Removing phosphorus-rich solids from nitrogen-rich liquid allows both 
local use and economical transportation to other farms

A unique method of separating nutrients in hog manure, based on European technology, may give livestock producers another way to deal with excess soil phosphorus in southeastern Manitoba’s livestock alley. The method involves separating out the solids in manure from the liquid, using an automated conveyor belt system. Solids in hog manure are high in


harvesting silhouette

Mix it up for phosphorus’s sake

Some producers have found innovative ways to balance phosphorus levels, including land swapping

It’s time for producers to mix things up. Speaking at the annual Crop Connect conference in Winnipeg last week, Don Flaten said that mixed farming can help balance phosphorus levels in the province. “But I’m not saying everyone should have some cows, some pigs, a few chickens, forage and crops,” he said. “What I mean

Literature review for research on manured, tile-drained land being sought

Literature review for research on manured, tile-drained land being sought

Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative Inc. wants to see what scientists 
have already discovered and consider how it might fit under Manitoba conditions

Tile-drained fields can remove surplus subsurface moisture improving crop-growing conditions, but there’s also a risk after manure is applied that nutrients and pathogens could leave the field in that water. The Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative Inc. (MLMMI) wants to find out what scientists already know about mitigating nutrient losses in fields with controlled tile


“Nearly 33 per cent of the world’s arable land has been lost to erosion or pollution in the last 40 years.” – Duncan Cameron, University of Sheffield.

Developing a sustainable model for intensive agriculture

U.K. scientists warn on soil loss and call for biotech 
‘to wean crops off the artificial world we have created for them’

Speaking at the 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris on Dec. 2, experts from the University of Sheffield’s Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures revealed that nearly 33 per cent of the world’s arable land has been lost to erosion or pollution in the last 40 years and vital action must now be taken to

(Manitoba Co-operator file photo by Laura Rance)

Manitoba extends fertilizing deadline to Saturday

A warmer-than-usual November has allowed Manitoba’s conservation and water stewardship department to delay its winter fertilizing ban until Saturday (Nov. 14). With soil temperatures not yet at the freezing point, the province announced Monday it would extend its deadline for spreading of phosphorus and/or nitrogen, including synthetic fertilizers and/or manure, to Nov. 14 from Nov.


Grazier Neil Dennis indicates what he looks for in animal manure to help determine the health of pasture soil.

Clues to soil health lie in the patties

If you want a quick indicator of pasture soil health, just flip the flops. “When I am in my pastures I will flip the cow patties over and I want to see as many holes as I can because that is a sign of fertility,” Dave Pogson, a grazier from Clearwater told the recent Manitoba

Bruce Berry of Almost Urban Vegetables uses composted manure to power his plants.

Winter no barrier to composting

Manure composting has many benefits, including concentrated nutrients, 
reduced volume, no smell and easy transport

Like any recipe, making a good composted manure requires the right ingredients, a proper mixer and some heat. “There are a lot of misconceptions as to what composting actually is, some think that if you have a pile of manure it’s called composting, it really isn’t,” said Mario Tenuta. “So we want to talk to