Lagoons and ponds are required storage facilities for large cattle operations. Their purpose is to collect watershed from the livestock areas and hold it until it can be properly dispersed according to nutrient management plans.

In an effort to reduce nutrient losses from manure applied to cropland, a number of best management practices have been created. They were crafted using the best available information at the time and, ever since, researchers continue to analyze if they are the best or if they could be better. Three soil scientists were at the North American Manure Expo in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, recently to share what they’ve learned about nitrification inhibitors, timing of manure application and type of application to better explain their roles in preventing the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Our family’s history starts with a pond on top of a hill. It was first dug by my great-grandfather, Claire Dennis, as a watering hole for cattle. He lived and milked there for two years without electricity. Because the milk carts, pulled by horses, would not make the climb, he had to haul his milk over a mile in metal cans every day.

The most important election of our lifetime is fast approaching. Some of us have made our decision and will punch the card for the candidates we have followed on the news networks. We have weighed the pros and cons and, based on what we have seen, are sure we have the right fellow.

The Earth recycles naturally. Plants give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Animals take up oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Animals eat plants, digest and deposit it as fiber, minerals and nutrients which the plants use to grow. Many examples exist in nature. However, when man steps into the relationship, even for good reason (food, clothing and shelter), he upsets the cycle. He does it knowing there will be consequences. In rural communities where livestock live, we have learned how to handle the huge amounts of “animal waste” that are produced by our cattle and hogs. Farmers have been recycling since Adam discovered that fertilizing his garden made things grow better. It is part of the cycle of nature.

Check out a sampling of some of the unique booth promotions and educational offerings at this year’s show. Free copies of business book ‘Great by Choice’ Stewart-Peterson Inc. (EH 1605, 1606) is offering copies of Jim Collins’ recent best-seller, “Great by Choice,” to dairy producers who want to broaden their thinking about doing business in uncertain times. The book tells the stories of companies who succeeded – or failed – in chaotic, uncertain environments. At the booth, the financial company will provide a summary of the book and draw parallels to how dairy producers can make good milk and feed pricing decisions despite uncertainty.