Spring 1999
Help wanted on swine manure management decisions study
by Clare Hinrichs, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology
What do farmers have to say about developing useful and efficient manure management systems that meet the needs of farmers and the environment? Past research has examined what manure management practices farmers are using, but more detailed information is needed about why farmers are doing what they are doing. We are interested in learning how farm operation, characteristics and personal views on environment and technology influence producers’ manure management decisions on their farms. We are also interested in producers’ perceptions about current challenges and opportunities they face in light of emerging policy and economic developments in animal agriculture.
This
project is funded by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and
is jointly conducted by the Iowa State University Departments of Sociology
and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The study focuses on two
watersheds regions in Iowa—the Raccoon River and the Iowa River.
In each watershed region, we will interview about 15 swine producers.
We will visit with producers using each of the manure management systems
now most prevalent in Iowa (i.e. open lot, slurry storage, anaerobic lagoon,
deep-bedded hoop structure, and pasture). Better understanding of how
farmers in different farming systems view the place of manure—as
a waste or resource—and why they view it that way can help us move
beyond one-size-fits-all manure management solutions. Results from this
project will be used to improve design and implementation of manure management
systems that address farmers’ needs and also protect the environment.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact us by May 15, 1999. Inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Clare Hinrichs, Department of Sociology, 310 East Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 (515) 294-5154 or email: hinrichs@iastate.edu.
