05/19/09

Ask anyone who's grown up near a dairy or feedlot, and chances are good you'll hear comments about cattle manure and the odor it produces. Some people can't stand the smell, while other folks don't seem to mind it.

The University of Idaho is sponsoring a three day workshop on 'Western Odor and Air Quality.'

Gooding County Extension Educator Mario do Haro-Marti says, “Yes, we get some of our presenters, the best in the country around the U.S. We have people from UC-Davis, Purdue University, Washington State, University of Idaho.”

de Haro-Marti says the three day workshop relays the latest hard scientific data about measuring and reducing gas emissions like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, as well as particulate matter.

“We teach them today what technologies are to measure them on a scientific basis, and also what technologies or what practices are available to reduce those emissions or to mitigate them.”

de Haro-Marti says, it's up to the producers and lawmakers to determine how they'll use the information they learn in the workshop. The participants who are already registered for the workshop will also participate in a farm tour to see how a large scale dairy operation effectively manages its waste, along with a local compost business.

“There's a lot of misinformation around. So the people that we bring here are bringing the best information available today on air quality and air emissions.”