The 2018 North American Manure Expo will be held Aug. 15-16 at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, S.D.

This national event, hosted by South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and partners, is an opportunity for livestock producers, professional manure applicators, consultants, specialists and many others to see advances in the manure management industry and to learn from the region's top experts regarding manure handling and nutrient management.

"There is a strong animal feeding industry both within the state of South Dakota as well as the region, and we expect to see continued growth in the dairy, swine, beef and poultry segments," said David Kringen, SDSU extension water resources field specialist. "Manure goes hand in hand with raising livestock, with both benefits and challenges. Environmental issues can arise when manure is not managed properly. As an SDSU Extension water resources field specialist, I was personally interested in bringing the expo to South Dakota to highlight the state's animal feeding industry's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, with emphasis on soil health, nutrient management and water quality."

Kringen added that, in the Midwest, there is an opportunity to bring manure full circle by applying manure nutrients to the crops grown to feed livestock.

"Keeping the nutrients in this cycle, where they are most valuable and less harmful to the environment, is really the educational focus of the expo," he said. "Manure management is continually evolving, with new equipment, treatment options and best management practices prescribed every year. As a fertilizer source, manure plays into precision farming decisions and data management as well."

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the two-day North American Manure Expo, where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in industry tours, educational presentations and a chance to view manure application equipment at work in the field.

Led by regional experts, researchers and educators, the educational sessions scheduled for the morning of day 2 will focus on manure basics, manure and the environment, manure on the job site and manure and soil health.

Planning partners for the expo include the following: SDSU Extension, SDSU College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences, North Dakota State University Extension, Centrol Crop Consulting, Nutrient Advisors, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Nebraska Extension and Iowa State University Extension.

For more information and to register for the expo, visit the North American Manure Expo website.