Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is commonly associated with greenhouses and vertical farming. However, the term “controlled environments in agriculture” covers a broader range of applications. A controlled environment can be an indoor facility, such as a dairy building or a greenhouse, where conditions like temperature, humidity, air quality, and light are managed. It can also be an outdoor setting, such as an agricultural field or a managed pasture, where factors like soil nutrients and perhaps even microclimate conditions (to some extent) are controlled. My integrated extension and research efforts focus on controlling environmental conditions in both indoor and outdoor agricultural facilities.
Energy-Efficient Ventilation Design for Dairy Buildings
Ventilation fans are commonly used to mitigate heat stress in cattle. Over the years, as livestock have been selectively bred for higher productivity and due to the direct impacts of climate change, the recommended ventilation rates for summer have increased significantly. In the 1990s, the recommended ventilation rates for mature cows were between 335 and 400 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per cow (MWPS-34, 1990). This number has increased more than threefold in the last 30 years, rising to 1,000-1,500 cfm per cow. However it is important to communicate that while increasing ventilation rates helps address heat stress, it also increases energy consumption, and the energy is typically derived from sources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions play a role in climate change, exacerbating heat stress conditions. This, in turn, creates a need for even more ventilation, leading to higher energy use and more emissions. To break this cycle, there is a need to find energy-efficient solutions by implementing smart ventilation designs. Climate-smart ventilation can be as simple as choosing the correct fan size, keeping ventilation fans clean, and adding baffles to enhance the overall effectiveness of the ventilation system. More information is available at:
- Ag Institute Dairy Topic Hub
- 2023 Badger Dairy Insights Webinar Series
- Midwest Farm Report Podcast series
- Southern Farm Network
Winter Ventilation Design for Calf Barns
Hutches are a common choice for housing calves. The use of individual hutches is beneficial in preventing the spread of diseases, particularly as young animals are highly vulnerable to infections. However, there are challenges in using hutches in cold climates, such as protecting calves from prevailing winds while ensuring good air quality inside. An alternative to this is indoor calf housing, where renovated old barns can be utilized, taking advantage of the existing structure. Adapting an old building to house calves involves several steps: 1) Evaluate the structural integrity of the barn, with a focus on the roof, walls, and flooring. 2) Remove stalls and create a detailed floor plan to determine the number of pens that can be installed. The minimum recommended pen size is 4 ft (W) × 7 or 8 ft (L). 3) Clean manure gutters thoroughly. Consider filling in the gutters to provide a uniform floor surface, which can be conveniently cleaned with a front-end loader. 4) Ensure good ventilation, which is crucial for calf health. Adequate air exchange is necessary to reduce humidity and pathogens while preventing drafts that could harm the calves. Positive-pressure ventilation tubes are often used in calf buildings. More information is available at Ag Institute Dairy Topic Hub
Nutrient Management Planning (available in both English and Spanish)
Livestock manure is a very valuable resource. However, the value varies depending on several factors: 1) initial N,P,K content and manure application method, 2) soil type and soil test results, 3) transportation costs, 4) nutrient requirements, yield goals, and harvest values of the crops. Web-based interactive calculators to estimate the value of solid and liquid manure are available in both English and Spanish at: solid, liquid, sólido, líquido. More information is available at the 2023 Manure Applicator’s Workbook
Another Controlled Environment- Rotationally Grazed Pastures
Pasture-based dairy farming is an economically competitive management system specifically for small-scale farms, offering benefits such as reduced labor requirements, lower facility investment costs, and a net income comparable to that of confinement dairy systems. In grazed pastures, a significant proportion of nitrogen (N) is recycled by inputs from grazing animals and through N fixation by legumes. This often leads to the assumption that there is no need for additional nutrient application. However, UW-Madison’s rotational grazing handbook A3529 recommends that all pastures with less than 40% legume content require N application for optimal growth. Adherence to this recommendation is essential, considering that in 2020, the NASS-USDA reported that Wisconsin’s forage inventory was at its lowest level in 70 years. While applying nutrients to a pasture, rather than a single application, having split nutrient applications reduce the risk of nutrient losses due to unexpected weather conditions to the minimum. It also minimizes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy pastures and increases the carbon sequestration potential, efforts that can be circled back to climate change and reducing the likelihood of having extreme weather events. More information will be available soon.
Climate Control in Aquaponic Greenhouses
Wisconsin is not only known as the nation’s Dairyland, but it also houses the nation’s largest aquaponic greenhouse. Aquaponic greenhouses are a type of controlled environment agriculture system that integrates aquaculture and hydroponic systems. In this system, fish are raised in pools, and the water from the fish pools is treated through a multi-step filtration system to remove impurities. The filtration process involves mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration to ensure the water is free of pathogens and allergens. Once the water has been treated and filtered, it is then circulated through the hydroponic system to provide nutrients to plants. This approach allows the nutrients in the water to be reused and recycled, reducing water usage and nutrient losses and creating a sustainable and efficient system. Aquaponic greenhouses often use natural ventilation supported with horizontal and vertical circulation fans to maintain an optimal growing temperature for plants. One of the most common natural ventilation systems is the Venlo ventilation design. It has a distinctive roof design with multiple sections of pitched roofs and roof vents. These vents allow control over the air entering and exiting the greenhouse. Additionally, the water in an aquaponic system acts as a thermal buffer and regulates temperature changes for crops. However, it is also important to consider the comfort of greenhouse workers. On hot days, measures might be necessary to mitigate heat stress experienced by the workers, ensuring a comfortable working environment alongside the effective growth of crops.
Efforts Beyond State Borders- Certified Livestock Manager Training
Certified Livestock Manager Training is a mandatory training for livestock producers in Illinois with more than 300 AUs. Akdeniz sub-contracts with the Illinois Department of Agriculture through University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to deliver both the in-person and online training. Every year we have 7-8 in person workshops and train more than 200 producers on the environmental impacts of livestock production. While each state has its unique set of rules and regulations regarding agricultural practices, many of the fundamental aspects of Nutrient Management Planning, Best Management Practices, and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) rules are commonly applicable in both states. Trained 192 managers in 2023, 7 in-person workshops are scheduled in 2024. Online Training is available year-round. More information is available at the CLMT website
Engagement with International Farmers
Akdeniz initiated an International Livestock Facilities Training Program several years ago. The photo shows a visit by producers from Kimura Farm in Aomori, Japan, in June 2023. These visits are aimed at gaining insights and learning about the latest advancements in livestock production in the U.S. This initiative highlights Japanese farmers’ dedication to ongoing learning and the enhancement of their agricultural practices. During these visits, there is a mutual exchange of ideas, emphasizing the importance of fostering a global agricultural community. This exchange not only enriches their own practices but also contributes to a broader dialogue and collaboration in agriculture, bridging gaps between different farming techniques and cultures.