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News Release

2006 MWPS (Midwest Plans Service) free catalog
House Handbook, MWPS, now available
Horse Facility and Hoop Barn Publications and Information Available
Information on Manure Management Is Now Available
NDSU Nabs NASA Grant To Apply Satellite Images to Agriculture

NDSU Using Wireless Technology to Collect Data
New NDSU Web Site Contains Information on Ag & Biosystems Engineering
New Web Site Provides Extensive Information Related to Moisture in the Home
Sensor Can Provide Accuracy and Portability to Sugarbeet Producers

Biodiesel

NDSU Center Created for Renewable Fuels and Products
Biodiesel Can Work Well in Engines
Biodiesel Is Becoming A New Source of Energy
Biodiesel Helps Reduce Harmful Engine Emissions
Biodiesel Issues in Cold Weather
Biodiesel May Have Impact on Engine Warranties
Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Affects Lubrication

Energy
Fight Rising Home Heating Costs
Reduce Home Heating Costs
Study Space Heating Claims Carefully
Thermostat Setbacks Do Pay Off

Precision Ag & Machinery
Keeping Records Is Necessary Part of Machinery Maintenance

Precision Ag Technology Can Boost Management and Returns
Satellite Images of North Dakota Now Available
Soil Samples Are Key to Precision Farming
Storage for Machinery Is Well Worth the Cost, Ag Engineer Says Planting
Uniform Seeding Depth and Soil Moisture is Critical to Grain Yield

Safety
Anhydrous Ammonia Is Tough on Human Beings
Anhydrous Equipment Needs Frequent Safety Inspections
Carbon Monoxide Is a Silent Killer
Eliminate Fire Hazards Now, NDSU Safety Expert Recommends
Emergency Preparedness Is Essential
Every Farm Needs First Aid Kits, Safety Specialist Urges
Families Need Home Emergency Kits
Farms Need an Emergency Team
Farm Safety Tips
Farm Machinery Is No Place to Play
Fire Extinguishers Are A Necessity In The  Home
Move Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks Safely on the Road
Remember Safety When Tractor Shopping This Spring
Remember that Farm Equipment Is Intended To be Pulled By Tractors
Remove Grain from Bins with Care
Roaring Tractors Will Damage Your Hearing
Space Heaters Raise Safety Concerns
Stop, Look and Listen Still Works at Railroad Crossings, Safety Specialist Advises
The Rewards are Priceless for Farm Safety Efforts
Tips To Prevent Anhydrous Ammonia Theft

Use Care When Using Ladders
Walk Safely for Your Health

Pesticide Application and Storage
Ag Engineer Says Keep Pesticides On Target
Closed System Provides Safe Pesticide Handling

Experts Recommend Fungicide Application for Scab Suppression
Fight Scab Using Aerial Application
NDSU Offers Spray Nozzle Comparison Web Site
Never Store Pesticides in the House

New Nozzle Designs Reduce Drift, NDSU Ag Engineer Says

Crop Storage
Ag Engineer Offers Tips for Grain Storage and Drying During Winter and Spring
Barley Likely to Need Natural Air Drying
Cool Stored Grain To Prevent Damage

Corn Drying and Storage Advice
Corn Tips for November 2004
Drying Wheat During a Cool & Late Harvest

Grain Storage Management Action May Be Required

Keep Stored Grain Cool in Spring
Maintain Grain Quality in Storage, NDSU Ag Engineer Advises

NDSU Offers Tips for Storing This Year's Harvest
New Web Site on Grain Handling, Drying and Storage
Post-Harvest Tips for Late Maturing Corn

Producers Need Estimate of Corn Drying Costs
Revised Book Provides Design Guidance for Dry Grain Aeration Systems Concerns


Water Quality
Bacteriological Testing Laboratories

Be on the Lookout for Blue-Green Algae
Engineer Offers Tips to Prevent Frozen Septic Systems
Here's How to Interpret Annual Community Water Reports
Keeping Water Clean Everyone's Job
Lead Can Be Found in Drinking Water
Look For the WaterSense Label

North Dakota State Water Quality
Protecting ND Water from Pesticides
Protecting Groundwater through Farmstead Assessment
Septic Systems and High Water Tables
Septic Tanks Should be Cleaned Before Winter
Spring is Time to Protect Rural Drinking Water Quality
Watch For Water Quality Report
Water Essential for Cattle in High Heat
Water Quality Can Affect Livestock Weight Gain
Well Owners Need to Check for Arsenic

Irrigation & Septic Systems
Avoid Using Septic System Additives

Comprehensive Guide to Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Now Available
Drainage Around the Home Can Prevent Wet Basements
Engineer Offers Tips to Prevent Frozen Septic Systems
Irrigation Growth Requires Research and Monitoring To Protect Water
Now May Be Time to Pump Septic Tank
Septic Systems and High Water Tables

Home & Indoor Air Quality
A Dry Basement Keeps the Whole House Healthy
Allergies, Asthma Linked to Indoor Air Quality
Has Your Home been Tested for Radon?
Here's How to Save Water Pipes in Winter Power Outages

Is It Mold or Isn’t It?
NDSU Engineers Offer Tips on Weathering Power Outages
New NDSU Web Site Informs on the Structural and Environmental Aspects of Your Home

New Publication Provides Guidance on Keeping Your Home Healthy

Spray Coverage and Drift
Ag Spray Droplet Size Relates
Effect on Yield and Bottom Line Determines Spray Technique Success
Recommendations for Decreasing Spray Volumes and Drift
Tips for Spraying Fungicide to Control Scab


Horse Facility and Hoop Barn Publications and Information Available

MidWest Plan Service (MWPS), an outreach activity of 12 North Central Region Universities with headquarters at Iowa State University, is offering a Horse Facilities Handbook and six bulletins on the use of hoop barns for raising livestock, according to Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Service engineer and professor.

Topics in the Horse Facilities Handbook include site planning, stables, paddocks, outdoor facilities, arenas, training facilities, breeding facilities, environmental control, manure management, bulk feed and bedding storage, fencing, utilities, fire protection and emergency response planning.Also included is a quick-reference overview, as well as appendices on common fly species, general construction and wood preservatives.On orders received through December 15th, the Horse Facilities Handbook is available from MWPS for $25, plus shipping and handling.  After December 15th, the regular $35 price applies.  The book, as well as free MWPS catalogs and other MWPS materials, may be ordered online at www.mwpshq.org or by calling (800) 562-3618.  The six bulletins on hoop barns also can be obtained from the above contacts.  They are available for $5 each, plus shipping and handling, for $24 for the entire six-part series.  Each bulletin addresses hoop barns as a low-cost, efficient solution for raising a specific type of animal: swine (grow-finish, gestating, farrowing), cattle (dairy, beef), horses and sheep.  In addition, one bulletin explains the use of hoop barns for storage of machinery, bedding and feed.  All bulletins cover management techniques for hoop barns, economic considerations useful for design and layout, and cost comparisons of hoop barns with traditional buildings.Presentation visuals and some abstracts for about 50 presentations from a conference on hoop structures hosted by Iowa State University are on the Web site: http://www.abe.iastate.edu/abls/.MWPS is a university-based publishing cooperative dedicated to publishing and disseminating research-based, peer-reviewed, practical and affordable publications that support the outreach missions of the 12 North Central Region land-grant universities plus the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about MWPS or available publications, contact Ken Hellevang at (701) 231-7243 or kjh-eng@ndsuext.nodak.edu.


Corn Tips for November 2004

An article by Joe Lauer, University of Wisconsin corn agronomist, provides information on what happens when corn is left in the field over winter. For the years 2000 and 2001, the field loss ranged between 18 percent and 65 percent. The average corn moisture, based on data from 1992, 1993, 1994, 2000 and 2001, was about 27 percent in November. It stayed at 22 percent during December and January, then gradually dried to about 20 percent in February, 18 percent in March and 15 percent in April. In 2002, there was a great deal of corn in the field in the Devils Lake area at moisture levels in the upper 20 percent range at the beginning of November. By the end of November, the corn had dried to the lower 20 percent range. This would be about 5 percentage points in 30 days or about 0.15 percent per day. Based on the literature, little drying may be expected during November because the air is too cold to remove moisture rapidly.

Based on average North Dakota temperatures and relative humidity, the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of corn is 19 percent to 20 percent during November through March. Normally, corn will gradually dry to about 20 percent during the winter. The EMC for corn during average. April conditions is about 16 percent and for May is about 14 percent. Natural air and low-temperature drying with an airflow rate of at least 1 cubic foot of air per minute per bushel would be an option for spring drying of corn harvested at 21 percent moisture or less. The drying fan should be started in the spring when average temperatures rise above 40 degrees. Moisture meters will not give accurate readings for corn kernel temperatures below 40 degrees. To get an accurate reading, place the corn sample in a sealed container and allow it to warm to room temperature before taking the measurement. In addition, it is important to remember to make a temperature adjustment to the meter reading for kernel temperatures above 40 degrees. The adjustment may be 2.5 percent for corn near 40 degrees.  Read and follow the operator’s manual to obtain accurate readings. Snow is an excellent insulator. If snow covers a cornfield before the ground is frozen, the ground may not freeze very deep.  The average snowfall during the winter in Fargo is about 39 inches, with a water equivalent of 3.9 inches.  The effect of this snowfall on spring field conditions must be considered as producers make their decision.   Costs for high-temperature drying consist of primarily the propane and the capital or fixed cost. The estimated cost of propane is about 0.022 multiplied by the propane price per-gallon. For a cross-flow column dryer, the expected propane cost is about $0.025 per point of moisture per bushel for $1.10 propane, and $0.029 for $1.30 propane. The estimated cost of propane to dry corn from 25 percent to 15 percent using $1.30 propane would be 10 multiplied by $0.029, which equals 29 cents. The capital and fixed cost might be about 15 cents per bushel, so the total cost is 29 cents plus 15 cents or 34 cents per bushel.  The estimated time to dry in a high-temperature dryer is about 10 to15 minutes per point of moisture.   Test weight increase during drying in a high-temperature dryer is normally about 0.25 pounds per point of moisture. The increase is dependent on the amount of mechanical damage, dryer design and dryer temperature. The increase this year will probably be less than the quarter-pound per point.

More information, including a presentation on corn and soybean drying and storage, is available at  www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/postharvest.htm  


Drying Wheat During a Cool & Late Harvest

Adding supplemental heat generally is not recommended for most of the state, even with cooler temperatures. Adding heat will primarily change the final moisture content of the grain and only “slightly” increase the drying speed. Also, shutting fans off at night is not recommended.Air will be warmed by 4 to 5 degrees as it passes through the fan on a bin of wheat operating at a static pressure of 6 to 7 inches of water gage. During an “average” year, this heat added from the fan will likely contribute to over-drying the wheat. Wheat will dry to about 13.3% with air at 69°F and 60% relative humidity, which is the average for August across the state of North Dakota. When this air is heated 4 degrees by the fan, the wheat will dry to about 12.2%. After passing through the fan, the average August air entering the grain will be 73°F and 52% relative humidity. During an average year, it is very important to run the fan during the night when the relative humidity is higher to reduce the amount of over-drying.Wheat will dry to about 13.0% moisture during average statewide September weather conditions of 58°F and 65% relative humidity. The moisture content of the wheat would be 14.5% without the fan heat. However, the fan warming the air just 4 degrees, from 58 to 62°F, reduces the relative humidity from 65% to 56%. Therefore, even with the cooler and damper air, it is best to run the fan 24-hours per day. Supplemental heat is not generally needed even for the cooler damper conditions.Running the fan just during the warmer and drier portion of the day will cause the wheat to be over-dried and lengthen the drying time. The estimated drying time is 26 days to dry wheat from 18% to 13% using an airflow rate of 1.0 cfm/bu with September conditions of 58°F and 65% relative humidity. The air is 62°F and 56% relative humidity after being heated 4 degrees by the fan. It will take 47 days to dry the wheat if the fan is operated during the warmer 12 hours each day. In addition, the wheat will dry to about 11.5% moisture. The air will be about 64°F and 55% relative humidity during the warmer 12 hours of the day, and about 68°F and 48% relative humidity after being heated by the fan. If these conditions existed 24 hours per day, the drying time would be reduced to about 23.5 days. However, since the fan is only operated half time, it takes 47 days to complete the drying and the wheat is over-dried.Even for conditions that may occur in the northern part of the state in late September to early October, the air only needs to be warmed about 7°F to reduce the relative humidity from 70% at 50°F to the desired 57% at 57°F to dry the wheat to 13.5% moisture. Since the air is warmed about 4 degrees by the fan, only an additional 3 degrees needs to be provided by a supplemental heater. A rule-of-thumb on wheat is that 1 Kw of heater per horsepower of fan motor will warm the air about 5 degrees. Therefore, only about a 3 Kw heater is needed for a 5 hp fan to provide the desired amount of heat.The drying time will be longer at cooler temperatures, because the cooler air cannot hold as much moisture. It will take about 27 days to dry wheat from 17% to 12.2% with an average August air temperature of 69°F and an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm/bu. It will take about 32 days to dry wheat from 17 to 13.0% with an average September temperature of 58°F and the same airflow rate. The drying rate is directly proportional to the airflow rate. If it takes 21 days to dry 16% moisture wheat using an airflow rate of 1.0 cfm/bu., it will take 28 days with an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm/bu., and 42 days at 0.50 cfm/bu. The airflow rate must be increased to increase the drying speed. Adding heat to a bin will cause the wheat to be dried to a lower moisture content and increase the drying speed only a very little.Shut off the fans during foggy or rainy weather if it lasts for more than a few hours. Wheat at 15 to 16% moisture can be without airflow for a few days, but wheat at 18% moisture should not be without airflow for more than a day or two due to the potential for heating and spoilage.

The drying time and therefore the drying cost will be almost the same drying 17% moisture wheat and 15% using natural-air drying. This is because drying time decreases only slightly for lower initial moisture contents. The time to dry wheat to 13% moisture using an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm/bu. starting at 17% is 31 days, at 16% is 28 days, and at 15% is 27 days. This occurs because the air going through the wetter wheat removes more moisture than the same air going through drier wheat. Air going through 17% wheat will pick up 4 points of moisture, 17-13, while air going through 15% wheat only picks up 2 points, 15-13. Therefore, there is no advantage in waiting for 17% wheat to dry to 15% moisture in the field.


Post-Harvest Tips for Late Maturing Corn

Yield potential for corn frozen during the milk stage is low. Ears are difficult to pick and shell, kernel tips may stay on the cobs, and grain will be very chaffy. Therefore, green chopping or ensiling whole plants may be the only reasonable options. Corn silage should be harvested at 60 to 70% moisture. The length of cut should be about 0.5 inch long with not more than 10 to 15% being 1 inch or longer. A bunker or horizontal silo should be crowned in the center, have a wall slope of 1:6 to 1:8, and be covered with 6 mil polyethylene. To be effective the plastic must be held down over its entire area. Temperatures above 120 degrees after 4 days indicates that excess air is getting into the silage.Test weights will be much less, probably 40 to 45 lb/bu., for corn frozen in the dough stage. Although corn will eventually dry to an acceptable harvest moisture, it will take at least a week longer than mature grain. During the extended drying period, field losses due to stalk breakage and ear dropping will increase. Ear molds will likely develop if warm ambient temperatures follow the frost. The only means of stopping mold growth are drying the grain or ensiling.Standing corn in the field may dry 0.75 to 1.0 percentage point per day during warm, dry fall days with a breeze. Normally about one-half percent per day is expected in North Dakota. Immature, frosted corn can mold on the stalk.A hard freeze in the dent stage will result in shriveled kernels with lower test weight.Shelled corn can be stored in a grain bin at moisture contents up to about 25% if it is kept below 30 degrees using aeration. Shelled corn should be at 25 to 30% moisture for anaerobic (without oxygen) high moisture storage in silos or silo bags. Any tears in the plastic bag must be promptly repaired to minimize storage losses. Whole shelled corn can be stored in oxygen-limiting silos, but a medium grind is needed for proper packing in horizontal or conventional upright silos. Wet grain exerts more pressure on the silo than corn silage, so conventional concrete stave silos may require additional hoops or the silo must not be completely filled.The desired moisture content for safe cribbing of ear corn is 20% or less. Late in the season when temperatures are consistently near or below freezing, ear corn can be cribbed at moisture contents of 22 to 25%. Crib width of 6 to 9 feet can be used for 20% moisture or less and widths of 4 to 5 feet for 20 to 25% moisture corn. The importance of clean husking cannot be over-emphasized, since the husks greatly reduce airflow through the crib. Locate corncribs away from buildings in a well-drained area oriented with the side facing the prevailing wind.Dryers will be operated more hours than usual, so examine them carefully and perform needed maintenance before harvest. Use the maximum allowable drying temperature in a high temperature dryer to increase dryer capacity and energy efficiency. Be aware that high drying temperatures result in a lower final test weight and increased breakage susceptibility. Use in-storage cooling instead of in-dryer cooling to reduce fuel use and boost capacity of high-temperature dryers. Cooling corn slowly in a bin rather than in the high temperature dryer will also reduce the potential for stress cracks in the kernels.As the drying time increases with high moisture corn, it becomes more susceptible to browning. Research indicates that exposure to drying air temperatures above 200 degrees for time periods in excess of 2 hours will likely result in some degree of browning. For corn above 30% moisture, browning is likely to occur. Dryer temperatures may need to be limited to less than 160 degrees to prevent scorching or browning.In-storage cooling requires a positive-pressure, aeration, airflow rate of about 0.20 cfm/bu or 12 cfm/bu-hr of fill rate. Cooling should be started immediately when corn is placed in the bin from the dryer. Dryer capacity is increased 20 to 40% and about one percentage point of moisture is removed during corn cooling. Dryeration will increase the dryer capacity about 50 to 75% and remove about 2 to 2.5 points of moisture. (0.25% for each 10 degrees the corn is cooled.) With dryeration, hot corn from the dryer is placed in a dryeration bin with a perforated floor, allowed to steep for 4 to 6 hours without airflow, cooled, and then moved to a storage bin. There will be a tremendous amount of condensation during the steeping and cooling process, so the corn must be moved to a different bin for storage or spoilage will occur along the bin wall and on the top grain surface.Combination drying greatly increases the drying capacity of a high temperature dryer, saves gas, and improves corn quality. Combination drying is the process of using a high temperature dryer to dry the corn to about 20 to 22% moisture, placing the corn hot in a natural air drying bin, and then completing drying with an airflow rate of at least 1.0 cfm/bu.Natural air and low temperature drying should be completed as much as possible in October because the drying capacity is extremely poor during the colder temperatures in November. Corn above 21% moisture should not be dried using natural air and low temperature drying to minimize corn spoilage during drying. An airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu is recommended to reduce drying time. Adding heat does not permit drying wetter corn and only slightly increases drying speed. The primary effect of adding heat is to reduce the corn moisture content.Energy cost for high temperature drying corn will be about  $0.016 per bushel per point of moisture removed using $0.70 per gallon propane, $0.020 for $0.90 propane, $0.025 for $1.10 propane, and $0.029 for $1.30 propane. Total drying cost includes capital and fixed costs such as depreciation, repairs, insurance, and etc. This cost will vary depending on dryer cost and the amount of grain dried. This might be $0.10 to $0.15 per bushel. It costs about $8.00 for energy to remove 5 percentage points of moisture from 100 bushels of corn using $0.70 propane. This is equivalent to a field loss of 3.5 bushels if corn is $2.25 per bushel.Moisture shrink is the reduction in weight as the grain is dried one percentage point. Moisture Shrink Factor = 100 ¸ (100 – final moisture content). The shrink factor drying corn to 15.5% is 1.1834. The shrink drying corn from 20.5 to 15.5 would be 5 x 1.1834 = 5.92%.Moisture meters will not provide accurate readings on corn coming from a high temperature dryer. The error will vary depending on the amount of moisture removed and the drying temperature, but the meter reading may be about 2% lower than true moisture. Check the moisture of a sample, place the sample in a closed container for about 12 hours, and then check the moisture content again to determine the amount of error. Moisture meter errors increase as corn moisture contents increase, so readings above 25% should only be considered estimates.A few wet loads can lead to spoilage in storage or in natural air & low temperature drying bins. Measure the moisture of every load going into and out of a dryer and into storage.Normally, corn test weight increases about 0.25 pound for each point of moisture removal during high temperature drying. However, there will be little increase in test weight on immature or frost-damaged corn.More fines are produced when corn is wet, because more aggressive shelling is required, which causes more kernel cracking and breaking. There is also more potential for stress cracks in kernels during drying, which leads to more breakage potential during handling. In addition, immature corn contains more small and shriveled kernels.  Fines cause storage problems because they spoil faster than whole kernels, they have high airflow resistance, and they accumulate in high concentrations under the fill hole unless a spreader or distributor is used. Preferably, the corn should be screen-cleaned before binning to remove fine material, cob pieces, and broken kernels.

Immature corn has a shorter storage life than mature corn. Therefore, cooling the grain in storage to about 20 to 25 degrees for winter storage is more important than for mature corn. More frequent checking of the storage is recommended, and immature corn is not recommended for long-term storage. Corn kernels above about 25% moisture may freeze into a clump that causes unloading problems.


Space Heaters Raise Safety Concern

Some homeowners are pulling out their space heaters in anticipation of cooler temperatures this fall and winter.  "People need to be careful because space heaters can be dangerous," according to George Maher, agricultural safety specialist for the North Dakota State University Extension Service.  "Not being careful can have tragic results." Every space heater that burns a fuel requires an adequate supply of combustion air.  Oxygen is always consumed when any fuel is burned.  "It is usually very difficult to supply enough fresh, oxygen-laden air for a space heater without losing the heat that is produced," Maher says.  "Most home today have been sealed and caulked up too tightly to allow enough fresh air to infiltrate.  Not everyone can depend on air that seeps in through windows and doors for the safe use of a space heater." Carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless, colorless gas, is also produced whenever a fuel is burned.  Always have a carbon monoxide detector in place when a space heater is used.The process of refueling space heaters is dangerous, too.  All space heaters should be shut off and allowed to cool before refilling with fuel, Maher says.  Even propane space heaters should always be turned off and allowed to cool before fuel containers are replaced.  A glowing hot element in the heater will easily ignite propane vapors.   There is no safe way to pour kerosene into the tank of a space heater while it is operating.  Just a small splash f kerosene on the hot heater will instantly cause a serious fire.Most space heaters are taller than they are wide, making them easy to tip over.  Kerosene-fueled space heaters will spill their fuel and cause a fire.  Tipped propane tanks will not spill, but the surging propane can cause a dangerous and sudden flair-up which could ignite near-by combustibles.  Always locate space heaters away from traffic patterns where they are likely to be knocked over.

Electric space heaters can also be dangerous, according to Maher. "A safe product design will not allow the hot electrical element to come in contact with combustible materials when the heater is tipped over.  Newer units have an automatic shut-off feature to prevent problems.   When the space heater is old and used past its time, there is also the possibility of electric shock.  Some electric space heaters can cause accidental burns when touched because they may have surfaces that get very hot."Most space heaters have hot outside surfaces which can be dangerous for toddlers and youngsters who do not really understand "hot" and "don't touch."  Heaters also pose a threat with combustible materials in the home.  They should never be very close to the heater.

"Some consumers believe it is cheaper to use a space heater for warming a chilly room, when actually a few, very low-cost, home improvements could be the solution," Maher says.  "Improving the weather-stripping around windows and doors should be considered before using a space heater.  Windows should be covered with plastic film.  Even temporary weather-stripping can make a noticeable difference.  However, if a space heater must be used, be sure to read and follow the instructions and keep the fire department phone umber handy.  Always practice safety to avoid burns, fires and possibly the loss of a home."


Farms Need an Emergency Team

 "Help, help!  Dad's caught in the auger!" can be the most chilling and unnerving cry to be heard on a farm, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural safety specialist.In 1994, North Dakota farmers and farm workers suffered more than 1,300 farm injuries that were treated at a medical facility.  Of those injuries, 440 were musculo-skeletal injuries, and 69 of the victims spent at least one day in a hospital."Producers should be prepared because an injury can occur on their farms," Maher says.  "Every farm should have at least two people that are trained in first aid and CPR.  Family members who are trained in first aid and CPR can improve the victim's chances of survival and speed the recovery.  Recovery from an agricultural injury can be much easier if quality treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible in the first hour after the accident."The first hour, also known as the golden hour, is quality time for first aid.  "It is usually hard to think that a serious injury can happen on your farm, but it is even more agonizing to realize that 'I didn't know what to do,' or 'I didn't want to do the wrong thing, so I didn't do anything,'" Maher says.  "This does not help the victim and really adds to the risk of the victim not surviving."When a course in first aid and CPR is offered locally, several family members should take it.  In most areas of North Dakota, it takes significant time for the rescue squad to get to the farm, Maher says.  Treatment administered during that time can improve the chances of survival and speed the recovery time.  

First aid and CPR courses are offered frequently across the state.  Check local newspapers or ask local rescue personnel about such courses.  Most courses are offered at little cost or are free.  "It is an excellent opportunity to gain those needed skills," Maher says.  "Even if you took a course several years ago, you still need the latest training.  It's important because a family member may someday need your help."



New Nozzle Designs Reduce Drift, NDSU Ag Engineer Says

Pesticide spray drift may reduce pesticide effectiveness, cause damage to surrounding crops and trees, and waste money.  According to a North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer, an unintended application to trees and other native vegetation can have a devastating effect.   "An important threat from spray drift is the potential damage to other crops," says Vern Hofman.  "Keeping pesticide applications on target is important to have the maximum impact on weeds, insects and diseases while minimizing costs." New nozzles produce larger drops which can significantly reduce drift, says Hofman.  Howeever, the effectiveness of the application may be reduced as large drops may not provide sufficient coverage for contact type herbicides.  "One nozzle will seldom be the best choice for all applications," Hofman says. According to Hofman, drift-reducing nozzles are recommended for use with pre-emerge and systemic pesticides.  The extended range flat fan nozzle was the first of its kind.  This nozzle can operate at pressures as low as 15 pounds per square inch (psi) and maintain a uniform pattern.  It can also operate at 40 to 50 psi, but will produce a considerable amount of fine drops.  At lower pressures it will produce a medium to coarse spray drop. Another drift-reducing nozzle is the pre-orifice flat fan nozzle.  This nozzle contains a metering orifice ahead of the flat fan nozzle, allowing for a pressure reducing chamber in the orifice, Hofman says.  The lower pressure produces larger spray crops and less fine drops.  The pre-orifice nozzle usually produces a medium to coarse drop size.  However, the spray coverage from this nozzle may be slightly less than an extended range flat fan nozzle. The turbo teejet nozzle contains a pressure-reducing chamber and produces medium to coarse drops similar in size to the pre-orifice flat fan.  "The number of fine drops produced is less than what the extended range flat fan nozzles produces at 40 psi, but still provides good spray coverage of the target," Hofman says.The newest drift-reducing nozzles is an air induction nozzle.  This nozzle produces a coarse to a very coarse drop with few fine drops.  This nozzle is very good at reducing fine drops compared to the extended range flat fan, Hofman says.  The nozzle contains an internal metering orifice, an outer nozzle to produce the spray pattern and an air inlet to meter in air.  Air is pulled into the nozzle, mixes with the spray and forms air-entrained drops.  Most of these nozzles are designed to operate at pressures above 40 psi while providing excellent drift reduction."Canadian research is showing that air induction spray nozzles are able to reduce spray drift similar to a shielded spray boo," Hofman says.  "But, it must be emphasized that these nozzles do an excellent job of reducing drift, they do not eliminate all drift.  Caution must b used when spraying upwind of susceptible crops."

"Considerable advancements have been made in spray nozzle design," Hofman says.  "New nozzles are available to reduce drift and applicators should investigate what's available and how they might fit into their spraying operation."


Engineer Offers Tips to Prevent Frozen Septic Systems

Little snow cover, dry soil conditions and very cold temperatures can lead to freezing problems in septic systems, but an agricultural engineer at North Dakota State University says problems can be prevented by taking some precautions now."Last winter many people had problems with frozen septic systems.  In addition, many shallow water and sewer pipes also experienced freezing problems," says Tom Scherer of the NDSU Extension Service.  "The lack of snow cover, dry soil conditions and very cold air temperatures over an extended period of time caused these problems.  This winter we could see similar weather conditions."Fresh snow is an excellent insulator, Scherer notes.  "Ten inches of fresh fluffy snow containing about 7% water is approximately equal to a six-inch layer of fiberglass insulation with a R-value of R-18.  Of course, the insulating capacity of snow will decrease as it becomes compacted, but any accumulation over 12 inches will provide significant frost protection."However, problems can occur when there is very little snow to cover bare soil or mown areas.  Under those conditions, frost will penetrate deep into the ground."Frozen septic system problems can be avoided by making some preparations before the cold weather and snow arrive," Scherer says.

A typical septic system has four main parts where freezing problems can occur:

The pipe from the house to the septic tank.
The septic tank and for some septic systems, a pump lift station.
The pipe from the septic tank to the soil treatment system.
The soil treatment system.

"A common problem area is the pipe from the house to the septic system where it exits the basement wall.  Often the wind keeps snow from accumulating right next to the house on the north and west sides of buildings, allowing frost to penetrate deeper in that area," Scherer says.  "Low flow from dripping faucets, high efficiency furnaces and leaking toilets will slowly freeze where the pipe leaves the basement wall until it blocks the pipe."If you have experienced this problem, first fix any leaky fixtures in the house.  Next, place some type of mulch (hay, straw, bags of leaves, etc.) at least a foot thick and at least 5 feet wide over the exit point, shovel snow over the area or place a snow fence in the are to trap snow.  Scherer notes that water holds a great deal of heat and with daily use, septic tanks rarely freeze, even in the coldest weather.  However, when the house is vacant for a week or more, water does not enter the tank to keep it warm and it may freeze."If you have a septic system that is used infrequently during the winter, protect the system from freezing by placing a layer of mulch at least a foot deep over the tank and extend it at least 5 feet past the edges of the tank.  Using a snow fence to trop snow over the tank will also help," he says.The pipe from the septic tank to the soil treatment area is subject to the same problems as the pipe from the house to the septic tank.  If problems have occurred in the past, fix leaky fixtures and place mulch above the pipe to prevent them from occurring again.Improper slop and/or slumping of the pipe due to soil settling or vehicle traffic may also cause problems.  Often, the pipe slumps right next to the septic tank due to soil settling around the tank after construction.The soil treatment system (often called the drainfield) is subject to freezing if the area above it is always wet and soggy, Scherer says.  This condition indicates that the effluent is not infiltrating properly and there may be other problems with the drainfield.  If your drainfield is soggy or wet, now is the time to bring in a septic system installer for a professional examination.  "The solution may be simple and inexpensive, or it could be complicated and require extensive renovation of the drainfield," he says.A new drainfield without a grass cover is subject to freezing and should be mulched.  It is especially important to mulch around exposed inspection pipes, risers and the manhole.  Distribution boxes are also subject to freezing and should be mulched.The drainfield should never be used as a traffic area for people, vehicles or animals, Scherer says.  During winter months, place a snow fence or other suitable barrier around the drainfield to discourage any traffic on the area and help maintain a ticker layer of snow insulation.

"A frozen septic system can be a real headache in the middle of winter," he says.  "With a little effort now, many potential freezing problems can be eliminated.  Take the time to examine your system.  This winter, don't drive any vehicles, such as ATV's, snowmobiles or automobiles over any part of the septic system.  Compacted snow ill not insulate nearly as well as undisturbed snow.  If do do happen to get a good layer of snow, don't get carried away while plowing and remove the snow cover from any part of the septic system."


Use Care When Using Ladders

When a ladder is used correctly you work can be done easier, faster and safer, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural safety specialist.  "If a few precautions are taken it is not difficult to use a ladder safely.  Carefully select the best and safest type of ladder for the job."A very popular type of ladder at home and on the farm is the stepladder.  However, they are frequently used with little respect for safety, Maher says.  "Many people believe that since the ladder has four feet on the ground and they won't be very high, there is little chance of a fall.  Be sure that the stepladder you select is tall enough for the job.  The top two steps should not be used and the work support should also not be used because it isn't strong enough."Stepladders are free-standing, meaning they don't need the support of something to lean against, although they can be used that way, similar to a straight or extension ladder.  The ladder should be positioned so it won't tip in any direction, especially to either side.  "Some people fall when they try a balancing act on the ladder," Maher says.  "Also, the spreaders should always be locked open when the ladder is used as a stepladder."Straight ladders and extension ladders should be set up so the feet are about one foot away from the vertical support for every four feet of ladder height.  This angle is important for safety and comfort.  If the ladder is too vertical it is easier to fall backwards.  If the ladder feet are further than the recommended distance from the vertical support, the ladder is more likely to slip from under you."Ladders that lean to either side are an accident waiting to happen," Maher says.  "A ladder should be set up as straight as possible other than the angle towards the wall.  Both rails of the ladder should rest firmly against the wall.  A wobbly ladder is not safe to climb or work from."As you climb the ladder, place each foot on the next step or rung as close as possible to the rail.  This places more of your weight on the rail and not on the center of the rung.  Always climb facing the ladder and keep feet and one hand or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.  Use a safety belt if you need to work with both hands while on the ladder."Do not climb higher than the third step from the top of a straight or extension ladder," Maher says.  "Climbing higher decreases your stability.  Tie or fasten the ladder to the wall if you don't feel the ladder is stable."Leaning out the side or back of a ladder is not a safe practice.  A recommended measure is to keep you belt buckle between the ladder rails.  Move the ladder if you cannot reach the work.  Adjusting the position of the ladder when you are on it is also not a safe practice.Only one person should work on a ladder at a time.  "If works needs to be done at the same time at two different levels, then use two ladders," Maher says.  "A second person can be used to steady the ladder at the base, but that person should never climb the ladder.  Never leave a ladder set up and unattended, it is tempting and dangerous."Anything that is too large to fit in a pocket or hang from a belt should be raised or lowered with a handline, but only when you are safely in position.  Use a rung hook to hold paint cans or tools while on the ladder.  Do not allow anyone to work directly under you, because you may accidentally drop something on the person below."Consider getting someone else to do the ladder work if you have a fear of heights," Maher says.  "If you become disoriented and dizzy while on the ladder, drape both arms over a rung and rest your head against the ladder.  Resume working when you feel more secure, or rest until you can come down safely.  Know your limits and don't exceed them."Always inspect a ladder before using it.  Look carefully for cracks or splits in the rails, broken or missing rungs, and loose joints.  The spreaders on each side of a stepladder should lock in position.  Both of the hooks on the extension ladders should work correctly.  Do not use a ladder that has only one working hook.The material the ladder is made of is another safety aspect to consider.  Ladders are commonly made of wood, aluminum or fiberglass.  Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, so an aluminum ladder should not be used when working near electrical sources.  Aluminum ladders are very light, which may be an important factor in other situations.Wood ladders should not be painted since the paint may hide important defects.  "Varnish is a good way to protect the wood, but do not varnish the step surfaces or rungs because they can become slippery and dangerous," Maher says. Non-slip materials may be applied to the steps or fungs for additional grip.Store ladders in a dry location.  Stepladders can be stored with the front leaning against a wall so youngsters will not be temped to climb them.  Straight and extension ladders should be supported in a level position so they will not become warped.


Walk Safely for Your Health

Health walking is gaining in popularity among many age groups, according to George Maher, a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.  "Health experts claim that it is a healthy way to stimulate blood circulation and lung capacity.  It is also an enjoyable way to work off excess weight." Although people of all ages can enjoy and reap the benefits of walking, it is not without risk and hazard.  More than 50,000 non-fatal injuries and 7,000 fatalities occur each year from accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. Vehicle-pedestrian accidents are not limited to urban areas; they can also happen in rural areas.  With the onset of winter, there is reduced visibility, which can cause risky walking conditions, Maher says.  "Walking North Dakotans, rural and urban, need to keep this in mind." To make your walking safer, consider these precautions:
1)    Remember the saying: the left side is the right side for walking.  Always walk towards the flow of traffic.
2)    Stay far enough to the left that you are not in the way of oncoming vehicles.
3)    Walkers are much more maneuverable than vehicles.
4)    Always look both directions before crossing roads or highways.  Even though many rural North Dakota roads have very little traffic, always assume that a vehicle can appear at any time.
5)    Garments that are trimmed with reflective tape are much more visible to the drivers.  Wear light colored clothing.
6)    Walking on various surfaces such as pavement, gravel, or roadside sand can be challenging.  Wear sturdy footwear, with good treads for safer footing.
7)    Don't let children walk or run too far ahead of you.
8)    Be sure to use a flashlight if you plan on walking at dusk or after dark.  A bobbing light will quickly get a driver's attention.

"When safety precautions are practiced, walking can be done year-round for great exercise," Maher says.  "Keep it safe by adjusting your waling practices as the seasons change."


Carbon Monoxide Is a Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a known, silent killer, according to George Maher, a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.  "Carbon monoxide poisoning reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen and produces symptoms that are easily blamed on something else.  A doctor using a carboxyhemoglobin test can determine the level of carbon monoxide."Carbon monoxide can affect people at very low levels.  As little as one tenth of a percent, can cause chronic headaches, fatigue, dizzy spells, and confusion."Homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector in their home," Maher says.  "Regardless of which detector is selected for use in your home, maintain it with care.  Replace the batter now, so you can depend on the detector when it is needed.  Test your detector on a regular, weekly basis.  Know that it is operating the way it is supposed to, and then live and sleep and little more securely."In combustion gasses are present in the air, carbon monoxide will be there too.  But carbon monoxide can be present without the presence of other gases of combustion.  It is a by-product of the combustion of flammable fuels.  Common producers of carbon monoxide are gas or oil furnaces, gas or oil water heaters, fuel burning space heaters, wood stoves, gas ranges and charcoal and gas grills.  "If you have any of these appliances that burn a fuel, you really can't afford not to have a carbon monoxide detector," Maher says.A furnace with a cracked or burned through heat exchanger can produce carbon monoxide.  If a heat exchanger is defective it can allow combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, to spread through the house. Homes with attached garages have been found to have much higher levels of carbon monoxide than homes with unattached garages, according to Maher.  The higher levels are mainly due to automobile engines running while parked in the attached garage.  Carbon monoxide is drawn into the house through doorways connecting the garage to the house."Even small engines such as those on snow blowers and lawn mowers should never be run in a garage with the doors closed," Maher says.  "Always open the garage door before starting any engine, and then wait a few minutes before closing the door after stopping the machine."It is never safe to operate any kind of grill, charcoal or gas, in the attached garage of your home, even if the doors are open.  The burning fuel can produce very high levels of carbon monoxide.  Always grill outdoors to minimize carbon monoxide levels in the home.Using a wood stove in an attached garage, either for heating or disposing of waste paper, can produce dangerous carbon monoxide levels.  Only an approved, and properly installed heating system should be used in a garage attached to the home.

A smoke detector may not alert you to low levels of carbon monoxide in the air.  But, a carbon monoxide detector will.  "That's the difference," Maher says.  "If it goes off, get out of the house immediately.  Call the fire department from the neighbor's house or a cell phone, but do not enter the house until the firemen determine it is safe to do so."


Maintain Grain Quality in Storage, NDSU  Ag Engineer Advises

With harvest in full swing, a North Dakota State University Extension Service engineer advises producers to think about storage before they fill their bins.  Grain quality can be maintained in storage if managed properly, says Ken Hellevang.  "It is a wise investment of time to spend a few hours to maintain the $20,000 to $40,000 value of grain stored in a 10,000-bushel bin," he says. Hellevang makes suggestions for preparing the bin for storage:
1)    Repair any holes which may allow water to enter.  Look for holes by looking for sunlight coming into the bin.  However, do not seal openings intended for aeration.
2)    Clean the inside of the bin using brooms and/or a vacuum.
3)    Examine the inside of aeration ducts for debris and insects.
4)    Service the aeration ducts, fans and vents to ensure proper operation.
5)    Clean around the outside of the bin.Grain stores best when it is dry, clean and cool, says Hellevang.  Weed seeds and fine foreign material, which are usually wetter than the grain, will accumulate in the center when loaded into a bin, causing storage problems.  "This material should be removed from the grain.  Use a grain cleaner before storage, by unloading some grain using a center take out after the fill has been filled, or by distributing the material while filling the bin," Hellevang says.Hellevang says temperature plays an important role in grain storage.   "The optimum temperature for insects is between 70 F and 90 F.  Therefore, grain should not be stored at this temperature," Hellevang says.  Cooling below 70F reduces insect reproduction and feeding activity, and below 50 F causes the insects to become dormant.  The optimum temperature for mold growth is also about 80F.  "Mold growth is extremely slow below about 30-40 F," Hellevang says.  "The expected grain allowable storage time is approximately doubled for each ten degrees that the grain is cooled."Aeration should be used to cool the grain whenever outdoor temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler than the grain.  It should be cooled to a temperature of about 20-30 degrees in northern states and 30-40 degrees in southern states for winter storage.  Hellevang says the time required to cool gain weighing 56-60 pounds per bushel using aeration can be estimated by dividing 15 by the airflow rate.  "For example, the grain will cool in about 75 hours using an airflow rate of 0.2 cubic feet per minute per bushel," he says.  "Air takes the path of least resistance, so cooling times will vary in the storage.  measure grain temperature at several locations to assure that all the grain has been cooled."Stored grain must be monitored so insect infestations or grain spoilage can be detected before serious losses occur.  Check stored grain bi-weekly during the critical fall and spring months when outside air temperatures are changing rapidly and during the summer.  After the grain has been cooled for winter storage and after a storage history without problems, Hellevang says to check the grain at least monthly during winter months wile outside temperatures are below 40 degrees.  "Check and record the grain temperature and condition at several locations.  The temperature history can be used to detect grain warming, which may indicate storage problems."Look for indications of problems such as condensation on the roof or crusting of the grain surface.  Probe to examine grain below the surface.  Bring a grain sample indoors if the grain temperature is below 50 degrees, allow it to warm to room temperature, place the grain on a white surface, and examine for any insect activity.  Most storage problems can be controlled during the winter by cooling the grain, Hellevang says.  Fumigation is not recommended at grain temperatures below 60 degrees.

For more information go to www.mwpshq.org or e-mail mwps@iastate.edu for a "Dry Grain Aeration Systems Design Handbook," MWPS-29, or "Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook," MWPS-13, or call (800) 562-3618.


Ag Engineer Offers Tips for Grain Storage and Drying During Winter and Spring

High-moisture grain placed into storage this past fall and early winter may need to be dried before temperatures moderate, a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer says. "Corn at 24% moisture content has an allowable storage time of about 130 days at 30 F, but only about 40 days at 40 F, and 15 days at 50 F.  Corn at 24% moisture content or higher will need to be removed from the bin and dried before the op or sidewalls of the bin are heated by the sun to temperatures that will lead to spoiled grain," says Ken Hellvang of the NDSU Extension Service.Spring drying of corn using a natural-air  or low-temperature system will take about 35 to 40 days using an airflow rate of 1.25 cubic feet per minute per bushel (cfm/bu) starting in early April, when outside air temperatures average about 40 degrees or warmer, Hellevang says.  The maximum corn moisture content that should be dried using an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu is 22%.  The allowable storage time of 22% moisture corn is about 60 days at 40 F and 30 days at 50 F.Hellevang notes that natural-air and low-temperature drying is not efficient at temperatures below about 40 F because of the small amount of moisture picked up by cold air.  "The water-holding capacity of air is related to the air temperature.  A 20 degree reduction in temperature cuts the water-holding capacity of the air in half, which doubles the drying time," he explains.Using the moisture-holding capacity of air at 70 F for comparison, air at 50 F will hold or pick up 48% as much moisture as air at 70 Fk and at 30 F the air will only pick up about 22% as much moisture.  The estimated drying time for 21% moisture on corn using an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu is 36 days at 47 F and 70 days at 27 F."The average relative humidity during November to March is about 75%, so corn will only dry to about 19% using a natural-air system," Hellevang says.  "Adding heat to the system will reduce the relative humidity, which reduces the final grain moisture content, and reduces the drying time some."The average March temperature is 24 F.  Warming air by 5 degrees with an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu will reduce the final corn moisture content to about 14.5% and reduce the drying time from about 70 days to about 50 days.  The drying time will be almost two months in length.Heating the air by 10 degrees will reduce the final corn moisture content to about 12.5%, and reduce the drying time to about 41 days.  "Because corn is usually marketed at 15.5% moisture, the corn is over-dried just by warming the air 10 degrees.  The drying time is only reduced from 50 to 41 days," Hellevang says."It is best for the grain to be at room temperature to accurately measure grain moisture content.  Electronic meters are affected by grain temperature, so a temperature adjustment must be added to the moisture reading to get an accurate measurement," he says.  The adjustment must be done manually, unless the meter automatically measures the temperature and makes the adjustment.At a grain temperature of 40 F, the temperature correction may be about 2.5%.  If the meter reading indicates a moisture content of 20%, the adjusted moisture content is 22.5%.  Meters will not be accurate with grain temperatures near or below freezing.  "Warm the sample to room temperature in a sealed contained to obtain the most accurate value," Hellvang says.

"Grain coming from a high-temperature dryer will be drier on the exterior of the kernel than on the interior.  Since many moisture meters will be affected by the exterior moisture content of the kernel more than the entire kernel, the sample should be allowed to equilibrate in a sealed container for at least 12 hours before the moisture content is taken," he says.  "The difference between this reading and that coming directly from the drier can be used to estimate the amount that the meter is being fooled.  Also, remember to apply the temperature adjustment if the grain sample is warmer than the meter standard.  A reduction in moisture content o more than 1.5% may be needed if the grain temperature is near 100 F.


Farm Safety Tips
 

1.  Where's the First Aid Kit?
You will never know when an injury will happen.  But you have to know where the first aid kit is when an injury does happen.  Every farm should have several first aid kits; one on each combine, tractor, and grain truck.  Serious injuries happen by surprise and you can't wait for a first aid kit to show up.  Stock up on your first aid kits or make your own; pressure bandages, first aid tape, and gauze pads are a good start.  So, where is your first aid kit?

2.  Don't Let a Fire Get Away From You!
Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense against losing a combine, truck or tractor to a fire.  Every machine should have its own fire extinguisher.   The extinguisher has to be close at hand and ready to go, because the fire won't wait.  You'll need at least one 20-pound ABC dry chemical extinguisher, and probably two for the average machinery fire.  Fire extinguishers should be checked for readiness at least once a year.  Do you know where your extinguishers are?  And are they ready to fight a fire?

3.  Keep Those Windows Clean!
Harvest time is a dusty time and it doesn't take long for the dust to blur your vision!  Dust builds up quickly and will affect your vision.  Every combine, tuck and tractor should have a role of paper towels and a squirt bottle of window cleaner in the cab.  Clean the windows every time you stop to unload the combines.  It only takes a minute or two, and don't forget the inside also.  It is safe to see where you're going.

4.  Take a Break for a Safer Harvest.
The constant roar of the combine can get to a person after a while and cause an accident.  Everyone needs a break about every two or three hours.  Fifteen minutes of no activity and some light refreshment will do the job.  Discuss how everyone is doing, how the harvest is progressing and what the problems are.  Afterwards, trade jobs with another and find the change also refreshing.  Take a break and avoid an accident, it works!  Try it - you'll like it!

5.  Stop, Look and Listen!
Trains and grain trucks are not compatible!  Not in the same space, that is.  Stop, look and listen still works at all grade crossings.  If your route to the grain bins or the elevator crosses the railroad tacks, be sure to Stop, Look and Listen to prevent an accident.  Trains can't stop on a dime, and neither can a loaded grain truck, so slow down when approaching the grade crossing so you can stop, look and listen for a train!

6.  Light Up for Your Life!
The harvest is on!  Often the work continues deep into the night.  When it does, be sure to light up for your life - turn on the lights!  Field lights when in the field and road lights when on the road.  Please, turn off the field lights when on the road, it is confusing to other drivers.  Be sure all the lights work before starting work every day so you'll have them when you need them at dark.  Light up to see!  Light up to be seen!  Light up for your life!

7.  No Riders!
Driving the combine, driving the tractor -both are solitary jobs requiring your full attention.  A rider in the cab is a distraction  you don't need.  Tractors have only one seat and most combines have only one seat - and it is for the operator.  A rider can be a distraction, a rider can be an obstruction, and a rider can fall from the cab! Don't let it happen!  Take no riders!

8.  Rotate the Work.
Harvest is a time when there is no room for boredom.  Bad mistakes and accidents result from boredom.  It pays to rotate jobs every so often, so workers stay fresh and alert. Break time is an excellent time to rotate the jobs during the harvest.  The worker who runs the same machine al day is not as easily aware of minor changes that can quickly become big problems.  When everyone involved gets a turn to operate different machines, they are more alert and aware of any problems that might develop.  Rotate the work for a safer harvest!

9.  Watch for Trash Accumulations on Combines!
Don't let a combine fire catch you unaware.  Dry harvest conditions and crop trash around hot machinery can easily cause a fire.  Take time to clean crop trash from the hot spots on the combine every time it is stopped for a break, refueling, or unloading.  Places to check are bearings, engine exhaust pipes, turbochargers, radiators, electric motors, hydraulic motors, chain and belt drives.  Keep the fire extinguishers handy also, just in case.

10.  Put the Key in Your Pocket!
Every time you have to work on the machinery, always put the key in your pocket.  Combines are big enough that you can be working on it and not be seen by anyone else around the machine.  They could restart it without knowing you are working on it.  Then, you're caught!  If the key is in your pocket, the combine won't get started until you're finished!  When your hands are in the machinery, be sure the key is in your pocket!  The you're safe!

11.  Use Safety Blocks on Headers!
Combine and swather headers are heavy.  They have crushed many workers and they will crush you.  Don't get caught in a tight spot, use the safety blocks on the lift cylinders of the header every time when you have to get under it.  Don't have cylinder safety blocks?  Put wood blocks under the header to keep it off your chest.  The header only has to fall on you once, then you work is finished and so are you!

12.  Stay Out of the Grain Tank!
Combines have a very aggressive auger in the grain tank, it grabs the grain and moves it out fast!  That's the name of the game, unload the combine and go!  When it grabs your hand or your foot it won't stop there, it will pull you right in.  There is no safe way to be in the grain tank when the engine is running, so stay out of it.  Farmers with just one hand or one foot know it, so should you.  Stay out of the grain tank!


Eliminate Fire Hazards Now, NDSU Safety Expert Recommends

About 12,000 people die every year as a result of residential fires according to the National Fire Protection Association.  Thousands more suffer injuries.  "Those tragedies don't have to happen, they are preventable," emphasizes George Maher, a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Careless habits with easily ignited materials are the cause of most of these fires," he says.  "One of the most common causes is children playing with matches or cigarette lighters.  Youngsters are attracted to those items.  Extra care must be taken to keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children."About 70% of residential fires start in the living room, kitchen or basement.  As many fires start in the daytime hours as during the night, except in multiple dwelling buildings where three fourths of the fatal fires occur during the night.  "Most victims are usually not aware of the fire until it is too late and some are never aware at all," Maher says.To prevent fires, keep a constant watch for new hazards and eliminate them as soon as they are spotted, he recommends.  All residents should be on the alert to spot and control fire hazards.  "Most fire hazards develop gradually, so people tend to become accustomed to them and often don't see them as a threat," Maher notes.Combustibles are frequently stored in the worst areas.  "Accumulations of newspaper and other combustible materials always start out as a small stack or just one or two papers, but soon it adds up to several weeks of newspapers," he says.  "Utility rooms and locations next to the furnace are common and dangerous locations for that material to accumulate.  A much safer choice would be an unheated area to eliminate the source of ignition.  The best choice is not to store them at all, but the dispose of the materials right after using them."Another area of concern is the management of a wood-burning stove or heater.  Many fires start when the residents are away from home or have gone to sleep for the night, Maher notes.  "Before going to bed or leaving the house, the air intake vents for these units should be adjusted to slow down the rate of burning so the fire will not burn so hot and will last longer.  Wood-burning heaters should never be left alone unless you know how to prepare the heater for this unsupervised time."

A wood-burning heater and its stove pipe connections need to be monitored for buildup of soot and creosote throughout the season, he says.  Slow-burning fires can lead to buildups of soot and creosote deposits.  Commercially available products, when used as recommended, can reduce these deposits in the stove pipes and chimney.  Occasionally the heater may need to be shut down for a thorough cleaning session.  This is a good time to inspect the unit for any other dangerous conditions that may be developing.


Sensor Can Provide Accuracy and  Portability to Sugarbeet Producers

Sugar content in sugarbeets can now be determined in seconds and in the field, according to a NDSU Extension agricultural engineer. NDSU agricultural engineers Vern Hofman and Suranjan Panigrahi have developed a tool for sugarbeet producers that will be able to quickly analyze sugar content with great reliability. The machine combines near-infrared technology (NIR) and statistical software to provide a faster,
portable method of sugar content analysis that should be of great help to sugarbeet producers and processing plants. "Ideally, what we foresee is a tool portable enough and reliable enough to allow producers to determine the pounds of sugar from a particular section of their field," says Hofman. "With the use of a yield map and instant sugar-content analysis, producers will be able to address issues in particular areas of their fields such as fertility and soil sampling." Reliability of the sugar content readings is important. The sensor uses a fiber optic spectral meter and a halogen light for sensing. Unlike processing plant procedures which can take an hour and involve processing a sugarbeet into a pulp and then getting a sugar content from analyzing the whole beet, the sensor uses a thin cross-section of the beet taken from the top of the beet. "The results we are getting are averaging 95.4 percent accuracy when compared to samples taken at the plant," says Hofman. "The differences are accounted for primarily by the way the readings are taken. Our readings are from a small, localized part of the beet as opposed to the whole beet, but we can account for the differences with statistical models. These are incorporated into the software." The sugar-content sensor is ready for some applications, but in need of modifications for others. "In a processing plant, the sensor could be hooded or otherwise isolated from ambient light so that the spectral meter can take a good reading," says Hofman. "The unit needs some adaptations to become the portable unit that could be taken out to the field. We don’t have the funding to do that yet, but we hope the potential of the sensor will inspire someone to help out in that area."

"We see tremendous potential for this sensor as a complement to precision farming," says Hofman. "With GPS and yield maps, the sensor could tell a producer exactly what is going on in his fields, and allow him to address whatever issues are lowering yields in a more organized, cost-effective way."


Information on Manure Management Is Now  Available

Information on science-based manure management practices are available to help producers evaluate their farming or ranching operation and implement practices that are most beneficial to their operation.  The information is also of interest to industry stakeholders and educators.A national team of more than 30 land-grant universities (including North Dakota State University), USDA-NRCS, and USDA-ARS professionals developed the curriculum materials.  The final product, called the "Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES)" curriculum, consists of 26 lessons addressing animal dietary strategies, manure storage and treatment, land application and nutrient management and outdoor air quality.   These products are available as a printed set of the lessons and as a CD."Producers will use the curriculum as a tool to review the environmental risks associated with their operation and as a reference to the science behind specific issues, technologies or practices," says Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension service agriculture engineer.  "Educators will be able to use the PowerPoint presentations for teaching workshops, certification programs, or employee training sessions.  They can use the assessment tools for reviewing an operation's environmental risk and compliance with regulations."  Interactive versions of the assessment tools, which are part of the lessons, are available at the web site www.lpes.org.

Priced at $25, the searchable CD contains the 26 lessons and PowerPoint presentations that supplement the lessons.  The 3-hole punched hardcopy set of the lesson sells for $55.  To order the material, contact Extension Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at (701) 231-7236 or dmcdonou@ndsuext.nodak.edu.


New Publication Provides Guidance on Keeping Your Home Healthy

We breathe about 5,000 gallons of air daily and spend 90% of our time indoors.  That make indoor air quality especially important, according to a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer. "Everyone's health is affected by indoor air quality, but children and the elderly are at higher risk of adverse effects.  Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems and can trigger asthma attacks," say Ken Hellevang, of the NDSU Extension Service. A new publication from the NDSU Extension Service provides guidance on "How to Keep Your Home Healthy." "Many of our indoor air quality problems are related to home moisture problems which challenge us all year, such as wet basements during the summer and condensation during the winter.  Mold growth depends on moist conditions, so controlling moisture controls mold," Hellevang says. The publication provides guidance for controlling moisture such as keeping indoor humidity at 30-40% during the winter to minimize widow condensation, opening closet doors and keeping items away from exterior walls to limit mold growth, and using a bathroom exhaust fan to exhaust moisture released during a shower.  Enough moisture is introduced into the air during a shower to raise the humidity in a 1,500 sq. ft. living area by about 5 percentage points. "With higher heating costs, people are looking for ways to save money.  One idea is to capture the heat from the clothes dryer by venting the dryer indoors.  This is a bad idea since more than one half gallon of water is released while drying one load of clothes," Hellevang says.  "That much moisture would quickly cause excess moisture in a home."The use of unvented combustion space heaters is discouraged because the combustion by-products include many types of chemicals that are unhealthy, and about one-half gallon of water is released into the home for each gallon of fuel burned.

The publication also includes information on ice dams, drainage around basements, crawl spaces, radon, carbon monoxide, and air filters.  The publication, AE-1204, "Keep Your Home Healthy," is available from NDSU Extension Service county offices and from the NDSU Distribution Center.


Remember Safety When Tractor Shopping This Spring

Each spring, numerous used tractors flood farm equipment auctions, and eager buyers set out to get the best deals. In this situation, it is essential to evaluate the buy with safety in mind, advises George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. The
cheapest horsepower may also be the most dangerous ride. Many safety features that are standard on new tractors can be retrofitted on older tractors, making them safer to use. Old auction tractors don’t have to be dangerous if proper attention is paid to safety equipment. Four categories of safety features to be considered are:

                                          Protection from hazards of operation
                                          Visibility and recognition
                                          Improved stability
                                          Operator comfort

"The most effective protection from hazards of operation is the Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) feature," says Maher. It is included in the cabs of all newer tractors and can be retrofitted on most of the older tractors at a very reasonable dealer price. Most dealers and county extension
agricultural agents have reference ROPC catalogs for such tractors. Maher cautions farmers not to build their own ROPS, as there is no safe way to determine its strength and protective capabilities. In addition to the ROPS feature, all tractors should have bypass starting shields. "Bypass starting is gambling with your life," Maher says. If a tractor does not possess this device, contact a local machinery dealer and have one installed immediately. It could mean the difference between life and
death. "No tractor is safe without a master shield on the PTO stub shaft," Maher says. This safety feature should cover the top and sides of the stub shaft and support the weight of a 265 lb. person without bending. It is relatively easy to retrofit improved lighting systems on older tractors. Turn signals, hazard flashers, reflectors and taillights can be installed to improve roadway safety. Better field lights can also reduce operator stress and accidents.

Old, faded Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs should be replaced with new, more reflective signs that are several times more visible to approaching drivers. "Few tractor operators survive rear collisions without injury," Maher notes. "A good SMV sign, properly placed, can prevent the collision from happening." Other factors to consider when buying used tractors are the weight distribution and ballasting. Will you have to add ballasting to get the most use from it? Will the wheel configuration work with your field equipment? These are questions that must be answered prior to purchase. Believe it or not, operator comfort is also an important safety feature. A comfortable tractor seat can prevent back injuries and keep the farmer farming! New seats can be retrofitted to older tractors and seatbelts should also be added. "Safety equipment that comes with a tractor will be less costly than adding the same equipment to a tractor without it," says Maher. "Pay close attention to existing safety equipment when shopping for a used tractor."

Some features can be economically added to older tractors, but there is always a chance that it won’t get done. Be sure to take care of these safety issues as soon as possible. Preventing accidents and fatalities is well worth the investment!


Fire Extinguishers Are A Necessity In The  Home

Little is more devastating than a fire in your home or your place of business, say a North Dakota State University safety specialist.  That is why a working fire extinguisher is so important. According to George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service, "Fuel, oxygen, and heat need to be present for a fire to exist.  If any one of these is removed with a fire extinguisher there will not be a fire."Maher says there are four classes of fire.  They are classified by type because of the difference in what can be safely used to fight the fire and put it out with.Class A Fires
Involve dry, solid combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, etc.  Most house fires are Class A.  A Class A fire extinguisher should be used to cool the burning materials lower than the temperature of ignition.Class B Fires
When a fire is fueled by petroleum or oil-based products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, cooking oil, or grease, it is a Class B fire.  These fires are difficult to extinguish with water - a Class B fire extinguisher will smother the fire and suffocate it by shutting of the oxygen needed for combustion, Maher says.Class C Fires
A Class C fire is electrical.  This kind of fire involves an electrical motor, electric switches, controllers, lights, appliances, or even electronic items such as a television set, CD or DVD player, etc.  These fires require a Class C extinguisher which is not water based.  "Electricity and water do not mix, squirting water on a fire in a burning television set or on an electric range can be deadly," Maher says.Class D Fires
Fires involving flammable metals, such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, or titanium must be extinguished with a Class D extinguisher.  According to Maher, these fires are extremely hot.  A pail of dry sand will also extinguish these fires."Fire departments urge homeowners to get out of the house first, then call 911 for help.  You can use a hand-held extinguisher first if you are immediately on the scene when the fire starts," Maher says.According to Maher, most fires that occur in the home or on the farm can be put out with a Class ABC extinguisher, if the fire is caught early and the extinguisher is big enough.  Extinguishers are sized by the weight in pounds.  A two and a half pound ABC fire extinguisher will provide about 15-20 seconds of fire fighting ability.  About 30-45 seconds for a five pound extinguisher.  "These times are not very long, so it pays to have a large enough extinguisher and the knowledge of how to use it," Maher says.According to Maher, a two and one half pound extinguisher can be adequate for a specific home area such as the kitchen.  A five pound extinguisher is recommended for general home use.  Tractors and combines should be quipped with the ten pound extinguisher as a minimum, and farm buildings a 20 or 25 pound extinguisher.PASS is the acronym for how to use a fire extinguisher; Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.Pull the locking pin that keeps the handle valve in the 'safe' position.
Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the valve handle against the handle of the extinguisher.
Sweep the extinguisher back and forth, start at the base of the fire, and advance only as the fire is being extinguished.According to Maher, never walk on material that was burning, it could possible re-ignite, surround you and trap you in the fire.  "Do not expect the extinguisher to last a long time, while expelling its contents at the fire.  Be prepared to back out of the situation if it gets out of hand; always have an escape route in mind and constantly re-evaluate it as you fight the fire," Maher says.Stop, Drop, and Roll is the procedure if your clothing should catch fire.  This is extremely difficult to do since the natural, human thing to do is to run from the fire.Stop any running movement.
Drop to the ground.
Roll over to smother and extinguish the flames."Some synthetic fabrics will be more difficult to stop from burning, but Stop, Drop, and Roll is still the most effective way to put out the fire," Maher says.

According to Maher, fire extinguishers need periodic attention to keep them functional.  Dry chemical extinguishers are filled with a powder that will 'set up' with time, only to be completely ineffective when needed.  "These extinguishers should be checked every month and tipped and rocked back and forth to keep the powder loose and flowable.  All fire extinguishers require checking for being fire-ready at least once every year," Maher says.


Tips To Prevent Anhydrous Ammonia Theft

In recent years, North Dakota has experienced an incredible increase in importation, distribution and illicit manufacturing of methamphetamine.  Anhydrous ammonia, a common and widely used fertilizer, is used in the production of this illegal and very dangerous drug.  Consequently, farm operators must take extra precautions to prevent the theft of anhydrous ammonia, advises George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural safety specialist."The process of stealing fertilizer puts the thief at risk of exposure and resulting injury.  Unbelievably, the owner of the anhydrous ammonia can be held responsible to the thief for the injury suffered," say Maher.  To prevent this fate, Maher offers the following tips:1)    Don't hid the nurse tank.  Parking the anhydrous ammonia tank in a remote, hard to see place makes theft easier.  Instead, park the tank in a wide-open area, such as the middle of a large field.
2)    Bleed the pressure from the nurse tank hose at the end of every day.  Do so by closing the nurse tank hose valve and using the bleeder valve.  Don't forget to wear protective equipment!  Use a sturdy aircraft cable with loops at each end and lock the nurse tank hose valve.  If the thief has tools capable of cutting aircraft cable, he or she can most likely cut any other lock you might use.
3)    Do not leave a full or partially full nurse tank in a field close to any road overnight or for an extended period of time, if possible.  Even a tank presumed to be empty may actually meet the thief's needs.
4)    Empty nurse tanks should be returned to the dealer facility as soon as possible, and partially full tanks quickly used and returned as well.
5)    Do not booby trap the nurse tank.  This simply make you liable to anyone injured while tampering with the equipment.  Workers may also be injured if they are unaware of the traps.
6)    Talk to your local anhydrous ammonia equipment dealer about new nurse tank securing products.

Farm operators play of the most important roles in preventing illicit methamphetamine manufacturing.  Drug makers are inhibited when ammonia is too difficult to steal or unavailable.  Help prevent methamphetamine production and protect your own assets by stopping anhydrous ammonia theft.


Ag Engineer Offers Tips for Grain Storage and Drying During Winter and Spring

High-moisture grain placed into storage this past fall and early winter may need to be dried before temperatures moderate, a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer says.

"Corn at 24 percent moisture content has an allowable storage time of about 130 days at 30 F, but only about 40 days at 40 F, and 15 days at 50 F. Corn at 24 percent moisture content or higher will need to be removed from the bin and dried before the top or sidewalls of the bin are heated by the sun to temperatures that will lead to spoiled grain," says Ken Hellevang of the NDSU Extension Service.

Spring drying of corn using a natural-air or low-temperature system will take about 35 to 40 days using an airflow rate of 1.25 cubic feet per minute per bushel (cfm/bu) starting in early April, when outside air temperatures average about 40 degrees or warmer, Hellevang says. The maximum corn moisture content that should be dried using an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu is 22 percent. The allowable storage time of 22 percent moisture corn is about 60 days at 40 F and 30 days at 50 F.

Hellevang notes that natural-air and low-temperature drying is not efficient at temperatures below about 40 F because of the small amount of moisture picked up by cold air. "The water-holding capacity of air is related to the air temperature. A 20 degree reduction in temperature cuts the water-holding capacity of the air in half, which doubles the drying time," he explains.

Using the moisture-holding capacity of air at 70 F for comparison, air at 50 F will hold or pick up 48 percent as much moisture as air at 70 F, and at 30 F the air will only pick up about 22 percent as much moisture. The estimated drying time for 21 percent moisture corn using an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu is 36 days at 47 F and 70 days at 27 F.

"The average relative humidity during November to March is about 75 percent, so corn will only dry to about 19 percent using a natural-air system," Hellevang says. "Adding heat to the system will reduce the relative humidity, which reduces the final grain moisture content, and reduces the drying time some.

"The average March temperature is 24 F. Warming air by 5 degrees with an airflow rate of 1.25 cfm/bu will reduce the final corn moisture content to about 14.5 percent and reduce the drying time from about 70 days to about 50 days. The drying time will be almost two months in length.

Heating the air by 10 degrees will reduce the final corn moisture content to about 12.5 percent, and reduce the drying time to about 41 days. "Because corn is usually marketed at 15.5 percent moisture, the corn is over-dried just by warming the air 10 degrees. The drying time is only reduced from 50 to 41 days," Hellevang says.

"It is best for the grain to be at room temperature to accurately measure grain moisture content. Electronic meters are affected by grain temperature, so a temperature adjustment must be added to the moisture reading to get an accurate measurement," he says. The adjustment must be done manually, unless the meter automatically measures the temperature and makes the adjustment.

At a grain temperature of 40 F, the temperature correction may be about 2.5 percent. If the meter reading indicates a moisture content of 20 percent, the adjusted moisture content is 22.5 percent. Meters will not be accurate with grain temperatures near or below freezing. "Warm the sample to room temperature in a sealed container to obtain the most accurate value," Hellevang says.

"Grain coming from a high-temperature dryer will be drier on the exterior of the kernel than on the interior. Since many moisture meters will be affected by the exterior moisture content of the kernel more than the entire kernel, the sample should be allowed to equilibrate in a sealed container for at least 12 hours before the moisture content is taken," he says. "The difference between this reading and that coming directly from the drier can be used to estimate the amount that the meter is being fooled. Also, remember to apply the temperature adjustment if the grain sample is warmer than the meter standard. A reduction in moisture content of more than 1.5 percent may be needed if the grain temperature is near 100 F."


Roaring Tractors Will Damage Your Hearing!

A familiar sound has returned to the prairies this spring, farm tractors and other machinery are roaring to life as field work resumes. According to a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist, that roaring poses a serious threat to farm workers' hearing. "Safety and health researchers have thoroughly studied the effects of noise on hearing loss, so the safe limits for exposure to levels of noise are well known. Ninety decibels is the loudest sound that workers should be exposed to for eight hours or more," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. Because most farmers work much more than eight hours a day during the crop production season, their exposure to noise levels should be less than 90 decibels at any given time. According to Maher, exposure to excess noise levels can have health impacts beyond hearing loss. High noise levels aggravate fatigue and stress, two key factors that can cause accidents. Increased fatigue slows reactions to sudden hazards and changes in the immediate work environment. Workers exposed to excessive noise levels will be more fatigues than those whose hearing is protected. "Too much exposure to loud noise results in increased levels of stress. Agriculture has enough stress associated with it, anything contributing to the stress should be controlled. Tests have shown that hearing protection does reduce worker stress," Maher says. "Whenever the noise level gets close to the maximum permissible levels, hearing protection should be worn," Maher says. Meausring noise levels is not an easy task, it requires the careful use of precision equipment, so a worker's first sensing of loud noise levels is an acceptable indication that hearing protection should be worn. Hearing loss is less obvious than a loss of other senses, making it harder to detect. A "ringing" noise or somewhat muffled sense of hearing is one sign. Loss of the ability to hear some sounds, especially the higher pitched frequencies is another sign. Initial hearing loss from temporary excessive noise levels may return overnight, but continued exposure to these levels will cause hearing loss to become permanent.Operating a newer tractor with a "sound-engineered" cab can result in less exposure to harmful noise levels. Wearing ear muffs or ear plugs is another way. According to Maher, stuffing wads of cotton in the ears is not safe hearing protection, the noise may be muffled but it is still getting through, and will damage your hearing. The design and manufacture of safe, effective hearting protective equipment is a precision process.Many brands, styles, and models of plugs and muffs are available, so selecting protective equipment for your hearing protection can be confusing. Do not depend on price alone. Price is usually a good indicator of quality, but not always, Maher says.The noise reduction rating (NRR) should help you in making a decision. A higher NRR value indicates more protection, at a noise level of 100 decibels your hearing protection with a NRR of 25 will reduce your exposure to 75 decibels.Protective equipment must be test fitted to the individual. Ear muffs can usually be tried on an check for comfort and effectiveness. "They must fit properly if they are to do the job," Maher says.You should also test the equipment with a loud noise present. "Testing them in a silent room tells you nothing," Maher says. "There must be some noise present. If there is a significant reduction in the noise volume and perhaps elimination of some frequencies, then they offer some protection."Ear muffs should be snug enough that they do not slip from position, but not so snug that the cause discomfort. The muff should have direct contact around the ears, and they may not seal properly against your head if you wear your hair long and over the ears. Some ear muffs are more effective in certain positions, the way you wear them will affect how well they work. Those that are affected by position offer the most protection when the strap is over the top of your head. The NRR rating may be lower when the strap is worn around the back of the head or under the chin.Ear plugs should fit in the outer ear canal comfortably. They may take some getting used to, but should not be painful. Some kinds of plugs are rolled down to a small diameter, inserted carefully in the outer ear canal, and allowed to expand, filling the outer canal. With other kinds, you simply wiggle them in.

"If you can still hear the tractor, even for just a few hours after work, that is a strong indication of hearing loss," Maher said. "Get your hearing checked soon and learn how bad your loss is, maybe you should be wearing some hearing protection."


Biodiesel Is Becoming A New Source of Energy

Domestically produced and renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils or recycled fuel is making biodiesel a hot commodity among farmers in North Dakota. "Bio-diesel is a vegetable oil that is converted into an ethyl or methyl ester," says Vern Hofman, NDSU Extension Service agriculture & biosystems engineer. It’s a renewable type of fuel that you can make from numerous types of vegetable oils that are currently grown in North Dakota and all
parts of the world," Just like petroleum diesel, biodiesel operates in combustion-ignition engines. It’s blend a of petroleum diesel mixed with up to 20 percent biodiesel. Using biodiesel does not require engine modifications and can provide the same payload capacity and range as petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine substantially reduces emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter. These reductions  increase as the amount of biodiesel blended into diesel fuel increases. "The biggest problem with using a raw vegetable oil is the viscosity of the fuel. What we are trying to do is convert it into an ester which breaks down the vegetable oil molecule in size, making it more similar to diesel," Hofman says. "There have been studies that have shown biodiesel will lubricate just as well, if not better than regular diesel, which is good for the injector pump," Hofman says. "There is another disadvantage in that it does tend to gel at warmer temperatures compared to regular diesel. It gels at approximately
30 degrees, but if we dilute it with diesel fuel or use some additives or engine heaters, I think we can work around the problem. But we’re more than likely going to go with lower rate of biodiesel rather than using it at 100 percent. Its mainly a matter of people getting used to biodiesel because it
is a little different." In North Dakota, farmers are showing interest in biodiesel, but are hesitant to buy it because of the high cost. "Diesel fuel is probably going to cost about $1 a gallon and biodiesel is about $1.50 per gallon. That is about an extra 50 cents per gallon or so on top of the regular cost," Hofman says.

"Looking at it from a farmer’s point of view, it is going to produce an excellent new market for their crops. They grow enough soybeans here to replace all of the unfarmed fuel needs in the state. That does not include personal transportation, so we are just talking about farm machine use. Soybeans was a minor crop until a few years ago. If we took the oil from soybeans, we could replace all of the diesel fuel on North Dakota farms using soybean oil.


Farm Machinery Is No Place to Play, Farm Specialist Says

With schools closing for the summer, children will soon be home for nearly three months. Many rural children will be exposed to countless risks and hazards as they roam the farm as if it were their backyard. "Farm machinery and buildings are hazardous areas and are not safe for children," says George Maher, a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.  "Allowing children to play on and around farm machinery exposes them to opportunities for serious injury.  Farm machinery has many sharp edges and places that are not safe to climb on.  It is not acceptable for children to use the machinery as a jungle gym or play toy." Visiting children, as well as children who live on the farm, are subject to injury from livestock, especially from large-animal livestock.  Livestock production areas present a considerable danger for children.  "Children are simply not aware of the dangers that lurk there," Maher explains.Children are inquisitive and believe they are invincible.  Maher admits that it's not easy to keep them safe and out of danger.  "But it  is a very necessary task," he says.  Between 1991 and 1996, 320 North Dakota children were injured because of animals and farm machinery.  Of those injuries, 252 happened to children 10 years old and younger. "Farming is the only industry where children under 16 years of age are fatally injured in occupational accidents - don't let or expect your child to do the work of an adult." states Jack Burke of the National Safety Council. Unnecessary risk can be reduced or even eliminated by managing the farmstead for safety.  Some of these ideas may work for you:

1)    Give children a safety tour of the farm.  Show them where they are not allowed to play, and reasons why they are not allowed to play there.
2)    Point out the dangers.
3)    Confine youngsters to a fenced safe play area that is connected to the house.
4)    When adults can't be around, place a responsible older child in charge of the youngsters.  Before taking this course of action, be sure the child in charge is mature enough for the task.
5)    Neighboring farm families can sometimes share child care and supervision responsibilities.
6)    Establish a cooperative rural child care program.
7)    Request the help of grandparents or in-laws who would be willing to supervise the youngsters.

"Farm machinery has one seat, and it is for the driver only," Maher says.  "Children should not be allowed to ride along on farm machinery.  No one, especially children, should have to hang on for dear life through a morning or afternoon in the fields.  If the child should fall from the tractor it is not likely that the machinery could be stopped in time to prevent disaster.  The tractor or combine is no place to baby-sit."



Move Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks Safely on the Road

With the start of spring planting, anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks will again become a familiar sight.  Because of the risks that can occur if a tank is involved in an accident, caution should be used when handling these tanks.  Fortunately, there are regulations in effect to reduce these risks, whether the tank is on or off the road. Safety chains are required to be attached when tanks, empty or full, are moved on the road at a speed faster than 15 miles an hour.  "If the hitch pin should work out of the drawbar, the chains help to control the nurse tank," says George Maher, Ag Safety Specialist.  The safety chains should allow turning without binding to reduce the chance they wil