Premium Standard Farms has completed an element of its Environment 2000 Pledge. Construction of air dams was begun recently on one of his hog farms in Daviess County.
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Premium Standard Farms has completed a key element of its Environment 2000 Pledge. The company promised to construct 200 air dams as part of its commitment to address odor challenges. Construction of the 199th and 200th air dams started this week on the Scott/Colby farm in Daviess County.
Air dams are designed to better disperse airflow from livestock barns, thus reducing odor. Bob Bottcher, an agricultural engineer at North Carolina State University, developed the concept. He discovered air dams could filter and divert the exhaust generated by barn ventilation systems. The air dam deflects and disperses air in an upward direction as it leaves the ventilation system. Deflecting the airflow increases turbulence and mixing which enhances dispersion and prevents odor plumes form forming that could conceivably travel long distances.
“Implementing this idea has been a particular challenge given that you can’t just go purchase an air dam from a supply company,” said Dave Townsend, PSF environmental affairs director. “This is a cutting edge concept being developed by some of the leading researchers in the industry. We’re implementing the fruits of their labor to help improve life here in Northern Missouri.”
Air dams have been installed at seven of the company’s farms in Putnam, Sullivan, Daviess and Gentry counties. The walls are built out of treated lumber with a plastic cover, then placed outside the barn, past the exhaust fans. Burlap also is added on the inside of the structure to act as a biofilter to absorb and reduce odor.
Those interested in more information on the Premium Standard Farms Environment 2000 Pledge may call (660) 748-4647.