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- Curing (6)
- Tobacco (6)
- Biodiesel (2)
- Energy (2)
- Facility (2)
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- Agricultural environments (1)
- Air-Cure (1)
- Analysis (1)
- Benefits (1)
- Burley Tobacco (1)
- Cable (1)
- Calibration (1)
- Cattle Handling Facilities (1)
- Components (1)
- Computer Model (1)
- Covers (1)
- Dairy cows (1)
- Dairy waste (1)
- Design (1)
- Drying (1)
- Environment (1)
- Fan cooling (1)
- Farm machinery (1)
- Feeding (1)
- Field capacities (1)
- GPS (1)
- Gas Emissions (1)
- Geotextiles (1)
- Global Positioning System (1)
- Grain Drill (1)
Articles 1 - 21 of 21
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Dairy Waste Utilization Management Tool, José R. Bicudo, Anshu Singh
Dairy Waste Utilization Management Tool, José R. Bicudo, Anshu Singh
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Quick tests enabling rapid, on‑farm assessment of manure nutrient content can significantly enhance manure management practices. Rapid or quick tests are less accurate than standard laboratory analyses but can be useful as a manure utilization tool.
Managing Liquid Dairy Manure, José R. Bicudo
Managing Liquid Dairy Manure, José R. Bicudo
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
One of the primary issues in the dairy production industry is the storage, management, and land application of manure. Producers should plan how and when to apply manure to agricultural land to minimize the risk of water pollution and odor nuisance and maximize nutrient use.
Biodiesel Faq, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross
Biodiesel Faq, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Biodiesel and other alternative fuels continue to gain popularity as petroleum fuel prices rise and we become more concerned about our environment. Introduction of these fuels raises many questions about actually using them in current equipment. The purpose of this factsheet is to address some of the common questions asked by those considering the use of biodiesel in existing diesel equipment.
Biodiesel Basics, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Michael D. Montross
Biodiesel Basics, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Michael D. Montross
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel, defined by ASTM International (D6751), consists of longchain fatty acid alkyl esters and is made from renewable vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, or animal fats. It can be used at full strength, but it is typically blended with petroleum diesel. A blend of 2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent diesel is referred to as B2. Other typical blends include B5, B10, and B20; pure biodiesel is sometimes referred to as B100. Biodiesel is safer for the environment and produces significantly less air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be produced …
The Global Positioning System, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Doug Mclaren, Benjamin K. Koostra
The Global Positioning System, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Doug Mclaren, Benjamin K. Koostra
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is quickly becoming part of the fabric of everyday life. Beyond recreational activities such as boating and backpacking, GPS receivers are becoming a very important tool to such industries as agriculture, transportation, and surveying. Very soon, every cell phone will incorporate GPS technology to aid first responders in answering emergency calls.
Moveable Tobacco Curing Frames, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam, Linus R. Walton
Moveable Tobacco Curing Frames, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam, Linus R. Walton
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Moveable (or portable) curing frames offer the tobacco grower another option for successfully reducing labor and costs for producing air-cured tobacco. Reducing labor and costs is essential to continuing profitable tobacco production.
Two designs that use the cantilever-beam concept for supporting two rails of stick tobacco on a central beam are shown and explained in this publication. Further details of construction and covering are shown in the following drawings.
Selecting An Air-Cure Tobacco Housing And Curing Facility, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam
Selecting An Air-Cure Tobacco Housing And Curing Facility, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Once or twice in a lifetime the average tobacco producer faces the decision of what tobacco housing and curing facility he needs to build. For some, this may be to replace a barn that has burned or blown down. For others, the need may arise from an expansion of production by farm acquisition or lease-in of extra poundage.
In all cases, it is important to build the most suitable facility for present and projected production methods. With labor becoming more costly and scarce, labor-saving features are a must Rising material and construction costs continue to increase the initial investment costs …
Measuring Relative Humidity In Agricultural Environments, George A. Duncan, Rich Gates, Michael D. Montross
Measuring Relative Humidity In Agricultural Environments, George A. Duncan, Rich Gates, Michael D. Montross
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Relative humidity is very important for many agricultural environments, such as fruit and vegetable storage facilities, greenhouses, and tobacco curing and handling facilities.
Several scientific instruments measure temperature and relative humidity. The more accurate the instrument, the more it will cost. Devices that are economical for agricultural use in a barn, greenhouse, or a semi-protected environment often do not hold their accuracy over very long periods (six months to a year or longer) if they are used carelessly.
Several instruments that are readily available and affordable for general farm use are described here. Often called hygrometers or hygro-thermometers, some …
Post-Tier Rail And Typar® Or Metal-Covered Tobacco Field Curing Structures, George A. Duncan
Post-Tier Rail And Typar® Or Metal-Covered Tobacco Field Curing Structures, George A. Duncan
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Tobacco producers are rapidly adopting field curing structures with several variations in construction materials and methods. They are looking to lower costs and increase efficiency by installing structures that require less maintenance and last longer.
Two recently designed structures appear to provide more permanent options for producers who dislike the tedious tasks of covering and securing the plastic over the tobacco during the curing season. Both structures use two-rail-wide, two-post wooden construction, but they differ in their roof coverings. One uses Typar®, and the other uses metal.
Using Covers To Minimize Odor And Gas Emissions From Manure Storages, José R. Bicudo, David R. Schmidt, Larry D. Jacobson
Using Covers To Minimize Odor And Gas Emissions From Manure Storages, José R. Bicudo, David R. Schmidt, Larry D. Jacobson
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Odor emissions from animal production sites are typically the leading cause of nuisance complaints. Locating facilities far from neighbors is often a solution to the odor problem, but this is not always an option for producers. Most often, reducing odor emissions from the farm is the only option available.
Assessing The Benefits Of Misting-Cooling Systems For Growing-Finishing Swine In Kentucky As Affected By Environment And Pig Placement Date, Thomas C. Bridges, R. S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Larry W. Turner
Assessing The Benefits Of Misting-Cooling Systems For Growing-Finishing Swine In Kentucky As Affected By Environment And Pig Placement Date, Thomas C. Bridges, R. S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Larry W. Turner
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
The growth performance of animals is often affected by extreme environmental conditions. In the case of swine, generally a cold environment will increase feed intake as the pig strives to maintain body temperature, while warmer environments may reduce growth, increase body maintenance demands, and subject the animal to environmental stress. Confinement houses are widely used as a primary means of modifying the environment to improve conditions for the growth of swine. Environment in these structures is usually controlled by natural or mechanical ventilation and by insulation for cold climates and limited use of evaporative cooling for summertime conditions.
Harvesting, Drying, And Storing Grain Sorghum, Samuel G. Mcneill, Michael D. Montross
Harvesting, Drying, And Storing Grain Sorghum, Samuel G. Mcneill, Michael D. Montross
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Grain sorghum (milo) has been successfully produced in many areas of Kentucky and can be grown in alternating years with soybeans to replace corn in a crop rotation cycle. For most of the past 20 years, it has ranked fourth in production of all grain crops grown in the state and was valued at $1.16 and $1.53 million in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Rotating milo with soybeans can help control soybean cyst nematodes and other pests that suppress yield. It can provide higher yields than corn in dry years, especially on sandy soils. The feed/energy value of milo is similar …
Cattle Handling Facilities: Planning, Components, And Layouts, José R. Bicudo, Samuel G. Mcneill, Larry W. Turner, Roy Burris, John Anderson
Cattle Handling Facilities: Planning, Components, And Layouts, José R. Bicudo, Samuel G. Mcneill, Larry W. Turner, Roy Burris, John Anderson
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Cattle handling facilities are used to confine cattle safely and efficiently for close observation and to perform routine health and management procedures. Adequate facilities are an essential part of an efficient cattle operation for any producer who wants to improve marketing, cattle health, and production. A well-planned handling facility can help you save money by making easier practices such as preventive health management, pregnancy testing, implanting, controlling parasites, vaccinating, castrating, and dehorning.
Grain Drill Calibration Procedures For Winter Wheat, S. A. Shearer, Samuel G. Mcneill, G. A. Watkins, Stephen F. Higgins
Grain Drill Calibration Procedures For Winter Wheat, S. A. Shearer, Samuel G. Mcneill, G. A. Watkins, Stephen F. Higgins
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Intensive wheat management requires attention to details, from planting through harvest. Perhaps most critical is stand establishment. While no-tilling wheat into corn stubble presents a range of problems in depth control and residue management, these problems do not minimize the importance of calibration.
Just as no two drills are manufactured alike, seed rarely is produced in uniform size, nor do individual metering cups deliver the same seed quantities. A few hours of attention to calibration at the start of fall planting will help producers control seed costs and achieve more desirable, uniform stands and better yields.
High-Tensile Wire Or Cable Tobacco Field Curing Structure, George A. Duncan
High-Tensile Wire Or Cable Tobacco Field Curing Structure, George A. Duncan
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Producers are rapidly adopting field curing structures, and several variations in construction methods and materials exist to achieve low cost or low maintenance and long life. One of the construction methods, pioneered by a producer and now being used by others in the state, uses high-tensile wire strands or cable to support the tobacco sticks.
Using Geotextiles For Feeding And Traffic Surfaces, Larry W. Turner
Using Geotextiles For Feeding And Traffic Surfaces, Larry W. Turner
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Mud robs Kentucky beef and dairy producers of performance from their cattle herds in winter and spring. To help avoid the problems associated with mud and reduced performance, producers should consider using concrete pads or lower-cost all-weather surfaces wherever animals congregate (e.g., feeding areas, animal traffic areas, and loafing areas). Although concrete is probably the most desirable surface for durability and low maintenance, an all-weather surface can be constructed of geotextile fabric, rock, and fine surface cover for less than one-third of the cost of concrete. Rock over bare soil in Kentucky requires approximately 12 inches of depth for stability, …
A Computer Model For Analysis Of Alternative Burley Tobacco Harvesting Practice, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam
A Computer Model For Analysis Of Alternative Burley Tobacco Harvesting Practice, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Agricultural operations and practices have been the subject of many computer models and simulations. Holtman et al. (1970) developed a corn harvesting simulator, and Morey et al. (1971) used simulation techniques to analyze net profit of a corn harvesting and handling system during a particular weather year. Further, Loewer et al. (1977) advanced a model that assessed alternative beef production strategies for the individual farm with land, energy and capital as constraints. Bridges et al., (1979) developed a design simulation oriented toward the individual producer that examines corn harvesting systems and compares them regarding investment and annual cost. The CATCH …
Two-Tier Partially Enclosed Air-Cure Tobacco Barn, George A. Duncan
Two-Tier Partially Enclosed Air-Cure Tobacco Barn, George A. Duncan
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
With the rising costs, scarcity of materials, and greater construction requirements for regular tobacco barns, the concept of a lower cost but functionally sound tobacco curing facility with partial or no sidewall closure has been developed into a blueprint plan shown in Figure 1. The plan can be built and used now with partial sidewalls and enclosed more completely later if desired.
Micro-Sprinkler And Fan Cooling For Dairy Cows: Practical Design Considerations, Larry W. Turner, Richard C. Warner, John P. Chastain
Micro-Sprinkler And Fan Cooling For Dairy Cows: Practical Design Considerations, Larry W. Turner, Richard C. Warner, John P. Chastain
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Research and on-farm demonstrations have shown that micro-sprinklers, spray jets and fan cooling systems can be effective in relieving heat stress in dairy cows under hot, humid conditions. Based on these results, many dairymen are considering installing sprinkler and fan cooling. Several Kentucky dairymen have already installed sprinkler cooling systems, but they could improve their performance by modifying them to take into account the principles involved and the components used in sprinkler and fan cooling.
One-Tier Plastic-Covered Tobacco Curing Structure—Tier Rail Design, George A. Duncan
One-Tier Plastic-Covered Tobacco Curing Structure—Tier Rail Design, George A. Duncan
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
A tobacco grower occasionally has insufficient barn space to house his crop. This problem is especially severe when a barn is damaged or destroyed and cannot be repaired or replaced before harvest. Also, those leasing or having extra poundage may need short-term, low-cost housing.
Kentucky weather conditions are suited for curing in conventional barns as well as in other special structures with adequate covering and crop protection.
Calculating Farm Machinery Field Capacities, J. N. Hancock, Larry D. Swetnam, F. J. Benson
Calculating Farm Machinery Field Capacities, J. N. Hancock, Larry D. Swetnam, F. J. Benson
Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications
Calculating field capacities is just part of the overall concept of farm machinery management. Successful farm machinery management does not guarantee a profit, but machinery costs are a major expense and they must be monitored and managed. Therefore, the efficient use of farm machinery starts with determining working capacity in conjunction with the amount of work to be accomplished in a timely manner.