Pork Board Urges Stronger Safety Measures for Manure Handling

Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations. That is why the National Pork Board (NPB) warns producers to remain vigilant and follow strict safety precautions when handling it.

“Producers should be wearing gas monitors whenever they’re working around manure, whenever they’re agitating and pumping manure, as well as whenever they’re working around manure containments,” said Margueritte Tan, NPB Director of Environmental Programs. “So, it’s as simple as wearing a gas monitor, making sure that the gas monitor battery in it is working, and allowing it to alarm you if manure gases have become too high.”

Tan emphasized that an emergency action plan can help prevent a crisis and advised producers and manure-handling contractors to update and review their plans regularly. She also added that producers should have all safety equipment ready before the manure removal process.

“Every single morning when we get up, before we start working with that manure, all of us need that reminder of what that emergency plan is, and if something happens, what we need to do,” Tan said. “One of the biggest challenges that we face with manure is if somebody passes out from those manure gases. We don’t want somebody rushing in to save them, because —unfortunately, what happens is — the person who goes in to save them will also pass out, and now we have multiple people who’ve passed out.”

For more guidance from the National Pork Board, check out their “Manure Know How” resources at porkcheckoff.org:

NPB: MANURE KNOW HOW

Related Stories
For rural borrowers, freeing up community-bank balance sheets could mean steadier home loans, operating lines, and ag real-estate financing as winter planning ramps up.
The FAA’s proposed rule to allow drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) could soon revolutionize how farmers and ranchers manage their land.
Nick Andersen, Nationwide’s VP of Agribusiness Claims, shares tips for managing weather-related risks in agriculture using their new Hail and Wind Alert Program.
From finding her community in FFA to leading as a State President, Caroline has an inspiring story!
Culver’s Quality Manager Jim Krombach explains why it is vital for brands to invest in the next generation of agriculture through organizations like FFA.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
Cade Fiske’s approach embodies the spirit of the FFA — blending education, leadership, and innovation to inspire the future of agriculture.
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.