UW-Discovery Farms
The UW–Discovery Farms Program began in 2002 as a cooperative effort between Wisconsin farmers involved in a wide variety of enterprises located in many diverse physical settings and UW-Extension and UW‐Madison. The goal of the program was, and continues to be, conducting environmental and economic research on working Wisconsin farms and using this research to educate and improve communications between the agricultural community, consumers, researchers, and policy-makers. UW-Discovery Farms examines environmental challenges faced by Wisconsin farmers and works with farm families to learn about and develop solutions to those challenges that make both economic and environmental sense. Under the direction of a producer-led steering committee, the program takes a real-world approach to finding the most practical solutions to agriculture’s environmental challenges.

To get more information on research being conducted on Wisconsin's farms, click here.  For the results of research from E&L Harrison Farms, a hog finishing operation located near Elk Mound, WI, click here. 

Safe Manure Removal Policies
The process of removing manure from below-building storage of swine facilities is a task that requires careful attention to ensure the utmost safety for humans and pigs. Knowing what to expect when handling manure and following recommended removal guidelines can help make this chore safe.

Get a copy of the Safe Manure Removal Policies Factsheet here.

An Introduction to Carbon Footprints
In 2008, the National Pork Board adopted a resolution regarding carbon footprints.  The resolution established that the carbon footprint of U.S. pork production is of siginificant importance to the pork industry and its customers.  Also stated was that the industry must develop a strategy to measure its carbon footprint and identify opporutnities that can be implemented by America's pork producers to reduce it.

The brochure Carbon Footprint: Opportunities for the U.S. pork production industry has general information pork producers and industry can use to learn more about carbon footprint, carbon emissions and how a reduction in both may lead to more efficient pork production.

Click here for an electronic version of the brochure, or request a hard-copy through the PorkStore.

Odor Mitigation Resources
The Pork Checkoff has five brochures on minimizing odors from pork production.  Open them by clicking on the links below or contact the Pork Store for a hard-copy.
Swine Manure Storage and Handling Practices to Minimize Odors
Siting and Building Design Considerations to Reduce Odor Potential from Swine Facilities
Swine Manure Land Application Practices to Minimize Odors
Basic Management Practices to Mitigate and Control Odors from Swine Operations
Feed Management Practices to Minimize Odors from Swine Operations