Farms.com Home   News

Iowa State to hold biofilter conference

Iowa State University will host a conference on Aug. 20 dedicated to the latest biofilter technologies that can be used to reduce odors from animal-feeding operations.

“Biofilters can be an effective means to reduce odor and other gas emissions from ventilated animal and manure storage facilities,” said Steve Hoff, ISU professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. “The conference will outline factors such as costs, effectiveness, management and other details, and provide sources of science-based information on biofilters.”

Hoff said hog farmers and managers of animal-feeding operations will likely be interested in attending, as well as Extension field specialists in agricultural engineering and animal science, commodity organization representatives and staff members from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The conference schedule includes:

  • a session of researchers from several universities describing a variety of biofilter designs
  • a discussion with livestock producers who have on-farm experience with biofilters
  • funding opportunities for biofilter installation
  • a demonstration of biofilter operation with an Iowa State biofilter mobile unit

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. at the Scheman Building on the ISU campus. Early registration is due by midnight Aug. 12, either online or by mail.

Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association


Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.