Maple Lodge Farms® Completes Module Washer Efficiency Upgrade

Nov 06, 2019

Canada’s largest chicken processor – has successfully upgraded its Module Washers in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint and fulfill its commitment to the responsible use of resources in its operations. The project has reduced water usage in this facet of its operations by 62% annually, garnering praise from the Region of Peel.

About The Module Washer Efficiency Upgrade

Prior to their adoption of the new transport system, Maple Lodge Farms® used two crate washing systems to clean their chicken crates. With the advent of a new transport container system, two new high-efficiency wash systems were installed in their place, which utilize more recirculated water and high-pressure flows.

Water Savings

Water usage for Maple Lodge Farms® former crate washing system was measured at 8.3 million litres/year (roughly 350,245,647 cups!). After the wash system replacement, water use decreased by 62% annually.

In addition to shining a light on improved environmental sustainability, the new Module Washer has also resulted in economic benefits for the company. Maple Lode Farms® is projected to save $75,827 in water cost savings annually, as well as earning a one-time rebate from the Region for $35,331.

Maple Lodge Farms® consistently seeks new ways to operate more efficiently and conserve valuable resources. These efforts recently resulted in the adoption of a more humane way to transport chickens, including new transport containers (modules) and an upgraded container washing system.

Source : Maple Lodge Farms

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.