SCOOP ON POOP EXHIBIT AT BLANK PARK ZOO EDUCATES IOWANS ON
THE VALUE OF NATURES NUTRIENTS
By *Dustin Vande Hoef, Iowa Department of Agriculture
SCOOP ON POOP EXHIBIT AT BLANK PARK ZOO EDUCATES IOWANS ON
THE VALUE OF NATURES NUTRIENTS
Interactive Exhibit Educates Iowans on the uses of Livestock
Manure
Visitors to Des Moines Blank Park Zoo will learn about the value of livestock manure in Iowa in a new,
interactive exhibit that will be on display throughout the summer.
The ‘Poop Cycle
Investigation exhibit brings an
opportunity to show how the manure of all animals is used in nature. Whats
more, the exhibit will also teach children and adults the value of manure in
Iowas robust livestock industry and the impact cow, pig, chicken, turkey
and sheep poop has on growing Iowa crops for feed, food and fuel.
Iowa’s Manure Cycle exhibit is being sponsored
by Iowa
agricultural groups as a complement to the Zoos new ‘Scoop on Poop exhibit. The Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa
Pork Producers, Iowa Cattlemen, Farm Bureau, Agribusiness Association of Iowa,
Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn
Promotion Board, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Egg
Council, Iowa Manure Management Action Group, Iowa Sheep Industry Association,
Iowa Soybean Association and Midwest Dairy Association of Iowa.
‘This is an
opportunity to tell the story of how livestock manure is used in Iowa,’ said Gretta Irwin, executive director of
the Iowa Turkey Federation and spokesperson for the sponsoring
organizations. ‘We’re pleased
to be partnering with the zoo on this project this summer and excited to help
explain ‘Iowa’s Manure Cycle.’
The ‘Poop Cycle
Investigation takes zoo-goers on a fun and interactive trip through the
‘Iowa Manure Cycle. Visitors can test
their knowledge by identifying manure from different livestock species,
and learn how manure is used to fertilize crops that produce feed for the
livestock, food for people and fuels such as ethanol and soy biodiesel. The
exhibit also challenges visitors to identify the everyday products are possible
through the cycle of crop production that hinges on the availability of ‘nature’s nutrients’ ‘manure. For example;
renewable fuel production depends on having manure as a source of crop
fertilization.
Once visitors have visited each of the five kiosks in the
exhibit, they can become certified ‘Poop
Cycle Investigators’ and receive a license that verifies their knowledge
of ‘Iowa’s Manure Cycle.’
‘The sponsoring
organizations feel it’s important that the general public understands
that livestock manure is used responsibly, helps replenish our soil, and has
tremendous value in Iowa. Our exhibit will hopefully make people realize that
poop is an organic and natural substance that for centuries helps Iowans in
many ways,’ Irwin said.
For more information on the ‘Iowa Manure Cycle exhibit, contact Gretta Irwin, Executive
Director Iowa Turkey Federation, (515) 232-7492, Gretta@iowaturkey.org
<mailto:Gretta@iowaturkey.org>.
Blog For Iowa 
Let's see now…How is that manure created, stored, disbursed,
and how is it affecting the air, water, and lungs, eyes, and
nervous system of those around it?
1. Much of manure spread on IOWA land comes from:
Cement pits in the ground (MOST of which leak,
according to those who have helped build them, and
there are too few DNR employees to check them on a
regular basis/this according to the DNR.) These pits can hold 1,000,000 gallons or more of feces and urine for months before being pumped out & put on the land. Too much on the ground
& it can burn the dirt, seeds, roots & plants.
While this may be a learning experience, please pay
attention to the groups who are sponsoring the exhibit.
Those who proport the benefits of the continued use of
pit sh** are only looking to promote themselves & their businesses. There are many other less invasive ways to grow grain.
Until there is no hydrogen sulfide or ammonia eeeking
into the air & toxic waste ooozing into your nearby creek,
lake, and/or watershed this type of addition to the food/fuel
cycle is still too costly health-wise.
Do a bit of research on other ways to SAFELY grow corn,wheat,soy soybeans, etc on our magnificent IOWA land.
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