Posts by EPI Air

World Pork Expo is Super Showcase for BEI

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By Dick Hagen, of Hagen and Associates

Perhaps speaking for the 400+ exhibitors at the 2012 World Pork Expo, Des Moines, John Baumgartner, President, Baumgartner Environics, Inc., Olivia, MN simply said, “Expo is the one-stop place for scientific and business information technology for the pork industry. And to a huge extent, this show is about people. Be that pork producers renewing acquaintances, technical people briefing on the latest issues and new products, and enjoying the atmosphere of international guests from everywhere. Expo truly is the celebration of the U.S. Pork industry and we were hugely satisfied and impressed with the traffic at our EPI-Air exhibit.”

Show-stealer for BEI was their unique display of the EPI (Electrostatic Particle Ionization) system in which participants slapped on a wrist band and decidedly felt the ‘tingle’ of electronic waves which capture airborne dust, ammonia, odor and hydrogen sulfide within hog production buildings. The net result of this ionization process is cleaner air or ‘EPI-Air’ which in turn results in faster gains, reduced mortalities, and slight improvements in feed efficiencies.

Commented Matt Baumgartner, general manager of BEI, “We first released the Murphy-Brown test data validating our EPI technology at the 2011 Expo. Since that time there has been quite a bit of industry talk about this data and our technology, precipitated because Murphy-Brown, North America’s largest hog producer, is now installing EPI units throughout their Western Division.”

World Pork Expo logo“We had 7, sometimes 8 of our own people at our Expo booth and often just simply couldn’t keep up with the questions and inquiries. That’s about as good as it gets. Expo literally was a home run for us, with the bases loaded.”

Dr. Gary Bradley, Research Coordinator, Murphy-Brown LLC, directed the trials of the EPI technology. Interviewed at the Pork Expo, he commented, “We were fortunate to be on the ground floor of this new technology. We were quite impressed with the performance results and thus our major move with the installation of EPI units in most of our nursery facilities.”

We were fortunate to be on the ground floor of this new technology. We were quite impressed with the performance results and thus our major move with the installation of EPI units in most of our nursery facilities.

Next move for Murphy-Brown is testing EPI units in growing/finishing facilities. “There are different dynamics with ventilation in larger barns. Humidity may be more of a factor relating to the efficacy of ionization of air in larger barns. So our work now relates to the impact of negative ions in a more humid environment,” says Bradley.

Could EPI technology possibly reduce the movement of PRRS virus? Bradley only ventured, “That might be a possibility. I don’t think the negative ions could eliminate the virus from the barn. However, combined with the overhead positioning of EPI units perhaps a portable unit used at floor level could be ‘zapping’ viruses after the wash down.”

He speculates there likely will be additional technology that branches off from the current EPI system. As a research scientist he’s more than willing and ready to further explore new ideas. “Preliminary results were phenomenal in our nursery units so we’re totally open to stretching our minds about a further spin off of EPI technology.”

EPI Air Video to be Broadcasted Across US

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The benefits of EPI Air are being broadcasted across the nation in a special video segment of  “Today in America”, hosted by Terry Bradshaw.  So far, the EPI Air Segment of “Today in America” has been broadcasted on CNN Headline News in the St. Louis, Minneapolis, and the Phoenix/Flagstaff markets. During the month of July, 2012, the “Today in America” show featuring the EPI Air segment will also be broadcasted in the Evansville, Indiana market. Take a look at the broadcast airing schedule for Evansville below.

Baumgartner Environics Segment of “Today in America”

EPI Air in the News

Evansville Broadcast Schedule

Evansville Sunday 7/1 10:35 PM NBC WFIE-TV
Evansville Sunday 7/8 10:35 PM NBC WFIE-TV
Evansville Sunday 7/15 10:35 PM NBC WFIE-TV
Evansville Sunday 7/22 10:35 PM NBC WFIE-TV

Baumgartner Environics on Today in America will be seen in up to 15 markets throughout 2012, as well as one national broadcast on the Fox Business Network.

Watch for this informational video on EPI Air on your local channels or view the EPI Air segment on YouTube!

Understanding PM – Particulate Matter

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There is no doubt that poultry houses have high concentrations of agricultural dust inside.  According to a recent article in World Poultry.net, much of the dust in poultry barns comes from the litter and manure, down feathers, mineral crystals in urine, and feed.  The article, Chickens: Negative air ionisation strongly decreases fine dust, goes on to explain how the concentration of dust inside poultry houses is directly related to the activity of the birds during light periods, especially in litter housing systems like floor housing for broilers and layers, and aviary housing for layers.

Dust is PM – Particulate Matter

High concentrations of dust are often referred to as “Particulate Matter” or PM.  The concentration of PM is measured in terms of their size in diameter in micrometers.  According to the EPA, the size of dust particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems.

PM 10

Dust or particulate matter with a size smaller than or equal to 10 micrometer in diameter, but larger then 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are often referred to as “inhalable coarse particles.”  This particulate matter can be found near roadways and dusty industries, but also in some livestock barns.

PM 2.5

Very fine dust fraction or particulate matter below 2.5 micrometers are often referred to as  “fine particles,” such as those emitted from forest fires, automobiles, and some agricultural settings.  Particulate matter of 2.5 or smaller are able to pass the nose, mouth and larynx, penetrate into the thorax and some even into the lung tissues, causing adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health effects.

How to Remove Dust from Barns

Agricultural research teams have been working on developing technology for the reduction of dust exposure in poultry facilities.  One such technology is EPI Air, which uses electrostatic particle ionization to emit electrons that charge dust particles that are in the air. The negatively charged particles then collect on the grounded surfaces in the barn, which is cleaned like normal after the growing cycle is complete.  Studies by Murphy-Brown have shown significant reduction in particulate matter (57.7% reduction of 10-micron size, 47.4% reduction of 2.5 micron size, 43.1% reduction of .05 micron size) as well as a variety of production gains.

Contact Baumgartner Environics today to learn more about removing agricultural dust with EPI Air.

Canadian Government Invests in EPI Project to Improve Air Quality in Manitoba Swine Barns

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The government of Canada recently announced in a press release dated May 23, 2012, that an investment of over $200,000 has been made that will help Manitoba pork producers.  The investment, made by the government of Canada, will be able to improve the health of hog herds and boost the bottom lines for those in the hog industry.

The investment is in two projects and is in support of the Manitoba Pork Council. Member of Parliament Merv Tweed (Brandon–Souris), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz stated in the press release,  “Our government is committed to the long-term viability of the hog industry in Manitoba and supports measures that will keep it profitable.” He goes on, “This investment will help improve animal health in the sector and grow long-term economic prosperity for our hog producers.”

The main project they are investing in with over $150,000 is to help improve the air quality of swine barns. They will be testing the effectiveness of an electrostatic space charge system (ESCS), which is also commonly known as electrostatic particle ionization (EPI).  ESCS/EPI can reduce and prevent the airborne transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).  PRRS is a highly infectious and deadly virus in swine that is reported to cost the Canadian industry an estimated $130 million per year.

The second investment will be used to perform a comparative study of cropping systems to promote the use of swine manure on Manitoba farms, with the hopes of identifying sustainable land management practices and lessen environmental impact.

Karl Kynoch, Chair of the Manitoba Pork Council stated, “As well, we are always looking for ways of improving air quality in barns and to find better disease prevention techniques. We also need to meet the provincial government’s regulatory process, and we believe these research projects can assist us in these goals.”

These projects are being funded by the Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program (CAAP).  The regional component of CAAP in Manitoba is the Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program(MRAC).

Read the full Press Release “Government of Canada Supports Manitoba Hog Industry”

How to Clean a Barn with EPI Installed

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Often we hear questions from customers regarding how to clean a barn that has the EPI Air® System installed. The answer is basically “Clean the barn like usual,” but here are a few things to remember.

Think Differently about Dust

leaf blowerThe EPI Air® System requires a bit of a paradigm shift regarding room cleanliness, since a thick layer of visible dust will collect on surfaces in the barn. It is important to remember that dust collected on surfaces is superior to dust suspended in the breathable air.  Even though the dust will be more noticeable on these surfaces, removing dust from the air enhances ventilation and data shows that it improves production.

Clean the Barn like Usual

When the animal production phase has been completed, the room can be cleaned as part of normal barn washing operations. The EPI Air® components can be power-washed when the system is powered off.  A handheld leaf blower also works well to remove the collected dust from the surfaces to get them out of the barn. Turn the fans on to purge and blow the dust off barn surfaces.  Dust is also removed easily by sweeping with a broom or rapping on the surfaces with a rubber mallet.

What other questions do you have about cleaning a barn with the EPI® System installed?

Baumgartner Completes Blandin Leadership Program

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In February 2012, Matt Baumgartner, General Manager at Baumgartner Environics, and other residents from Olivia, MN and surrounding areas participated in a 5-day leadership retreat put on by the Blandin Foundation.  We asked Matt to share his experience with the Blandin Community Leadership Training. Here is his insight.

What made you decide to participate in the Blandin Training?

I received a letter from the Blandin Foundation, at the recommendation of other local Blandin graduates. At the time I didn’t know much about the program. I began asking others in the community about Blandin and received positive feedback, but it was my uncle who tipped the scales. He really encouraged me to attend. I have always been interested in improving myself and my surroundings. Blandin training gives a person tools and a network to achieve that goal.

How will your Blandin Training benefit your community?

During our training I joined a group with three other Olivian’s: Kevin Ayers, Nancy Standfuss, and Susie Blandin Training MinnesotaLang. The four of us decided to address an issue dogging our community: Sustainable Funding for Corn Capital Days (check out the Corn Capital Days Facebook page for more info). Our beloved annual hometown celebration, Corn Capital Days is in danger of disappearing because certain sources of funding have dried-up. We are employing our newly acquired Blandin skills and spearheading an effort to solve the funding issue. In summary we’ve framed the issue so the community understands what’s at stake, we’re bring together all those parties that have a stake in seeing Corn Capital Days continue, and mobilizing people and resources to maintain the effort.

What did you find the most interesting about the Blandin Training?

I really enjoyed the way they taught us to think about conflict. So often, conflict dominates people’s thoughts. Most of us seek to avoid conflict, even when the conflict is only imagined. Blandin has a very clever way to categorize conflict into four quadrants that hinge on the importance of an issue versus a relationship. For example, if I have a disagreement with my wife about what color to paint a room, I would accommodate her wish, because to me, the issue is unimportant and the relationship is most important. If the issue was much more important than the relationship, it would be a conflict.

What do you want others to know about the Blandin Training?

I recommend to anyone, no matter what part of life you are in, to attend Blandin Training. They teach a valuable skill set, and you get to know a whole group of great people.

The Blandin Community Leadership Program (BLCP) has provided leadership training for more than 6000 community leaders from more than 425 rural Minnesota communities, with the goal of developing and training a broad base of local leaders to build healthy communities.

 

“Today in America” features EPI (Video)

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EPI was recently featured in “Today in America”, with a video hosted by Terry Bradshaw.  “Today in America” headlines innovative products and news from businesses, inventors, and leaders across the United States. John and Matt Baumgartner of Baumgartner Environics, and Steve Pollman and Chris Rademacher of Murphy-Brown LLC explain how EPI  (Electrostatic Particle Ionization) results in cleaner, healthier air, providing a better work environment for all involved including animals and workers alike.

Today In America with Terry Bradshaw Logo

If you would like to learn more about how EPI could benefit your livestock, call Baumgartner Environics at 800-823-4234, fill out this simple form, or comment below.

Swine Solutions: Clearing the Air

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Hubbard Feeds, based out of Mankato, Minnesota, is a leader in providing nutrition and feed for swine and other animals.  Their focus on educating producers about the ties between health and performance of swine is evident through the resources, such as podcasts and newsletters, that they offer their dealers on their website.

In the March 2012 issue of their Swine Solutions Newsletter, Hubbard wrote an article called “Clearing the Air – Negatively Charged Ions Improve Barn Air Quality and Pig Growth”.  The article informs the livestock producers that beyond animal nutrition, air quality in the animals’  barn is also important to their health.  The technology they describe for controlling dust emissions is called EPI (Electrostatic Particle Ionization) and is manufactured by Baumgartner Environics.

The article showcases what both New Fashion Pork and Murphy-Brown have already experienced with EPI – that dust reduction translates to better performance. Dr. Chris Rademacher of Murphy-Brown explains what happens when young pigs inhale dust, “…it robs pigs of some of the energy and nutrients we’re supplying for growth.”

But the benefits of EPI are not just for the animals. There is also an advantage to the surrounding community, as described by John Baumgartner, President of Baumgartner Environics. “If you take 50% or more of the dust out of the air, that’s emissions that never leave the barn, it’s not going out the fan and getting into the outside environment.”

Livestock producers need to be proactive with environmental issues, now more then ever. EPI Air provides an easy and cost effective way to improve agricultural air quality issues.

Read the Complete Article “Clearing the Air” in Hubbard’s Swine Solutions Newsletter 

New Fashion Pork Commended by Neighbors

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New Fashion Pork is a progressive pork production leader that operates on strong relationships, stewardship of the land, and the highest standards in animal care. With a quarter century of experience in the swine industry, the NFP family has the vision to continually improve and enhance their value chain across their operations in Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Now, New Fashion Pork demonstrates how they act on their values, as they take the lead in environmental quality by installing EPI Air in their newest facility northwest of Armstrong, Iowa.

EPI Air Dust Reduction System

Earlier this year, John and Matt Baumgartner of Baumgartner Environics were invited to give a presentation to the Emmet County Board of Supervisors in Iowa on behalf of New Fashion Pork. The Baumgartner’s demonstrated a unique dust emission control device that reduces airborne dust in animal confinements, called EPI (Electrostatic Particle Ionization). This technology, called EPI Air, creates cleaner air by putting negative ions into the animal production air space, trapping dust and impurities, by collecting it on surfaces in the barn.  EPI Air reduces pathogens, gases and odors, improving the air quality for the animals inside and for the neighbors outside the barns.

Win-Win for Pork Producers and Neighbors

EPI Air is a win-win for the both the pork producers and their neighbors, because EPI reduces dust, gas, and odor emissions, and improves animals’ rate of gain while, simultaneously, reducing death loss. New Fashion Pork has been commended by the local Emmett County Board of Supervisors for taking a leadership role in improving environmental quality – proactively being a good neighbor and providing better quality air for the animals.  New Fashion Pork made the clean air choice on their own, without neighbors or the County Board of Supervisors asking them to take action. New Fashion Pork is to be commended indeed.

Read the whole story “New Fashion Pork to be Commended” via Estherville Daily News

Do you know of a Pork or Poultry Producer who could benefit from installing the EPI Air?  Please contact us for more information or comment below.

8 Ways to Take a Breath of Fresh Air this Earth Day

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This Earth Day, there are many ways that you can show your respect for the Earth.  From planting a tree, to cleaning the ditches, or starting a new routine in your home or business that will help your reduce, reuse, or recycle. Every green effort counts to help the earth and its resourceful land, water and air.

At Baumgartner Environics, we are taking the importance of indoor air quality one step further, because not only is breathing clean air vital for human beings, but animals as well.  The EPI Air System helps the livestock industry improve their in-barn air quality through dust reduction at the source. Our hypothesis is that cleaner air in livestock barns leads to improvement in animal growth and livability.

8 More Ways to Improve your Indoor Air Quality:

  1. Avoid second-hand smoke, and don’t smoke yourself.
  2. Get some houseplants! We all know that plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, but a NASA/ALCA study also showed that many houseplants also remove harmful elements such as trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.
  3. open window clean airInstall a carbon monoxide detector to make sure your home stays free of this deadly gas.  Also be sure to never let your car run while parked in the garage.
  4. Check your home for radon.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is odorless and colorless.  Tests can be purchased from the hardware store or requested from the EPA.
  5. Change the filters in your air conditioner and furnace before the heating and cooling seasons begin.
  6. Avoid using chemicals when you can.  For instance, get no or low -VOC paints and non-toxic home cleaners and air fresheners. Try soy candles or homemade cleaners to keep it natural.
  7. Keep an eye out for visible molds in your home that could be dangerous and an indicator of moisture and bacteria problems.
  8. Open the windows, better yet – go outside! Fresh air does wonders for the body and to clear your mind.

This Earth Day, think about how you can make extra efforts to help the earth.  Could you ride-share to reduce your carbon footprint? There are many ways that you can reduce air pollution, and every bit counts.

How are you celebrating Earth Day? What extra efforts are you taking to help keep the earth’s land, water, or air clear of pollutants?