In This Issue… December 2007

Engineering Update Winter 2007 BSE Named a University Exemplary Department! Engineering Update Biological Systems Engineering In this issue… December 2007

To: Extension Unit Directors, Extension District Directors, Meeting Announcement…………2 Extension Program Directors, and ANR Agents Restoring Streams…………………3 Winter Driving…………………………3 Dear Co-Workers: Engineering Update is a joint effort of Biologi- Equipment Winterizing …………4 cal Systems Engineering and other interested agents. Subject mat- Jump Dead Battery ………………5 ter areas include timely information on water quality, natural re- Biomass Appeal ………………………6 source management, TMDL, air emissions, animal waste manage- Greenhouse Checks…………………7 ment, machinery management, precision farming, application tech- ASR Sprayer Setup ………………8 nology, farm safety, energy, engineering education, and technology. Droplet Chart …………………………9 Please use this information in your on-going Extension programs and Senior Design Projects ………10 circulate to all Extension staff. Engineering Update is electroni- Compaction………………………………10 cally accessible via the VCE Intranet World Wide Web site Peanuts …………………………………10 (at http://www.ext.vt.edu/vce/anr/bse/index.html). Aeration of Storage……………11 Hydraulic Systems ………12-13 Accountability ………………………13 Youth Labor Law …………………14 Workplace Bullies…………………14 Newsletter Tips ……………15-16 Procrastination………………………17 Ergonomic Guidelines……………18

Visit BSE Specialists in Seitz Hall

Beyond Wetlands: Engineering the Landscape 8th Annual American Ecological Engineering Society Meeting 2nd Annual Virginia Stream Alliance Workshop June 11-14, 2008 (Workshops on June 9-10) Virginia Tech Campus, Blacksburg, VA

The American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) works to promote the protection and development of sustainable ecosystems that inte- grate human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both.

You are invited to participate of ecological services in urban mental interest groups, and in the Eighth Annual American systems), Ecological Remedia- students. Ecological Society Meeting at tion/Treatment Systems Virginia Tech on June 11- (phytoremediation, wetland More information about the 14,2008, by submitting an ab- design) and Teaching and Pro- meeting and the Second An- stract for an oral or poster fessional Development. nual Virginia Stream Alliance presentation. Abstracts are Workshop on June 9-10 will due December 15 via our web- The meeting includes a combi- soon be available at http:// based abstract submittal sys- nation of workshops (June 9- www.cpe.vt.edu/aees/. tem at: http:/ 10), plenary sessions, concur- www2.opd.outreach.vt.edu:8080/ rent sessions, and breakout For further information about abstracts/VT/AEES2008. sessions over a six-day period. abstracts, the conference, or opportunities for sponsorship, Paper topics related to the Conference participants will please contact: conference theme may in- include: environmental and clude: Landscape Design ecological scientists and engi- Dr. Cully Hession (regional planning, watershed neers; landscape architects; Biological Systems Engineering management, Stream Restora- policy makers and planners; Virginia Tech, 304 Seitz Hall tion/Design (floodplain and federal, tribal, state, and local Blacksburg, VA 24061 channel), Urban System De- government agency personnel; phone: (540) 231-9480 sign (low impact development and private interests, environ- e-mail: [email protected] technologies, green infra- mental consultants, environ- structure design, restoration

Restoring Streams

learns about the Stroubles Duck Pond. The restoration effort is Creek restoration project part of a watershed management from Virginia Tech BSE pro- plan developed by local citizens, Vir- fessors Tess Wynn and Cully ginia Tech, and the Town of Blacks- Hession. burg, to reduce sediment pollution and improve aquatic habitat within The Virginia Department of Stroubles Creek. Conservation and Recreation awarded a grant to the faculty Improved land-use management team, which also includes Gene within the New River Watershed is Restoring streams (VT Front Page): Yagow of BSE, to restore 1.8 miles crucial for the protection and pres- Virginia Secretary of Natural Re- of Stroubles Creek, a New River ervation of this important natural sources Preston Bryant (right) tributary, downsteam of the VT resource.

Safety Tips, Kits Prepare Drivers for Winter

Safety needs to be a electrical accesso- driver’s main priority ries if possible. Use when traveling this parking lights in- winter. stead of headlights to warn approaching Pay attention to drivers. weather forecasts • If more than one before leaving home person is stranded and if dangerous weather is ing downward or has snow in the vehicle, only one imminent, consider delaying or and ice around the exhaust should sleep at a time. canceling travel plans. Travel- outlet. Use extreme caution • Don’t forget to pack a sur- ers should share their plans if the vehicle rests under an vival kit before traveling with family members or overpass or in a low area. with blankets and thermal friends who can notify au- • Bundle up and stay with the protection for head, hand thorities if they don’t arrive vehicle. Blowing snow can be and feet. Include enough on time. Also, let contacts disorienting and cold tem- high energy, non-perishable know if plans change. peratures, through hypo- food, such as candy bars, for thermia, can sap a person’s each passenger. Even prepared drivers can strength. • Keep water inside the car to have mishaps. Travelers that • Use the vehicle engine and prevent it from freezing and do become stranded should heater sparingly to conserve a flashlight with extra bat- follow these safety tips: fuel. Run the engine often teries. Cell phones are help- enough so it starts easily to ful, but should not substitute • Don’t run the engine or use prevent running down the for survival kits. the heater if the vehicle is battery. (adapted by Bobby Grisso) resting at a steep angle, fac- • Avoid using the vehicle’s

Clean, winterize farm equipment to extend its life

It appears most of us finally have freeze, like engine oil, has a lifespan. tor's manual for instructions on re- the crops out of the field for an- Merely adding more coolant may not ducing pressure on baler belts or other season. It has been a difficult be enough to fully protect your in- other components. Compressed air is thing to harvest alfalfa, corn, pea- vestment. a great way to clean hard to reach nuts, cotton, and soybeans while places and may be a better choice dodging storms in recent weeks. Inflate tires to recommended pres- than water. When water is needed to Though we have lost some feed qual- sure to reduce sidewall damage. Be- clean surfaces, use only moderate ity to storms this season, we must fore storing tillage implements re- pressure and mild soap. gratefully admit that the harvest move soil and apply appropriate rust has been bounteous. Most hay barns preventive material, then store with Cleaning farm equipment with a are full of forage and the corn silage soil engaging components raised or power washer is great for removing bunkers are stacked higher than on blocks to prevent rust. Hydraulic dust and soil. Be careful, however, typical. cylinders should not be stored fully and avoid direct contact with seals extended. If temperatures increase, when using high-pressure washers. Though most of us are ready to park hydraulic oil will be confined and Use compressed air after washing to our farm equipment for a few high pressure may cause damage to help dry surfaces, and operate ma- months, we must remember that the hydraulic system. chinery for 10 to 20 minutes to help spring will be here quickly and the shed excess water from hard to equipment must be ready to go. The All planters, drills, air seeders and reach places. Repaint worn surfaces care we provide our machinery, such combines need to be cleaned out. Be with spray paint to protect from as proper cleaning, maintenance and sure all grain and plant material left corrosion. storage not only increases equipment in the grain tank and augers is re- reliability and performance, it can moved. This will reduce rusting and Proper battery storage can protect also improve resale value. Farmers make it less attractive to mice and batteries from deterioration. Even a who properly winterize farm equip- other pests. It is sometimes possible small current drain can eventually ment now will be rewarded with a to remove more than a bushel of discharge batteries and cause them reduction in start-up time next grain even after a combine seems to to freeze in cold weather. Consider spring. be clean. Trapped grain attracts ro- removing batteries to convenient dents, who often then make a meal storage where they can receive a The following winter storage sugges- of electrical wiring, leading to short periodic charge. Clean all connections tions come from various Extension circuits or other electrical problems. and coat terminals with a thin layer bulletins, but should never supersede of grease to prevent corrosion. the recommendations found in equip- Reduce tension on belts to reduce ment operator’s manuals. stretch and increase belt life. Be Where possible, store equipment in a sure to follow storage instructions in building. If a building is not avail- Be sure to change the oil and per- the operator's manual for removing able, at least cover equipment with a form regular service. The hot, dry seed plates and other components to well secured tarp. This will always weather we have recently experi- relieve pressure on seals, brushes, improve equipment performance and enced makes oil changes necessary. and seed plates. This will minimize resale value. Clean engine oil will reduce internal warping and misshaped air seals and engine corrosion during storage. seed plates. Remove soil from all (See: Five Strategies for Extending Ma- Clean or replace air filters, replace furrow openers to reduce rust and chinery Life — VCE Publication 442-451. fuel filters and lubricate bearings improve performance next season. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442- and joints to maximize the life and 451/442-451.pdf) efficiency of your machinery. Check Balers need to have any partial bales antifreeze for correct freezing and all plant material removed to temperature. Remember that anti- minimize rusting. Follow the opera-

Jumping a Dead Tractor Battery

The battery converts chemical and the last disconnection is at touching the cables to the energy to electrical energy. For some point away from the bat- starter motor. The tractor can a battery to operate properly, it tery. Use the order for connect- suddenly lurch forward and crush must have the plates and electro- ing jumper cables: you. lyte in proper proportions and the elements must be clean both • Identify the POSITIVE (red) Lead-acid batteries produce inside and outside the battery end of one of the jumper ca- flammable explosive gases. Keep case. ble clamps - attach it to the arcs, sparks, flames and lighted POSITIVE (+) terminal of the tobacco away. The sulfuric acid Temperature can influence a bat- dead battery. within a battery can damage eye tery and that is the reason most • Attach the other POSITIVE and skin on contact. Always wear batteries fail during winter con- cable clamp on the other end a face shield to avoid acid in ditions. In cold temperature, the of the jumper cable to the eyes. battery capacity for cranking is good battery's POSITIVE smaller and the engine has more post or terminal. If further work is needed on the friction to overcome to be • Attach the NEGATIVE electrical system, disconnect the cranked. For example, a battery (black) jumper cable clamp battery by removing the ground has only 65 per cent of its crank- nearest the good battery to terminal first. Never work on ing power at 32 degrees F as it the good battery's NEGA- the electrical system of any does at 80 degrees F; and only TIVE (-) post or terminal. equipment unless you are thor- 40 per cent at zero degrees F. • Attach the remaining NEGA- oughly familiar with the system At the same time the engine is TIVE jumper cable clamp to a details. 165% harder to turn over and good engine ground point on start at 32 degrees than at 80 the dead battery's vehicle If using a battery charger to re- degrees F. away from the dead battery. charge a dead battery, ALWAYS hook the charger leads to the Follow manufacturer’s directions Never reverse the connections battery BEFORE plugging the for “jump” start of engines with and never charge or jump a fro- charger into the AC current - aid of extra battery. Operator zen battery; it can explode. with the charger unplugged, must be in the operator’s seat there is little chance of a spark when jump-starting an engine so Allow a period for the battery to if you hook the leads to the that the tractor will be under recharge and now with the dead proper polarity. control when the engine starts. vehicle in park and transmission Jump-starting should be a two- disengaged turn the switch and Then, ALWAYS unplug the person operation. start the dead engine. charger from the AC wall socket BEFORE removing the leads from Be careful when jumping a dead After the dead vehicle has the charged battery - again avoid tractor battery it is a big deal so started remove the jumper cable a spark while removing the leads take your time and think before in reverse order. Allow the vehi- - and please, wear eye protection 'jumping'. Make sure all electri- cle to charge the battery before when using that battery charger! cal connections, switches and ac- operating under a load. cessories are turned off and (adapted by Bobby Grisso) make sure the last connection Never jump-start a tractor by

Creating Biomass Appeal

Here’s a solution to high same time dismissing gas prices for you: Fire excess nutrients in up the grill, cook ham- the ground. We cap- burgers and hot dogs for ture the excess nu- your friends and trients in a slow- neighbors, then collect release fertilizer.” the leftover grease and put it in your gas tank. Foster noted that Southside Virginia in While greatly oversimpli- particular could fied, that scenario is not benefit from the as bizarre as it sounds. conversion of bio- The BSE Department mass into biofuel. wants to make it a semi- “In Southside Vir- reality—only with a production nating from biomass could play ginia, we are looking into bio- facility and refinery. a key role in Virginia’s future. energy options to replace tobacco,” he explained. “We are Dr. Foster Agblevor, an ex- “What we are trying to do is encouraging the growth of pert in thermochemical bio- reduce dependency on foreign switchgrass and hybrid pop- mass conversion and rapid sources of energy. We can lars in particular, so that we characterization of biomass make bio-ethanol. We can also can make bio-oils from them.” feedstocks, made news by de- make bio-oils,” he said. “You veloping manufacturing proc- can use all kinds of feed To prove the effectiveness of esses that could extract spe- stocks, residues and wastes. those fuels, VT is working with cific chemicals from cotton We are now looking into even private nursery and green- residue to make ethanol and using poultry litter.” house owners in the region to the sugar xylitol. heat their facilities via bio- Foster pointed out that the oils. The structures typically “Our work shows a manufac- litter potentially can be con- are heated with propane, the turing process for extracting verted into bio-oils, gas and cost of which is both products simultaneously fertilizer via pyrolysis, or “astronomical,” Foster said. from the cotton residue,” he chemical change brought Heating via biomass is ex- explained. “In the future, it is about by the action of heat. pected to prove more eco- possible that a manufacturing The technology can be used to nomical while giving the uni- company operating in South- dispose of poultry litter and versity an opportunity to ef- side Virginia could produce simultaneously produce high- fectively demonstrate the both the ethanol and the xyli- value products and fuels. technology. tol products.” “Producing bio-oil from litter (Modified from Mark Cramer, Farm Bu- reau News, February 2006) Foster, believes fuels origi- creates a fuel while at the

Greenhouse Heating System Checkup

A preseason heating system checkup for a greenhouse can prevent big problems – and big expenses – this winter.

Heating season is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to get out and make sure your heating system is ready for the next few months. A bit of routine maintenance will ensure your plants will have the warmth they need, when they need it. fires properly and cleanly. sion. The National Greenhouse • Check the vent system. Manufacturers Association of- • Check the heat exchanger fers heating guidelines (you • Check to make sure no ob- of the equipment for signs can download a copy at structions block the air in- of overheating. www.ngma.com/ take or air discharge of downloads.htm). the equipment. • Inspect the burner for general cleanliness. • Check equipment for physi- • Check lubrication of the cal damage. Check the motors on fans and pumps. • Check the control wiring to sheet metal, fans and air With the power off, check make sure the connections movers, wiring, fuel piping to see that the motor are tight. and vent system. shafts turn freely. • Check to make sure the • Check for the cleanliness • Check the belt tension. manual valves are opened. of the equipment’s heat exchanger and burner. Vac- • Check the heat exchanger • If your greenhouse has an uum out the heat exchang- of the equipment for any alarm system, make sure it ers and verify the unit signs of cracks or corro- is operational.

Heating Guidelines: www.ngma.com/downloads.htm 7

Sprayer setup keys soybean rust control

Drought and extreme heat in the lower When spraying a fungicide for soybean let size. A medium droplet size (200 to Southeast has slowed movement of soy- rust control, good coverage on the lower 300 microns) is required to penetrate bean rust into the Carolinas and Virginia. and middle leaves is critical, because the canopy and adequately cover the However, as growers in the Delta and these are the most likely spots on the leaf surfaces. Fine to very fine droplets, lower Midwest will attest, rust spores plant for the disease to form. Applying like those produced from hollow cone can move quickly as a recent find in fungicides to shorter, low density plants nozzles, will not penetrate the canopy other states. will provide better results, again regard- and are prone to drift. less of the spray system used. Research at The Ohio State University, Large droplets will not give adequate showed that growers can significantly While a single flat fan provides better coverage, may bounce off leaves, and improve fungicide application and by spray coverage and disposition than cone because the total number of droplets is doing so — soybean rust control — by or dual fan nozzles in tall, dense plant less, are more likely to miss the target using proper spray equipment and appli- canopies, most of the late planted beans and land on the ground. cation techniques. will not have this type growth habit, so the more popular nozzles and spray pat- Pressure can be an issue, especially if Research indicates medium spray vol- terns should provide adequate coverage. coarse droplet nozzles, such as those ume, rather than fine or coarse provides used for herbicide application are used. better droplet penetration into the soy- If plants get taller and vegetative If these low drift, coarse droplet noz- bean canopy. Though labels on most fun- growth is denser, research consistently zles are used, higher pressure may re- gicides used for soybean rust suggest a shows a twin flow pattern nozzle, such duce droplet size into the medium size 200-350 micron, or fine to medium as the conventional Twin-Jet nozzle, did range, though this is not guaranteed. spray volume, the optimum for rust con- not perform as well as a single flat fan trol is probably closer to the bottom, or nozzle. Two families of fungicides are currently about 250 microns, than to the top end used for soybean rust management in of the recommendation. When using a conventional boom sprayer, the U.S. — triazoles and strobilurins. a flat fan nozzle provides a single spray Use rate for triazole products on the Using air assisted sprayers, regardless flow pattern that will likely work better market range from 3-8 ounces per acre. of cone type, generally provides better than cone nozzle or a twin pattern flat- Use rate for strobilurins is 6-15 ounces canopy penetration and plant coverage fan nozzle. per acre. Combination of the two fami- than conventional sprayers. lies in such products as Quilt and Research from various locations clearly Stratego is still in the 5-10 ounce per When using sprayers without air as- indicates an air-assisted sprayer is the acre range. sisted application, a mechanical canopy best equipment option available to opener or rigid bar that bends the top achieve the best coverage of soybeans The triazoles tend to move better of the canopy ahead of the spray boom with a fungicide. Unfortunately, a com- within the soybean plant and generally improves fungicide penetration to the mercial-scale sprayer with the air assis- provide better curative results, while middle and lower leaves of the soybean tance may add from $10,000 to $15,000 the strobilurins have longer residual plant. to the price tag of the equipment. How- activity within the plant and are gener- ever, this one-time cost may well out- ally better as a preventative. However, when using conventional spray- weigh the income lost due to soybean ers, a flat cone spray pattern performs rust in one growing season. Used together, both families of chemi- better than hollow cone spray patterns. cals provide optimum protection, but all When air assisted sprayers were used, Most important application factor is share one common factor — ultra-low there was little difference in perform- spray volume. At least 15 GPA and pref- rates of active ingredient per acre. ance of the two spray patterns, accord- erably 20 GPA of spray volume are ing to the researcher. needed for ground applications. At least The cost of these highly efficient fungi- 5 GPA are needed for aerial applications. cides, plus their ultra-low volume make it Timing, or more precisely the growth essential for soybean growers to apply pattern and stage of the soybean plant, This volume will be needed to penetrate them correctly and at the right stage of also effects fungicide application effi- and thoroughly cover all leaf surfaces in soybean growth for optimum profitabil- ciency, regardless of spray delivery sys- the soybean canopy. ity. tem used. Next in order of importance is the drop- (Modified from SE Farm Press)

Droplet Chart / Selection Guide

When choosing nozzles/ droplet size may reduce effi- droplet sizes for spray appli- cacy because fine or very fine cations, applicators must con- droplets (if applied uniformly) sider both coverage needed provide the best coverage. and drift potential. As a rule, However, small, lightweight drop- smaller droplets provide bet- lets may not penetrate plant ter coverage…but larger drop- canopies. Droplets produced by lets are less likely to drift. air-induction/ venturi nozzles may break vs. bounce when they

hit the target, hence providing Nozzle selection and applica- better coverage than droplet tion pressure govern droplet size rating alone would indicate. size, which it turn affect sys- a pesticide drifts, it may In many cases, choosing a noz- tem output (application rate), cause both environmental and zle/droplet size for a job is a target deposition, uniformity, economic damage, including “tradeoff” between good cover- efficacy, and the risk of drift. exposure to people and prop- age and drift potential. So… Off-target movement in the erty, injury to susceptible what’s an applicator to do?! form of spray drift is a major vegetation, harm to wildlife, Many labels provide specific rec- concern because it diverts the deposition of illegal residues ommendations regarding nozzle chemical from the intended on crops, and contamination of selection and sprayer configura- tion. However, in the absence of target, reduces efficacy, and water supplies. such guidance, the chart list be- deposits pesticide where it is low may serve as a starting point. not needed or wanted. When In some cases, increased (draft from Pat Hipkins, PAT) Application Droplet Category* Approximate VMD Range** Fungicide foliar protective or curative Medium (M) 226 – 325 Insecticide foliar contact or stomach poison Medium (M) 226 – 325 foliar systemic Coarse (C) 326 – 400 soil-applied systemic Coarse (C), 326 – 400; Very Coarse (VC), or 401 – 500; Extremely Coarse (XC) > 500 Herbicide foliar/postemergent contact Medium (M) 226 – 325 foliar/postemergent systemic Coarse (C) 326 – 400 soil-applied/preemergent sys- Coarse (C), 326 – 400; temic Very Coarse (VC), or 401 – 500; Extremely Coarse (XC) > 500 * ASABE Standard 572; ** VMD = Volume Mean Diameter; 50% of the spray volume are larger droplets and 50% of the volume are made up of smaller droplets. 9

Student Design Projects

Six design projects, team mem- • Design of Satellite Lignocelluloses Bio- Julia Fan and John Cundiff) Team: bers and faculty advisors for the refineries Based on Switchgrass for Kara Ford and Ryan Insley. Production of Cellulosic Ethanol and 2006-07 academic year are as Bio-based Materials (Advisor: Dr. Per- • Extraction of Phenolic Compounds follows: cival Zhang) Team: Derek Grysko, from Peanut Skins (Advisor: Dr. Kumar Carolyn Hey, Alison Roma, and Shannon Malikarjunan) Team: Ben Johnson and • Reducing Urban Stormwater Impacts Reeves. Stephen Park. within the Stroubles Creek Watershed (Advisor: Dr. Tess Wynn) Team: Catie • Paint Bank Fish Hatchery Raceway An executive summary of the results of Morin and Kathy DeBusk. Residue Management (Advisors: Drs. these projects can be viewed at: Jactone Arogo and Zhiyou Wen) Team: http://www.bse.vt.edu/06/UG/SD_06- • Design of a Bioreactor for Refolding Aaron Bowman, Christopher Hickey, 07.php of Recombinant Human Lysozyme Ex- Justin Summers, and Sarah Walker. pressed as Inclusion Bodies in E. coli If you have ideas for a design project, (Advisor: Dr. Mike Zhang) Team: Matt • Development of a Food Composting please develop a brief description of the Bernetich, Stephen Nimitz, and An- Plant at Virginia Tech (Advisors: Drs. proposed project and send to: drew Frock. [email protected]. PLANS In response to numerous requests, building and facility plans are now available for download from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Intranet. Plans are categorized under five main categories: Forage Storage and Feeding, Grain Handling and Feeding, Beef, Horse, and Sheep. You will need Adobe Acrobat to download these files. For the building and facility plans, as well as additional resources, please visit: http://www.ext.vt.edu/vce/anr/bse/index.html

Heavy machinery on wet soils Heavy machinery on wet soils is a sure pre- stuck. To help minimize the compaction due to proper tire size and inflation rate for the scription for compaction. But there are three the weight of the combine, unload the com- carrying capacity of your equipment. ways to minimize the compaction: Look at axle bine on the headlands or unload the combine loads, properly inflate tires of field equip- more frequently. The theory behind controlled traffic is that ment and control field traffic. 80% of the compaction happens on the first Check your tire inflation pressure before pass, so use this to your advantage. While it Heavy axle loads and wet soil conditions will using any equipment in the field. Not only may take awhile to replace equipment that will use increase the depth of compaction in the soil does this help reduce soil compaction, it also the same wheel tracks, there is one piece of equipment that should receive special attention: the grain profile. Tracks and duals have better flota- improves tractor efficiency. Studies have cart. The grain cart has the highest potential to tion than single tires. If you can equip your shown that given the same axle load, inflation compact the soil due to the large carrying capacity combine or grain carts with either of these of the tires (psi) will determine the depth and (up past 1,000 bu.) and a single axle on which to choices it will increase flotation and allow the severity of the compaction. Check with your carry that weight. combine a few extra passes before it gets tire manufacturer or search the Web for

Transform Peanut Skins

Mallikarjuna are working to find the oxidant research from the Oct. 23, best ways to transform peanut skins 2007, WVTF national public radio into nutraceuticals such as an anti- feature "Plans for peanut skins un- oxidant extract. derway" at http://www.wvtf.org/ news_and_notes/audio/tp_pnut_10-23- Tameshia Ballard (left) and Kumar Learn more about peanut skin anti- 07.mp3

Aerate stored grain to control temperature Corn is a perishable commodity with a the table to estimate the shelf life of is particularly important when holding corn limited shelf life that depends on the aerated corn based on the moisture con- with shelf lives of less than 30 days (in yel- moisture content and temperature of tent and temperature of the corn. The low). the grain. Special attention needs to be shelf life data are not valid for corn paid to the grain temperature in stor- held without aeration. Unaerated corn Research has shown that corn in this condition needs to be cooled within one or two age, especially with higher moisture con- may deteriorate three times faster than days after being placed in the bin to avoid tents, drought damaged grain, or low indicated in the table. significant mold damage. This rapid cooling test weights. The harvested corn needs rate can be achieved only in bins with fully to be cooled as quickly as possible to The shelf lives given in this table repre- perforated floors and fans capable of deliv- reduce biological activity within the sent the lengths of time that good qual- ering airflow rates of at least 0.33 to 0.5 grain mass. In addition, insect activity is ity, aerated shelled corn can be stored cfm/bu. Airflow rates of 0.1 to 0.2 cfm/bu greatly reduced when grain tempera- before losing one-half percent of dry normally used for aerating dry corn (corn with less than 16% moisture content) are not tures are below 50° F. matter at various temperatures and adequate to safely hold corn with less than moisture contents. With this amount of 30 days of shelf life. Airflows higher than Aeration is required for temperature dry matter decomposition, it is assumed aeration rates (about 1.5 to 2 cfm/bu) can be management in all stored grains, regard- that the corn loses some quality, but used for natural air drying to reduce the less of moisture content. The average maintains its market grade. Deteriora- moisture content of the stored grain. temperature of the grain mass should be tion rates also depend on kernel damage kept within 10 degrees of the average from harvest and previous mold or in- Dry corn aeration systems can be used to ambient air temperature. This minimizes sect damage. These storage times may hold lower moisture corn for extended peri- moisture migration within the grain be optimistic if excessive damage ex- ods of time. Generally, longer term wet corn mass, reducing the chances of condensa- ists. storage is possible only if corn temperatures are maintained below 50°F. While continuous tion and spoilage. fan operation is preferred, it is not always Aeration systems required to maintain cool corn temperatures A well-designed aeration system is necessary When holding corn above 16% moisture and control mold activity. Once corn is cooled to safely hold wet corn for even short peri- content, continuous aeration is re- below 35° F, respiration of corn and molds is ods of time. Adequate air-flow within the quired, especially when the temperature slowed and the fan needs to be operated only corn mass is essential to carry away heat is above 50°F. The temperature of the enough to ensure that temperatures remain generated by mold and corn respiration. This corn mass will not remain constant beat that level. cause biological activity of the corn releases heat Do not expect to dry corn in a system designed to tem- that increases corn tem- porarily hold wet corn, or perature. The higher corn even in a normal aeration temperature, in turn, in- system. Continuous aera- creases biological activity, tion will dry corn very little which can rapidly lead to during the fall and winter. corn deterioration. Aera- With 0.1 or 0.2 cfm/bu, tion systems are needed to there is not enough airflow offset this temperature to change the moisture content more than 1 per- rise and to adjust the corn centage point. With these temperature to ambient low airflow rates, drying temperatures. Without times are so extended that aeration, wet corn cannot some of the corn usually be held. goes out of condition before drying is complete. The Estimated shelf life best chances for success are with systems designed Successfully holding wet for airflow rates of at least corn requires an under- 1.0 cfm/bu and filled with standing of aeration sys- corn no wetter than 18% tems and the effects of moisture content. For this corn moisture, tempera- situation, drying can be ture, and damage levels on Numbers in green shade are safe conditions for storage. successfully completed if shelf life of the corn. Use Numbers in yellow shaded areas are areas of concern and require frequent the fan is run continuously monitoring, inspection and continuous aeration. until the corn is dried.

Tips on How to Keep Hydraulic Systems Up and Running

The selection and mainte- tached to the hose, or when the hose to contract and nance of hydraulic hose com- the hose assembly is installed place excessive stress (tug) ponents on agricultural and incorrectly. Eighty percent at the coupling. construction mobile equip- of all hydraulic component ment can spell the difference failures are due to fluid con- 6. Consider temperature re- between productivity and tamination. quirements. Exposure to con- costly downtime, especially tinuous high temperatures when the work site is miles 4. Allow for a margin of can lead to hoses losing their away from the nearest parts’ safety. Check individual hose flexibility. When hoses are distributor or repair shop. exposed to high external and internal temperatures con- 1. Identify hydraulic leakage. currently, there will be a con- Machine operators need to be siderable reduction in hose aware that although the ap- service life. pearance of dirt on hoses and fittings is an obvious indica- 7. Choose the right connection of hydraulic leakage, tions. Permanent and reus- leaks often send fluid onto able fittings are common in other equipment surfaces and agricultural and construction must be traced to their equipment. Permanent fit- source. specification tables for outer tings provide greater per- diameters in suppliers’ cata- formance capability and dura- 2. Look for abrasions. A fre- logs. The inside hose diame- bility, plus the availability of quent cause of leakage in hy- ter must be capable of han- inexpensive crimpers in- draulic hoses for agricultural dling the required fluid flow creases their ease of use. and heavy construction equip- rate without generating back- ment is abrasions resulting pressure. When choosing 8. Don’t mix and match fit- from cuts, friction caused by hose to transmit fluid under tings. Engineers recommend other moving parts, or from pressure, it’s best to allow a against using couplings from mechanical impacts. generous margin of safety. one manufacturer and hoses from a different manufac- 3. Follow proper assembly 5. Establish correct hose turer interchangeably. The procedures. Another cause length. Too long an assembly proliferation of thread ends of leaks can be the improper can lead to the hose being from around the world in re- assembly of replacement severed or pinched in the cent years has dramatically hoses, which can occur when moving components of the increased the possibility of mating surfaces on couplings equipment. If the replace- mismatching threads and are incompatible, when cou- ment hose assembly is too seats on various couplings. plings are improperly at- short, pressure may cause (Continued on page 13)

Keep Hydraulic Systems Up and Running (cont.)

(Continued from page 12) hoses as they are being tight- may require keeping an inven- ened. The use of two tory of hydraulic hoses and 9. Follow proper installation wrenches (one on the hex nut fittings on hand, along with a procedures. Improper instal- and one on the stem nut) while crimper, to minimize downtime. lation of replacement assem- tightening the swivel fittings blies is another prime cause of will help prevent twisting. Adopted from Fluid Power Product leaks in hydraulic hose assem- Application Department, Gates Cor- poration, Fluid Power Journal, Off- blies. One common installation 10. Be prepared. Being miles Highway Directory 2007 error results from twisting from the nearest distributor

How To Increase Accountability: Proven Ways

The leader’s job is to ensure Step 3: Ask each team mem- learned. Discuss lessons every member of the team ber what he or she needs to learned, identify critical road- wins, and winning is defined as win. Remove the roadblocks blocks and make specific of- meeting the organization’s top that stand in the way. Have fers to help any team member objectives. One of the best each team member identify a behind plan. ways to help people win is to maximum of three things they establish an accountability- need to accomplish each ob- Step 7: Reward results. When based culture focused on pro- jective. objectives are achieved, en- ducing results, not activities. sure that rewards are dispro- Step 4: Agree on what the portionate and highly visible. Step 1: Establish the organi- leader will do to help. Meet zation’s top three objectives. with each team member to Effective communication This means the significant clarify the roadblocks and drives results. This means be- few, not the important many. agree on what’s needed to win ing direct and forthright with Once identified, objectives and who will be responsible for people in every conversation, must be clear, concise, meas- making it happen. Being re- letting them know where they urable and obtainable. sponsible to people means stand, what’s needed from helping them get what they them, and when it is needed. Step 2: Assign each team need to win. member his or her respective By holding others accountable, objectives. Remember, when Step 5: Follow up. Focus on you are teaching them to ac- combined, they must allow the what will be done to achieve cept responsibility. Remem- organization to achieve its top green status, when it will be ber, making and meeting com- objectives. In other words, achieved and any help that’s mitments is one of the best the sum of the parts must be needed. ways to build trust. equal to or greater than the whole. Step 6: Share lessons Adapted from Fluid Power Journal, September/October 2007

Comply with the Youth Labor Law Helping Farmers, Ranchers, not interfere with school and is very helpful in explaining Youth and Educators Comply appropriate wages are paid. A Hazardous Work requirements with the Youth Labor Law... new brochure, published by for youth. The brochure itself Purdue University Extension, can be downloaded from Youth ages 14 and 15 can be explains the tasks that can be https://www.ydae.purdue.edu/ employed in agriculture for performed and those that tractor/HOSTA_poster.pdf. work not classified as hazard- cannot or that may require The main site for this topic is ous, as long as the work does special training. The brochure www.agsafety4youth.info.

Bullies in the workplace There are many names for it: bullying, incivil- lishments had no program or policy addressing dealings with coworkers and customers, as ity, disrespect, psychological abuse and emo- workplace violence." well as improved performance. tional harassment. No matter what it's called, the results are the same – time lost from Bullying is defined as any negative be- Is your company at risk for workplace vio- work, unhappy employees, medical claims, legal havior that demonstrates a lack of lence? fees, and ultimately, dissatisfied customers. regard for other workers, including The cost, both financial and in quality of life, CPI has developed an audit tool to track in- harassment, incivility, teasing, gossip- is enormous. formation immediately and also over time. An ing, purposely withholding business audit can help companies organize their poli- Workplace bullying is on the rise, yet despite information, overruling decisions with- cies to promote values and clarify expecta- the prevalence of bullying and its damaging out a rationale, sabotaging team ef- tions for all employees, by using the catego- impact, organizational responses are spotty, forts, demeaning others and verbal ries of respect, service and safety. Promoting at best, according to the Crisis Prevention intimidation. a workplace culture that conveys expectations Institute (CPI), the world's leader in crisis relating to respectful interactions, quality preparedness and intervention. Organizations Managers might ignore incivility in the work- service and safety can help prevent emer- need better ways to identify bullying and place because they discount their importance gency situations that arise from incivility, better tools to address the problem. as 'personal matters, but research has clearly aggression, and violence. This audit is avail- demonstrated that when targets believe able at no cost at www.preparetraining.com/. A recent research study from the National someone at work has treated them disre- Institute for Occupational Health and Safety spectfully, half will lose work time worrying Behavioral signals can provide awareness re- (NIOHS) found 24.5 percent of surveyed about future interactions with the instigator, garding someone's intentions. Pay attention to companies reported incidents of bullying dur- and half will contemplate changing jobs to cues that may indicate distress or discontent. ing the preceding year. In most incidents avoid a recurrence. Most will tell friends, (55.2 percent), the victim is an employee, family and colleagues about how badly they Some behavioral signals to consider and ex- although customers (10.5 percent) and super- have been treated, and some targets of bully- plore in preventive efforts may include: visors (7 percent) are frequently victims as ing will leave the company. • Significant changes in someone's well. As of 2004, an average of 33,000 em- "normal" behavior or routines. ployees are assaulted at work and 17 employ- To help managers differentiate between ordi- • Sudden changes in expression, physical ees are murdered at work each week. nary disagreements and bullying, CPI uses five activity or posture. parameters: the actions 1) are pervasive and • Dramatic increase or change in voice According to a survey conducted by the U.S. ongoing; 2) involve a power advantage; 3) lack volume or tone. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statis- consent of the victim; 4) involve intent to • Expressions that communicate extreme tics regarding workplace violence prevention, harm or control; and 5) are tolerated by the anger or distress. in 2005: Nearly 5% of the 7.1 million private organization's culture. • Communications of despair and hopeless- industry business establishments in the US ness. had an incident of workplace violence within Ongoing training is a vital element in estab- • Body posture that is intimidating or the 12 months prior to completing a new sur- lishing a culture that builds and sustains a threatening. vey on workplace violence prevention. Al- respectful and safe workplace. Often, im- • though about a third of these establishments proving individual competencies such as con- Verbal threats. reported that the incident had a negative flict resolution, negotiation, dealing with dif- impact on their workforce, the great majority ficult people, stress management, listening www.preparetraining.com/ of these establishments did not change their and coaching can curtail incivility. Expertise workplace violence prevention procedures developed through such skills can yield addi- after the incident; almost 9% of these estab- tional positive impact in enhanced day-to-day

Tips for newsletter writers

Good newsletter writers keep they say when they can't even you place page numbers? Are their audience firmly in mind, spell it right?" they Arabic or Roman numer- remembering readers: als? Proofread, proofread, 1. are impatient, busy people proofread. The more style notes you have who want to receive Infor- in writing and follow, the more mation quickly; Because a fresh eye helps, ask consistent your newsletter can 2. are most interested in a colleague or co-worker to be, no matter who is doing it. "what's in it for them." proofread as well. 3) Clarity. Be clear. Our A myriad of messages bom- 2) Be consistent. Consistency facts can be perfectly cor- bard people. If we don't pro- matters in both quality and rect, but if they aren't clearly vide the most interesting and style. Writing down everything presented and understandable, accessible information possi- that pertains to your newslet- so what? Active voice is one ble, our readers may pass us ter's layout and style helps tool to help achieve clear and by. maintain consistency. dynamic writing.

So. How do we do that? For example, note how wide Consider these sentences: your newsletter columns are, Passive: This theory is in com- The Seven Cs can help. The what space you allow between plete contradiction with an Seven Cs guideline is the in- columns, what your margins earlier one. vention of Don Ranley, a jour- are, the typefaces and sizes Active: This theory completely nalism professor at the Uni- you use for body type, head- contradicts an earlier one. versity of Missouri, Columbia lines, subheads, outlines, etc. Passive: Improvement in qual- School of Journalism. Are your columns justified or ity was seen. ragged right? Do certain arti- Active: Quality improved. 1) Correct. Nothing damages cles always run in the same Note: active voice sentences credibility faster than incor- place? often are shorter, as well as rect information. Are all the stronger and clearer. figures in a table correct? Did Note these specifics. Do you any numbers get transposed? spell the month out when you Dropping jargon in favor of Is anything left out? use a date (January 12), or ab- simple words also improves breviate (Jan. 12)? Do you fol- clarity. Check the facts. Again. low the Associated Press stylebook? Do you use drop 4) Concise. Concise writing Next, work on spelling and caps? If so, when? Do you saves impatient, hurried grammar. They, too, affect spell out numbers below reader’s time. It takes time credibility. People may won- 10 and use Arabic numerals and dedication to be concise, der, "how can I trust what for those above? Where do (Continued on page 16)

Tips for newsletter writers (cont.)

(Continued from page 15) Does the writing tie together? means different things to dif- because writing tight is a Is language consistent ferent people. Making some- learn-by-doing craft. throughout? Do associated thing more real, more immedi- thoughts follow each other, or ate and more interesting to Many of us, in a hurry, write is one thought in the first the people we're writing for is long because we haven't the paragraph and its companion creative. time to edit our work and find thought six paragraphs below? the precise words we need. Okay. So. We've got a story Do the transitions work? Will that's correct, consistent, Strong verbs help make lan- readers get lost or will they clear, coherent, concise, com- guage concise; usually the easily find their way through plete and creative. What now? shorter the word, the the article? stronger it is. Cut by one-third. 6) Complete. It seems obvi- On the left are words many ous, but - is everything there? WHAT? Yes. The one-third people consider short; on the In a story on garden planting, guide depends on the article's right are even shorter, for example, are the steps length to start with, but re- stronger verbs: complete, clear and concise? member - newsletters are inform, tell; If the story is about an up- geared toward busy people reduce, cut; coming meeting, are the time, who want lots of information attempt, try; place and date listed? Is quickly. indicate, show; there enough information to modify, change. make it clear why anyone Too-long articles can prompt would want to attend? Does it readers to think, "I'll read S) Coherent. If our writing is include any information about that later, when I have time." not coherent, it doesn't mat- fees? Consider your own life. When ter how correct we are. No is there time? For many of us one will know. 7) Creative. Creativity is the read now or read never, so - hardest to define. Creativity cut.

Three keys to beat procrastination ... today! “I’ll do it tomorrow.” due to financial or other constraints? How can fore, you have to take some step, even a small you beat procrastination under those circum- one sometimes, to start the momentum. Once “There’s really no rush to get this stances? Always remember … life is too short you do, continuing the activity will be a lot to be in a situation you don’t like. First con- easier. done, so it can wait another week.” sider talking to your supervisor about new

opportunities you can take on within your Have you ever wondered why the most suc- “This task isn’t that important any- current position. Chances are, you once found cessful people in the world seem to grow even way; it’ll get done when I find the passion in your current job, but maybe your more successful with each passing year? It’s time.” responsibilities have become mundane or re- because they don’t stop once they’ve started. petitive and you have lost some of that pas- They use the momentum and energy they’ve All these statements are signs of pro- sion. Taking on new responsibilities will reju- accumulated to reach even higher levels of crastination. How many do you find your- venate the passion you once felt. Also, you success. They get the cycle going and they could consider making a lateral move to re- don’t let it stop. self muttering on a regular basis? main loyal to your current company, but take

on whole new challenges. For example, if you have to write a report for While everyone procrastinates a task work and keep procrastinating the project, from time to time – whether it’s com- Granted, finances may be a consideration as tell yourself that all you have to do is write pleting a work project or cleaning the well. If that’s the case for you, then start one paragraph or even just a couple of sen- garage – too much procrastination in looking for reasons why you are in that job or tences. Those initial words you write will give your life can derail even the best-laid situation to begin with. Something drew you you the momentum to keep going, and before plans. to that position initially. Find out that reason you know it you’ll be “in the groove” and will and you may be able to uncover some aspect have the entire report done.

of your current situation that you are pas- Procrastination occurs for a number of sionate about and that can motivate you to Often, small steps are the best way to com- reasons and in varying degrees. The most achieve greater goals. plete a task and end procrastination. Consider prevalent reasons for procrastination the Great Wall of China. It’s the largest man- are: 1) unanswered questions about the 2. Choose a motivational buddy or dream made structure on the planet and an amazing task; 2) unresolved fears about doing team. Often, other people can motivate you sight to behold. Most people automatically the task; 3) insufficient motivation to to keep going when you’re suffering from assume that the wall was built using large take on something new. All of these rea- procrastination. Your buddy or team can con- stones or boulders. In fact, the wall is con- sist of anyone, such as a spouse, co-worker, structed with many small bricks, not large sons are internal, and really have nothing boss or sibling, as long as the people you stones. Life is the same way. Successful peo- to do with the task itself; they all relate choose will truly hold you accountable for ple are simply the right combination of small to something the person has to resolve taking (or not taking) action. Make sure you bricks. Therefore, if you can focus on the within him or herself. choose people you feel comfortable talking to little things rather than on accomplishing the about your goals and aspirations. Detail to most major things all in one shot, you’ll even- So if you have a few unfinished projects your team exactly what you want to do and tually have something quite magnificent to looming over your head and you can’t why, as well as how you plan to accomplish the behold. Greatness always starts with the seem to muster the initiative to get goal. Then, make sure your team can monitor little things, and action of any sort will always what you’re doing on a regular basis. stop procrastination in its tracks. them done, put the following procrastination-busting tips into play today. Think of this approach like having a workout Take action today!

buddy. Even though you want to go to the gym 1. Find your passion. If you’re passionate three times a week and workout for 45 min- about something, you don’t need an outside utes, sometimes you need another person to Procrastination is a deadly killer of motivator to get it done, nor do you fear the keep you on track and to make sure you actu- dreams, of goals, of careers, and of task or have unresolved questions about it. ally show up at the gym at 6 a.m. The same life’s happiness. Don’t allow procras- So, the big question is, how do you find your holds true for other goals in your life. So, passion? There are actually two routes to tination to hold you back any longer. assemble your dream team and keep them take for identifying your passion: 1) Either apprised of your progress. With a little help By finding your passion, enlisting the it’s some aspect of the work you already do, from outsiders, you can beat procrastination help of others and taking small ac- or 2) It’s something close to your heart. Keep and reach new heights of success. tion steps, you can overcome pro- in mind that for either of these options, your passion doesn’t have to be something you’re crastination and achieve your full 3. Get moving. Newton ’s Law of Motion good at; it just has to be something meaning- states that objects in motion will stay in mo- potential. So make the decision to- ful to you – something that gets you excited tion. That’s why you have to do something, no day to get out and do something. to get out of bed in the morning. Once you can matter how small, to get going toward your And remember ... nothing meaningful unlock the passion for something, you’ll find goal and beat procrastination. Every one of us the procrastination disappears. ever happens by accident. is full of potential energy – energy that has But, what if you’re stuck in a situation or job not yet started in motion. But once some sort you’re not passionate about but fear leaving of motion starts, it will keep going. There- (Douglas Vermeeren, Issue: 11/2007)

Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling CAL/OSHA released a new this guideline that addresses make changes and follow up. guideline that addresses the the functional needs of an or- ever-present ergonomics con- ganization is that is provides Sections 1 and 2 of cern of manual material han- solutions that may still involve “Improvement Options” provide dling. This guideline was cre- manually handling of materials ways to improve lifting, lowering, ated in partnership with the Ma- and suggestions for mechanical filling, emptying or carrying terial Handling Industry of assists to further reduce the tasks by changing work prac- America (MHIA) and a key prod- potential risk of the task. The tices and/or the use of equip- uct council of the MHIA, the resources section provides ref- ment. Guidelines for safer work Ergonomic Assist Systems and erences, links and risk evaluation practices also are included. Equipment (EASE) council, CNA tools to help the company decide Insurance Companies and the which solution approach is nec- Section 3 of “Improvement Op- National Institute for Occupa- essary for any given situation. tions” provides ideas for using tional Safety and Health equipment instead of manually (NIOSH). That is a lot of acro- The actual sections of the handling individual containers. nyms for one paragraph, but the guideline are laid out as follows: Guidelines for safer equipment important point to recognize is use also are included. that a lot of experts from “Improving Manual Material around the country came to- Handling in Your Workplace” For more help, the “Resources” gether to develop a simple, lists the benefits of improving section contains additional in- functional guideline to help in- your work tasks. It also contains formation on administrative im- dustry deal with a very common information on risk factors, provements, work assessment problem. types of ergonomic improve- tools and comprehensive analysis ments and effective training and methods. This section also in- The booklet is written for man- sets out a four-step proactive cludes an improvement evalua- agers and supervisors in indus- action plan. The plan helps you tion tool and a list of profes- tries that involve the manual identify problems, set priorities, sional and trade organizations handling of containers. It of- related to material handling. fers suggestions to improve the handling of rectangular, square To gain a more thorough under- and cylindrical containers, sacks standing of this document, the and bags. first step is to obtain a free copy of the guideline and review The guideline is laid out in four the content. You can use the distinct areas starting with a following links and download a presentation of background in- PDF copy of the guideline: formation, and then delving into the core of the document, which NIOSH: http://www.cdc.gov/ are solutions for material han- niosh/docs/2007-131/ dling. One of the factors about

Visit our website: http://www.bse.vt.edu 18