The Turkey Talk Show

Breathing Easy: Mastering Minimum Ventilation in Turkey Production

Episode Summary

Join us on The Turkey Talk Show as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in turkey farming today. This episode, featuring expert insights from John Menges (NextNest Hatching) and Iowa farmer Nick Hermanson, focuses on mastering minimum ventilation to keep your flock comfortable, maintain air quality, and reduce fuel usage. The conversation begins with reflections on the current struggles faced by turkey farmers, from environmental and health concerns to labor and time constraints. Drawing parallels to the perseverance needed in sports, Sheila shares Grant’s inspiring basketball story—a senior navigating an uphill season with grit and determination. Much like in sports, turkey farmers must prepare and adapt to overcome challenges they can control. Main Topics Covered: Minimum Ventilation Essentials The importance of balancing comfort for your flock while minimizing fuel usage. Understanding static pressure and its role in maintaining optimal airflow. Brooder vs. finisher ventilation issues—debunking the myth that this is just a brooder concern. The shift toward radiant tube heaters and their energy-saving benefits. Practical Tips & Tools: Conducting a "tight test" to measure your barn's efficiency. Tools needed and steps to follow for accurate measurements. Managing fans, timers, and thermal controls to save on propane and energy. Adjusting practices to meet the specific needs of your farm. John and Nick share both ideal and realistic strategies to enhance ventilation while addressing challenges unique to turkey production. From troubleshooting humidity to deciding whether or not to till, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Call to Action: Conduct a tight test on your barn. Implement strategies that work best for your specific operation. Check the TurkeyConnect app for a ventilation cheat sheet from John Menges. Sponsored by: NextNest Hatching

Episode Notes

Opening Remarks

Industry Challenges:

• Times are tough, with challenges both within and beyond our control.
• Farmers are questioning where their money is going and how it’s being used.
• ITF is here to:
  • Represent, advocate, and support turkey farmers.
  • Provide education through conventions, area meetings, this podcast, and the app.
  • Serve as the legislative voice when farmers can’t be there.
  • Promote the turkey industry and its products.

Message to Farmers:

• "Bottom line: We are here for you. Please reach out with concerns, questions, or just to touch base."

Story: Grant’s Basketball Journey

• Grant, a high school senior, is facing a tough basketball season:
  • The only senior on a young team (mostly freshmen).
  • Struggling with a shoulder injury from football.
  • Facing strong opponents with a new coach and a challenging team dynamic.
  • Despite the setbacks, he focuses on what he can control.

Tie-In to the Turkey Industry:

• Farmers face environmental, health, and labor/time challenges.
• Like Grant watching film to prepare for games, farmers need tools and strategies to overcome hurdles they can control.

Main Topic: Mastering Minimum Ventilation

Featuring Experts:

• John Menges (NextNest Hatching).
• Nick Hermanson (Iowa Farmer).

Key Points Discussed:

Why Minimum Ventilation Matters:

• Keeps birds comfortable.
• Minimizes fuel usage.
• Maximizes air quality.

Ventilation Challenges:

• Static pressure management.
• Brooder vs. finisher ventilation issues—misconception it’s only a brooder issue.
• Decision-making: Should you till or not till?

Practical Strategies:

• Fans, Timers, and Thermal Control:
  • Save on propane and energy.
  • Industry shifts toward radiant tube heaters for efficiency.
• Tight Tests:
  • Steps for conducting a tight test to measure barn efficiency.
  • Tools required and practical application.
• Addressing humidity and airflow concerns.

Call to Action:

1. Conduct a tight test to evaluate your barn’s efficiency.
2. Adapt strategies to fit the specific needs of your farm.
3. Check the TurkeyConnect app for John Menges’ ventilation cheat sheet.

Closing Remarks:

• "Thanks for tuning in to The Turkey Talk Show! From our flock to yours, this is Sheila and Gretta—see you next time!"

Sponsored by: NextNest Hatching