Interactive Exhibit Educates Iowans on the uses of Livestock Manure

Visitors to Des MoinesÂ’ 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. What’s more, the exhibit will also teach children and adults the value of manure in Iowa’s 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 ZooÂ’s 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>.