Methane gas, a natural byproduct of manure decomposition in hog pits, isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a hazard. For farmers, it’s a reality that threatens both human and animal safety through its flammable nature and toxic effects. Fires sparked by methane ignition and respiratory issues from exposure are documented risks in hog operations. Fortunately, NGA offers a practical, natural solution to cut methane production at the source, enhancing safety without overhauling your system. Here’s what you need to know.
Methane is a ticking bomb in confined spaces. With a flammable range of 5% to 15% in air, it doesn’t take much for a stray spark to set off a fire or explosion in a hog barn. Deep-pit manure systems, common in modern facilities, are prime culprits. As manure breaks down anaerobically—without oxygen—methane builds up, especially during agitation or when pits sit undisturbed. A single spark from a motor, a light switch, or even static can ignite it.
Real-world incidents back this up. In 2021, a North Carolina hog barn fire traced back to methane ignition claimed thousands of pigs and leveled the structure. Similar events dot the industry’s history, often tied to poor ventilation or equipment failure. For farmers, it’s not just a loss of livestock—it’s a hit to the operation’s core. Keeping pits ventilated and monitoring gas levels isn’t optional; it’s a lifeline.
Methane doesn’t just burn—it chokes. In high concentrations, it displaces oxygen, acting as an asphyxiant in enclosed barns. For farmers, prolonged exposure brings dizziness, shortness of breath, and, in worst cases, unconsciousness. Livestock aren’t immune either. Pigs breathing methane-laden air show respiratory stress—coughing, labored breathing, even stunted growth. In extreme incidents, entire herds have suffocated when ventilation failed.
The danger creeps up fast in deep-pit setups. Without airflow, methane pools under slats, hitting toxic levels before you smell it. Symptoms hit humans and animals alike: headaches, fatigue, and worse if you don’t act. Gas monitors and regular pit checks are your first defense, but reducing methane at its root is better than managing it after the fact.
It starts with manure. In oxygen-starved pits, anaerobic bacteria feast on organic matter, churning out methane as they break it down. The deeper the pit and the longer the manure sits, the more gas you get. Stirring the pit releases it in bursts, spiking the risk. Standard management helps—pumping out manure, agitating when possible—but it’s not enough to stop production entirely. That’s where NGA steps in.
NGA—Next Generation Agriculture—isn’t a gadget or a gimmick. It’s a water-based mix of natural soil bacteria, plant enzymes, and soil-derived carbonates and silicates, straight from what makes healthy soil tick. No artificial additives, just nature’s tools retooled for your pit. NGA’s four bacterial families thrive in oxygen-rich settings, shifting manure breakdown from methane-heavy decay to cleaner digestion.
Here’s how it works: NGA’s aerobic bacteria use oxygen to process carbon compounds, unlike the anaerobic bugs pumping out methane. A percarbonate kick releases oxygen on contact, jumpstarting the shift. Bacterial spores in the mix stay dormant until the pit’s pH and nutrients hit the right range—then they wake up, multiply, and get to work. The result? Less methane, fewer odors, and a pit that’s safer to manage. Over time, NGA nudges the pit’s pH to a neutral 6.5–7.5, keeping conditions stable.
Farmers see the difference. Less gas means lower fire risk and cleaner air for you and your herd. It’s not about trapping methane or separating solids—it’s about stopping it before it starts.
The magic’s in the microbes. Anaerobic decay in pits spits out methane as bacteria breakdown organic matter without oxygen. NGA’s aerobic bacteria flip that script. They digest manure with oxygen, producing less methane and more benign byproducts. Think of it like steering decomposition down a safer road—fermentation over rot. This microbial shift cuts gas buildup, easing the pressure on your ventilation and your peace of mind.
NGA isn’t a science experiment—it’s a tool for farmers who can’t afford downtime or disasters. It’s simple to apply, works with your existing setup, and tackles methane where it’s born. No fancy equipment, no big investments—just a natural mix that lowers risks. Check out www.undertheslats.com for the full rundown on how it’s helping hog producers like you.
Methane’s no small problem in hog facilities. It ignites fast, it poisons quietly, and it’s a headache you don’t need. NGA reins it in, using nature’s own microbes to keep your barn safer and your herd breathing easier. For a farmer, that’s not just smart—it’s essential.
Erickson, T. (2017, November 13). Put manure handling safety into practice. National Hog Farmer. https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/farming-equipment/put-manure-handling-safety-into-practice
MineARC Systems. (2021, January 5). Methane: Health and Safety Hazards Fact Sheet. https://minearc.com/methane-health-and-safety-hazards-fact-sheet/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Methane Emissions. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases#methane
[Author(s)]. (2024). Anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste for biogas production and sustainable bioenergy recovery: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 22, 123-145. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-024-01789-1
Next Generation Agriculture. (n.d.). NGA Product Abstract