Experts Offer Strategies to Manage Swine Manure Foaming and Improve Safety

Iowa State University researchers provide insights on reducing fire risk and addressing growing manure foam issues in swine barns.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Manure management is a crucial aspect of swine production, and experts are warning that increased manure foaming in swine barns has become a significant safety concern, leading to an elevated risk of barn fires. Researchers at Iowa State University have published guidance on practical solutions to address this problem, including insights from a podcast series that features interviews with manure management experts.

Why it matters

Manure foaming can create dangerous conditions in swine barns, posing fire risks and safety hazards for livestock and farm workers. As this issue has become more prevalent, proactive measures to mitigate the problem are essential for maintaining a safe environment on swine farms.

The details

According to Ashley Englin, a swine extension specialist at Iowa State University, typical preventative measures for manure foaming have not been effective, leading to increased safety concerns. Englin's article, 'Pit Foaming in Swine Barns: Fire Risk and Practical Solutions,' outlines research-based strategies to address the problem. Daniel Andersen, an associate professor and extension specialist at Iowa State, explains that empty barns can be more dangerous, as the lack of animal waste entering the pit can cause bubbles to accumulate, leading to foaming even in areas that previously did not experience the issue.

  • The issue of increased manure foaming in swine barns has become more prevalent in recent years.
  • Englin's article on practical solutions for manure foaming was published in February 2026.

The players

Ashley Englin

A swine extension specialist at Iowa State University who has written about strategies for reducing swine manure foaming and improving safety.

Daniel Andersen

An associate professor and extension specialist at Iowa State University who focuses his research on manure management and water quality, and hosts a podcast called 'Talkin' Crap' that features interviews with experts in manure science, technology, and management practices.

Iowa Manure Management Action Group

A research group at Iowa State University that has contributed to the research on manure foaming and practical solutions.

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What they’re saying

“Manure foaming has always been a concern but has become more prevalent this year. Typical preventative measures are not working, leading to increased risk of barn fires and safety concerns.”

— Ashley Englin, Swine Extension Specialist, Iowa State University

“Empty barns are more dangerous. We often lower ventilation, and without animals' defecation and urine falling into the pit, bubbles that would normally break start to accumulate. So even if you normally don't have pit foaming, you can get some when barns are empty.”

— Daniel Andersen, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Iowa State University

What’s next

Producers can contact their regional swine extension specialist for additional guidance on managing manure foaming and improving safety in their swine barns.

The takeaway

As manure foaming becomes an increasingly prevalent issue in swine production, proactive measures to address the problem are crucial for maintaining a safe environment for livestock and farm workers. The research and practical solutions provided by experts at Iowa State University offer valuable insights for swine producers looking to mitigate the risks associated with manure foaming.