Stanley (Jay) Solomon, Jr. earned an associates degree from South Plains College, a bachelor of science and a masters of science, both in agricultural engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Raised on a cotton and sorghum farm in Texas, Solomon has an interest and background in tillage equipment and irrigation, as well as animal production. Machinery design was his area of emphasis for his degree work.

Solomon's Extension experience started with six years as an agriculture engineering specialist in South Central Missouri. He became more involved with animal production agriculture. As an active member of the Multi-agency Grazing School planning committee, he taught the fencing and water systems, and grazing system layout and design at several regional grazing schools. Solomon became familiar with common livestock ventilation problems and other common animal housing issues. Cattle handling facility design recommendation became another significant area of work.

As an American Society of Agricultural Engineers member, Solomon is active in state and national programs. He is past chair of the SE-414 (Renewable Power Generation) committee. He is a member of the Illinois Extension Agricultural Association (IEAA) and theNational Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). As a member of the Safe Electricity Working Group, he helped coordinate the SafeElectricity.org website and related electrical safety material.

Solomon received the Extension Outstanding or Innovative Team Award as a member of the Safe Electricity Team; the Extension Outstanding or Innovative Team Award as a member of the Management Intenstive Grazing Program; and the NACAA Achievement Award 2003, Illinois.

Program Offerings

From the East Peoria Center, Solomon is an active member of the Animal Systems Team and the Natural Resource Management Team. As a member of these teams, he provides engineering support to programming in the areas of:

Management Intensive Grazing System - providing producers with information needed to design and layout successful grazing systems on their own farm.

Fencing and Watering Systems - component selection and layout as part of MIG systems or other grazing systems.

Livestock Handling Facilities - design and operation recommendations.

Air Quality - issues related to production agriculture.

Indoor Air Quality - education for home owners, especially mold and moisture control.

Agricultural Drainage - coordinating workshops highlighting recent research and emerging trends.

Precision Agriculture - developing programming in immerging issues, including GIS data utilization and GPS options.

Animal Nutrient Management System- design and management recommendations and nutrient management plan workshops.

Animal Housing - provides producers with recommendations on ventilation systems and basic building design.

Certified Livestock Manager Program - training producers and employees on current environmental regulations and efficient operating procedures.

Water Quality (surface and groundwater) - especially related to livestock production issues, abandon well closure and immerging tillage options.

Irrigation Systems - for crop production, efficiency and design issues.

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