Farm Progress America, January 18, 2024

Mike Pearson takes a look at winter manure application plans.

On January 3, 2024, only about 20 percent of the continental USA had snow cover-- the lowest amount since 2012.

Now, it's estimated that 47 percent of the USA has at least 3.6 inches of average snow depth thanks to some big snow events.

However, livestock managers must take the snow into consideration when it comes to their manure and waste management plans.

Producers must follow local regulations when it comes to manure applications.

For example, in Iowa, livestock operations with 500 head in a confinement operation are prohibited from spreading manure Dec. 21- April 1.

However, there are no prohibitions when it comes to solid manure applications.

Livestock managers must constantly think about water quality and must prevent water quality issues.

Liquid or solid waste is very valuable due to the nutrients it provides for soil and vegetation.

However, when liquid is applied, managers must remember it can carry nutrients away especially if a melt comes fast to the area.

There is a greater risk of nutrient loss in winter months and producers need to know what's coming before loading up.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .