Programs and tools can help gather the information needed to put together the best manure management plan for your farm. A Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) webinar focused on a few tools used by farms across the country. The webinar showcased three options: the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Manure Management Planner available in 49 states, the SnapPlus program used in Wisconsin, and the Nebraska Ag Site Planner available in Nebraska.
An option from NRCS
The NRCS Manure Management Planner is currently used in 38 states. The program inputs data through a series of tabs, starting with general farm information and fields. Then, any nearby water sources or artificial drainage sources are input, followed by soil tests.
The program asks for crop specifics — what crops will be planted in what years and what fields will be planted. This is followed by manure specifics, such as the type of storage system, the number and species of animals on the farm, and so forth.
The program also has an area to input manure analysis information. If manure sample results are available, that data can be entered; otherwise, the program uses book values for the type of manure.
Finally, the program asks what kind of equipment will be used to apply the manure and what other fertilizer will used on the fields. Once all these data points are entered, the program will show a projected phosphorus and potassium analysis for specific fields. The data can also be exported into a document as a comprehensive nutrient management plan.
SnapPlus in Wisconsin
SnapPlus is specific to Wisconsin and is run through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Around 90% of nutrient management plans in Wisconsin are written using SnapPlus.
This program inputs similar data as the NRCS program. Fields are mapped out and users can upload soil tests into the system as well. The program will show restrictive layers to verify any potential contamination spots.
In the last step of the program, a user will add in nutrient sources, and it will calculate manure production each year. This section has an option to enter in current commercial fertilizer costs to be able to see the value of the manure.
SnapPlus has an app for manure application called Smart that takes data from SnapPlus and creates a GPS map that manure applicators can use to watch restrictions and map application. The Smart app serves as a good recordkeeping system for applying manure as well.
Nebraska’s Ag Site Planner
The Nebraska Ag Site Planner is available to users looking to expand or begin a livestock production site in Nebraska. The planner has three tools available within it: the Risk Management Tool, the Regulatory Guidance Tool, and a tool that asks critical questions.
The Risk Management Tool starts by mapping a site boundary through a Google Maps interface. Once that boundary is created, the tool pulls the legal land description of the site, local regulations and ordinances, proximity to sensitive areas such as parks, schools, and other permitted operations, hydrologic information, and climate data.
The Regulatory Guidance Tool asks a series of questions about the livestock, including what species and how many animals will be in the system. It then will calculate what class of feeding operation it will be and has links to permits for those classes. This tool also provides the county administrator information to check on any extra regulations specific to the area.
The final step is a series of critical questions. The first questions evaluate components of the potential production site, including water quality, neighbors, business, and local infrastructure. Then it asks questions about starting an operation, including communications with the county, community, local regulators, and anyone who may have a say in the agriculture site. The last series of questions covers engagement with the community.
The final addition to this planner includes an odor footprint tool. This tool uses weather data to see who might be affected by odors from the agricultural site. The Nebraska Ag Site Planner has users in the beef, swine, and poultry industries.
This is simply a brief overview of these three tools. For more information, please visit their websites:
Manure Management Planner — purduemmp.myfarms.com
SnapPlus — snapplus.wisc.edu
Nebraska Ag Site Planner — agsiteplanner.unl.edu.
This article appeared in the May 2024 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on pages 22. Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.
