Winter weather can be tough on farmers and the equipment they rely on daily. This includes manure storage structures and pumping equipment that can be affected by snow, melting ice and snow, and freezing temperatures.

“Farmers need to monitor the condition of manure structures as well as all transfer pipes, pumps, and valves to ensure they are performing as expected under unexpected and severe weather conditions,” wrote Sarah Zeiler in a Michigan State University Extension article.

The environmental management educator recommended a regular inspection schedule to check each component of the manure structure and pumping equipment. Frequency of inspection depends on the complexity of the manure management system. Permitted farms are mandated to evaluate manure storage structures and transfer equipment weekly, Zeiler noted, but extreme cold may dictate more frequent inspections. Other farms should still develop a checklist of areas to inspect and set a schedule for regular evaluations.

Snow makes it challenging to evaluate the integrity of earthen or concrete structures. This underscores the importance of year-round inspections so any concerns can be addressed before the winter months. Walk the perimeter of a storage structure regularly to look for weaknesses or ruts in earthen walls where manure could seep out.

Snowmelt or heavy rainfall can tax manure storages. Zeiler encouraged farms to confirm there is enough freeboard space in liquid or slurry structures to handle an influx of precipitation in late winter or early spring.

Do regular maintenance on pumps, agitators, piping, valves, and other mechanical equipment. Equipment in good working order is less at risk for spills and leaks, Zeiler noted. Still, failures can arise. Zeiler advised farms to create an emergency plan in case of an overflow, breach, or leak.

Winter has a way of making everything more difficult. With regular inspections and an emergency plan in place, your farm can be ready to handle those unexpected challenges.

This article appeared in the February 2026 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on page 13.

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