IMPACT: Utilizing Manure Value
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping farmers and livestock producers manage their manure supplies. Environmental stewardship, safe handling, and providing crops with the nutrients they need are priorities for Iowa farmers.
Each year Iowa livestock farms produce manure worth over 1 billion dollars in fertilizer value. From production to application, Iowa’s farmers have access to a low cost solution to fertilize their crops and are positively impacting Iowa’s economy.
State regulations set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources require producers and commercial manure handlers to be educated and certified.
Nearly 5,000 Iowa manure applicators are certified each year with the help of ISU Extension and Outreach. The certification courses focus on three core values for good manure management: safety, value capture, and protecting water quality.
To ensure state standards are met, ISU Extension and Outreach educates producers on managing manure in an environmentally safe way.
Resources and publications are available to farmers that outline the dangers present in livestock operations. ISU Extension and Outreach specialists provide training and education on farm safety, health risks, and best practices for managing manure on the farm.
22 years ago the Iowa Manure Management Action Group was formed. This group helps Iowa farmers make informed decisions about manure.
With the assistance of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa farmers are recycling manure to increase crop production, protecting Iowa’s waterways by storing and hauling manure safely and positively impacting Iowa’s economy.