Evaluating Runoff Risk Prior to Manure Spreading

MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging farmers to plan ahead in order to reduce the risk of manure runoff incidents.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offers an online runoff risk advisory forecast to help farmers determine the potential for manure runoff from fields depending on weather conditions and soil temperatures.

“Farmers are the first line of defense in protecting our waterways,” said WFBF’s Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships Rachel LaCount. “DATCP’s runoff risk advisory forecast empowers farmers to make informed decisions and ensure sustainable practices that protect our environment and livelihoods.”

The Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast can be found at http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov/runoffrisk/index.

According to the DATCP, the resource provides maps that show soil saturation, temperature and precipitation on a scale of 1.5 square mile grids. It is updated four times daily by the National Weather Service.

DATCP advises livestock farmers to consider the following to reduce the risk of manure run off:

• If hauling manure is necessary during a time of high runoff risk, contact your crop consultant and county conservationist for help identifying fields with a lower risk or alternative practices.
• Farmers with adequate liquid manure storage capacity should hold off on spreading until after this high-risk period. Those who must spread during this time should identify fields that are away from streams or lakes and have minimal risk of manure running to surface or groundwater. They also should reduce the normal amount applied per acre.
• Put safety first when traveling on roadways to avoid spilling manure, preventing injuries and protecting the health of people and the environment.

It is essential for farmers to have an emergency plan, including who to call and what steps to take, if a spill or runoff occurs. It also is important to consider the necessary steps to clean up a spill and how to prevent these incidents from happening.

More information on planning for manure spill is available on the DNR website.