DATCP Reminds Farmers to Check Runoff Risk Prior to Spreading Manure

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding farmers and manure applicators to check the runoff risk advisory forecast before spreading manure on fields. This tool helps determine the potential for manure runoff from a field depending on weather and soil conditions and can be accessed by visiting http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov/runoffrisk/index.

The runoff risk advisory forecast includes a map showing short-term runoff risk for manure application. The maps account for soil saturation, temperature, and precipitation on a scale of 1.5 square-mile grids. The National Weather Service updates the forecast four times daily.

“The runoff risk advisory forecast projects three days into the future during the summer months and looks 10 days ahead in winter and spring. The 10-day forecast is especially helpful since manure applications are unincorporated and exposed on the surface for a longer period of time,” said Andrea Topper, DATCP nutrient management outreach specialist. “This time of year, a snow melt event or large rainfall can easily move that unincorporated manure off the field, so it’s important that farmers utilize this tool and their Nutrient Management Plan to be proactive rather than reactive.”

For more information about nutrient management planning, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/NutrientManagement.aspx.

Alternatives to High-Risk Manure Spreading
Farmers should contact their crop consultant, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), or their county land conservation office for help identifying alternatives to high-risk spreading. These professionals can help identify fields where the risk is lower and alternative practices, such as stacking manure in a safe location. Contact information for local county land conservation offices can be found at https://wisconsinlandwater.org/members-hub/members.

Manure Spill Requirements
DATCP reminds manure haulers and drivers to put safety first when traveling on roadways in order to avoid spilling manure, prevent injuries, and protect the health of people and the environment.

“Operator error accounts for a large share of the manure spills and incidents that occur between the farm and the field where manure is being applied,” said Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension conservation professional training program manager. “Taking the time to be safe and maintaining your equipment are two ways to reduce the risk of an accidental manure spill. An accidental spill is not illegal, but failing to properly report and clean it up is.”

All agriculture and livestock operations must report spills or runoff affecting water to the DNR’s 24-hour emergency spills hotline at (800) 943-0003. More information about planning and prevention is available at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/agbusiness/manurespills.html.