IMMAG - Iowa Manure Management Action Group

Contact us

(515) 294-9590 or e-mail amrieck@iastate.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions are designed to provide general information and in some instances, web links to additional information and resources are provided. Questions related to the document can be directed to (515) 294-9590. Specific questions related to Iowa’s regulations on animal feeding operationsand manure management should be directed to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

1. How much manure is produced in Iowa?

2. What is the percent of nutrients produced from manure compared to crop needs in Iowa?

3. Is manure applied to land harmful?

4. How does manure affect water quality?

5. What causes manure to smell?

6. Are these odors (gases, substances) harmful to me?

7. Are there ways to reduce odors from manure?

8. What do farmers do with the manure produced by animals?

9. Are there rules and regulations farmers must follow to apply manure?

10. Who do I call if I want to report a manure spill?

11. How do I know if the farmer is applying manure correctly?

12. What is the difference between a Nitrogen-based manure plan and a Phosphorus-based manure plan?

13. What do I need to know about manure agreements and land application easements for application of manure?

14. What is animal weight capacity and how is it calculated?

15. What is the definition of an animal unit and animal unit capacity?

16. Who needs a manure management plan?

17. Who needs a construction permit?

18. I have seen maps published in the Des Moines Register showing the location of permitted livestock facilities. Is there a way to access this information or copies of the maps? Are there other maps available?

19. How many earthen basin manure storage structures are there in Iowa?

20. Are there any regulatory requirements that call for inspections of these earthen basins, and if so, who is responsible and how are the inspections conducted?

21. In terms of manure storage structures, what is the difference between a lagoon and an earthen basin?

22. What is the master matrix, how was it developed, who must use the master matrix?

23. Do manure applicators need to be certified to apply manure in Iowa?

24. What are the separation distance requirements for land application of manure?

25. The separation distances for land application of manure state that you must not apply manure within 800 ft. of a high quality water resource unless the manure is injected or incorporated on the same date. What is a high quality water resource and how do I know if my application site borders a high quality water resource?

26. If I want to build a new confinement animal feeding operation, how far from my neighbors or roads or other entities should the facility be?

27. What current research is being done to study air quality from animal agricultural systems in Iowa?

28. What is the purpose of Chapter 200A and how does it relate to manure?

29. My livestock operation produces dry manure and I would like to sell the manure as a fertilizer source, what do I need to do to sell this manure?

30. My livestock operation produces dry manure and I would like to sell the manure as a soil amendment, what do I need to do to sell this soil amendment?

31. My livestock operation produces dry manure and I would like to give away the manure. What if anything do I need to do document that and do I need a manure management plan for my facility?

32. My livestock operation has greater than 500 animal units and I am
selling my manure do I need to file a manure management plan with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources?

33. If I am only required to document the sale of manure, do the people purchasing or receiving the manure have to file a manure management plan with the DNR or IDALS?

34. What fees and reporting requirements are associated with the sale of manure?

35. Are there specific land application requirements for dry manure?

36. What is a CNMP?

37. Who needs to create and implement a CNMP?

This Question and Answer document was prepared and reviewed by the members of the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG). The members of IMMAG are: Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Iowa Environmental Council, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farm Credit Services of America, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa State University Extension, and Iowa State University  College of Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the answers to the questions in the FAQ are being revised and updated. Please check back to see the updated answers and a list of new questions.