On March 1, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) started requiring annual submission of manure management plans for confinement feeding operations in excess of 500 animal units. IDNR mailed letters to these producers outlining the new requirements and assigning due dates by which producers must submit their annual plans and pay annual compliance fees.

There are several options available for producers seeking assistance in developing manure management. A list of manure management planners and a link to independent crop consultants who develop plans for producers can be found on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) Web page at: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/sp.html.

Livestock producers may also want to contact their local co-op agronomist or feed salesperson to inquire whether they offer manure management plan development services. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension personnel are also available to assist producers with manure management plan requirements and may be contacted by calling any ISU Extension county office. ISU Extension is also coordinating a series of workshops to assist producers with the development of their plans. For more information go to: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/info/03nwmmpbrochure.pdf

When working with a service provider, producers should plan on the process taking several weeks to gather all the information, such as aerial photographs, conservation plans and manure application agreements needed to complete the manure management plans.

Producers may develop their own plans, which must be submitted on IDNR forms. These forms can be found online at: http://www.state.ia.us/epd/wastewtr/feedlot/manure.htm or by calling a regional IDNR field office. Forms are also at ISU Extension offices.

Producers needing assistance in developing nutrient management plans or Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans, as required by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for EQIP cost-share dollars, can receive help by contacting their local NRCS office. These nutrient management plans can be developed by NRCS approved “technical service providers.” Each county USDA Service Center office has a list of technical service providers available for hire.

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Previous feature articles:

• Your help needed in completing Minnesota survey regarding ventilation strategies used during pit agitation and pumping from deep pit systems - David Schmidt, Extension Engineer, University of Minnesota Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department
• Moderate manure plus minimal N equal highest return - by Chad Ingels, nutrient and manure management specialist, Maquoketa Watershed Project
• Manure applicators should plan now to attend certification meetings - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Resources for proposed new animal feeding operation rules, including the master matrix and opportunity to provide comments to the rule making process - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Mastering the Matrix and Other Manure Matters - by Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center
• Mastering the Matrix and Other Manure Matters - by Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center
• Web resource identifying frequently asked questions about manure management is now available -
  Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Manure management field days are in full swing - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information and resources regarding the development of the Master Matrix for siting confinement facilities - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University; Karen Grimes and Robin Pruisner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Upcoming Meetings on Iowa's Livestock Regulations and Other Information Resources - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information Regarding Iowa's New Livestock Bill-SF 2293 - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Review of Alternative Technologies for Manure Treatment from Open Feedlots - Jeff Lorimor and Brad Woerner, Agricultural Engineers, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU
• Manure Applicator Certification Workshops for 2002 - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Extension Program Specialist, Department of Agronomy, ISU
• Managing Manure and Residue at the Same Time - Paul Miller, Manure Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS