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Weather forecast tool helps avoid manure runoff

There’s a new online weather forecasting tool designed to help Wisconsin farmers avoid spreading manure during high-risk runoff times.  Donna Gilson, with the state ag department, says the Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast helps farmers avoid getting manure into ground and surface water. “It gives a weather forecast along with taking into consideration the slope of your land and just the general conditions in your area.”

The forecast is a joint effort between the National Weather Service, the University of Wisconsin, and state ag officials.  “It’s something that we’ve done in conjunction with the National Weather Service, the University (of Wisconsin) and a lot of other partners, and the National Weather Service does update it three times a day so it’s right up-to-the-minute conditions almost.”

 

Gilson says a lot of producers are tempted to start spreading manure now since much of the snow cover is gone, but they should avoid saturated fields… especially if more precipitation is on the way.

Here’s a link to the Wisconsin Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.