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Proactive approach to fall manure application concerns

The Minnesota Pork Producers Association is proactively addressing fertilizer application challenges brought on by weather this fall.

Executive director David Preisler says persistent wet conditions have raised concerns about the use of manure on cropland.

“We’ve had weekly conference calls with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and also some county feedlot officers to really monitor what’s going on.  The MPCA has been really good from a communications standpoint, and as long as farmers are communicating with them on alternative plans, things seem to be working out pretty well.”

He tells Brownfield recent dryness coupled with high winds have helped, but there are still areas too wet for injecting liquid manure.

“Farmers are really dialed in on appropriate rates.  And if a farm needs to look at some new acres from a standpoint of manure application, the biggest thing to remember there is to make sure we communicate with either your county feedlot officer or the state, depending on your permit language.”

Preisler says pork producers are committed to doing the right thing, and are taking steps to ensure the right goals are met for both farmers and the environment.