The drought of 2012 seems to be impacting every facet of livestock production from feed needs to manure application concerns. Several new resources are available to help producers and nutrient applicators take the right steps while applying manure this fall.
The National Pork Board has prepared a producer’s guide entitled, “Manure Application on Drought-Affected Fields.” The guide discusses how drought changes soil characteristics and offers tips for before, during and after manure application. Download the guide at http://www.pork.org/filelibrary/Factsheets/Environment/ManureDroughtFactSheetFinal.pdf.
The Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and answers about drought-related manure application issues from Iowa State University Extension specialists, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and commercial manure application experts. This four-page pdf document also provides links to additional information, including some e-mail addresses and Web site links. Download the informational publication at http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/info/fallmanureapplicationissues.pdf.