Check the forecast before applying manure to fields

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), is reminding farmers and manure applicators to check the runoff risk advisory forecast, before spreading manure on fields. This tool helps determine the potential for manure runoff from a field, depending on weather and soil conditions.

That forecast includes a map showing short-term runoff risk for manure application. The maps account for soil saturation, temperature and precipitation, on a scale of 1.5 square-mile grids. The National Weather Service updates the forecast four times daily.

“This time of year, a snow melt event or large rainfall can easily move that unincorporated manure off the field,” said Andrea Topper, DATCP nutrient management outreach specialist, “so it’s important that farmers utilize this tool and their Nutrient Management Plan, to be proactive, rather than reactive.”

The map can be accessed by visiting manureadvisorysystem. wi.gov.

Farmers should contact their crop consultant, the Wisconsin DNR or their county land conservation office, for help identifying alternatives to high-risk spreading. These professionals can help identify fields where the risk is lower and alternative practices, such as stacking manure in a safe location.

Manure haulers and drivers are reminded to put safety first when traveling on roadways, in order to avoid spilling manure, prevent injuries, and protect the health of people and the environment.

“Operator error accounts for a large share of the manure spills and incidents, that occur between the farm and the field where manure is being applied,” said Kevin Erb, UW-Madison Extension. “An accidental spill is not illegal, but failing to properly report and clean it up is.”

All agriculture and livestock operations must report spills, or runoff affecting water, to the DNR’s 24-hour emergency spills hotline, at 800-943-0003.

More information about planning and prevention is available at dnr.wi.gov.