Manure Management Workshops and Manuals

Regulations

Pennsylvania state regulations require all farms generating or applying manure to have a Certified Nutrient Management Plan or a Manure Management Plan. The number and density of animals will determine which plan is required. Farms exceeding the threshold of 8,000 pounds of live animal weight, and 2,000 pounds of live animal weight per acre, are considered a Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO), and need an approved Nutrient Management Plan. The Nutrient Management Plan written for a CAO will include the Manure Management Plan. 

How to write a manure management plan:

Manure Management Plans can be prepared by the farm operator, and do not have to be written by a specialist, or approved by an agency.  Manure Management regulations require all farms who do not qualify as a CAO to have a completed written plan.  Yes, even properties with one or two horses in their backyard are required to have a Manure Management Plan!

• Completing a manure manual workbook consists of filling out specific worksheets and records that pertain to the following: pastures, animal concentration areas, manure storage, in–field stacking, mechanical manure applications and winter manure applications. 
  
• Farm maps also need to be included in the plan. Maps should identify property and field boundaries, facilities and environmentally sensitive areas (lakes, streams, wells, etc.).
  

Horse owner’s workshops in Pennsylvania:

Manure Management Plan, Horse Owners, January 26, 2013, 9 AM to 3:30 PM EST, and Jan 30 from 7 to 9:30 PM, Rano 4H Center, Chester County Extension. Cost: $45 for both sessions, Contact: Donna Foulk at dlf5@psu.edu phone 610-746-1970.

Manure Management Plan, Horse Owners, Dauphin County Extension, Feb. 9  2013, 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Feb 12, 2013, 7 to 9:30 PM, Londonderry Township Building 783 S. Greyers Church Rd. Middletown, PA 17057  EST, Cost: $45 for both sessions, Contact: Donna Foulk at dlf5@psu.edu phone 610-746-1970.

Site to obtain Manure Management Plan Manual

• http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-86014/361-0300-002%20combined.pdf. This site will provide all the regulations, instructions and a work book to guide you in writing your plan.  Included are samples and illustrations to assist you.

Available Resources

Following are a few of the available resources for assistance in writing your manure management plan.

• local District Conservation Offices (http://www.nacdnet.org/about/districts/directory/pa.phtml).  This site will help you locate the District Conservation District office in your area.
  
•  Penn State University is providing short courses and workshops (http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/Penn-State-Extension-Equine-Team) or contact Dr. Ann Swinker at 814-865-7810.
  
•  Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) (http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/Documents/Field_Office_Directory.pdf).  This site will give you a directory of local NRCS centers.