Posted: July 1, 2026
Is your farm operation a Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO), a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), or an Animal Operation (AO)? What type or manure or nutrient management plan is required for each of these Pennsylvania farm classifications?
What type of manure plan do you need for your Farm? has been updated and is available on the PA Nutrient Management website:
The section will help you better understand what type of manure plan when keeping livestock or land applying manure in Pennsylvania. Older versions of the “type of plan” flow chart should be replaced.
Know the Rules: Does Your Pennsylvania Farm Need a Manure or Nutrient Management Plan?
Depending on the size of a livestock operation and how manure is handled, state law may require farms to develop a Manure Management Plan (MMP) or an approved Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).
Most Livestock Farms Need a Manure Management Plan
Even if a farm does not meet the thresholds for a Nutrient Management Plan, it may still be required to have a Manure Management Plan.
If manure or agricultural process wastewater is applied to fields using mechanical equipment—or deposited directly by grazing animals—a Manure Management Plan is generally required.
Unlike a Nutrient Management Plan, a Manure Management Plan can be completed by the farmer. It does not need to be submitted for approval but must be kept on the farm and made available if requested by the DEP or the County Conservation District. The Penn State Extension article Manure Management Planning Resources is a great starting point for those wishing to write their own plan.
Understanding the Difference
A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is a comprehensive plan prepared by a certified specialist and approved by the County Conservation District or the State Conservation Commission. It is required for livestock operations that meet the Concentrated Animal Operation or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations outlined in the flow chart.
A Manure Management Plan (MMP) is required for many farms that land apply manure but can be prepared by the farmer without formal approval.
Farmers who land apply food processing residuals or biosolids may have additional permitting and planning requirements under Pennsylvania regulations.
Review Your Operation
Livestock numbers, available acreage, and manure handling practices can change from year to year. Producers are encouraged to review their operations annually to determine whether they meet regulatory thresholds.
Staying informed about manure management requirements not only helps producers remain compliant with state regulations but also protects Pennsylvania's streams, groundwater, and agricultural resources for future generations. Pennsylvania nutrient and manure management plans utilize current crop information to determine application rates, leading to nutrient efficiencies that benefit agronomic and economic goals of the farm.
For more information
For more information about Nutrient Management Plans, CAFO permits, and Concentrated Animal Operations contact your local County Conservation District or contact the Penn State Manure Nutrient Management Team at nutrientmanagement@psu.edu.
