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LIVESTOCK MANURE MANAGEMENT
MANURE FROM SMALL ACREAGES CAN HAVE AN IMPACT
 Manure is a reality if you keep animals, and it can be an asset or a liability. Management determines which it is! Manure contains necessary plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in addition to a variety of micro-nutrients and organic matter. However, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, or in the wrong concentrations, these “ingredients” can be pollutants.
A collection of small and medium sized acreages with livestock in a watershed can have significant impact on water quality. When viewed as a whole, stocking rates may far exceed that of large commercial livestock operations. Though smaller and non-commercial herds and flocks are not often covered by specific rules and regulations, Montana and Federal law broadly states that no one can pollute waters of the state or nation. In the spirit of the law and being a good neighbor, here are some basic recommendations to protect water and conserve soil:
- Do not allow livestock to have direct contact with surface water and environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands. Instead, water from troughs or tubs on higher ground; fence out these areas leaving appropriate buffers.
- Scatter manure in small pastures for better distribution of nutrients and organic matter, and to expose possible pathogens or parasites to sunlight.
- Collect manure from pens, paddocks and stalls. Redistribute to pastures, crop land, gardens or export from property. Composting could be considered to reduce volume.
- Minimize manure run-off and soil erosion from pastures, pens, paddocks and corrals.
- Do not store manure piles or compost in flood plains, near wells or over very shallow ground water. Store on higher ground, preferably on soil with clay content.
- Create a conservation plan that addresses stocking rates, pasture management, manure management, land application of manure and fertilizers, and protection of water resources and riparian areas.
Proper manure and feed bunk management can also reduce odors, maintaining quality of life for the land owner and neighbors. Dispose of spoiled and spilled feed, and as previously recommended, store collected manure on higher dry ground. Keeping barns, corrals and paddocks clean will also help reduce nuisances like flies and parasites. For more information view the following resources and browse the links. Feel free to contact your county agent or Tommy Bass for more information.
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