Manure Storage

The Washington state Department of Agriculture is reminding livestock producers, dairy operators and anyone with a few large animals all over the nation to plan now for proper manure storage and usage during the fall and winter months. Chery Sullivan with the WSDA says it’s important to understand the soil composition near any lagoons or fields where you plan to apply manure.

She said it’s also important to be familiar with nearby flood plains. Sullivan added buffers are critical, but you can’t apply one buffer concept to all fields.Sullivan noted that exceptions would include those that operate under a CAFO permit, which specifically lay out buffers, location and other specific details.

Sullivan said the biggest message from the WSDA is manage livestock and crops by managing manure nutrients appropriately. Sullivan added conservation districts or technical service providers can also have additional information on where extra manure storage may be available. She noted the end goal for everyone is to keep water clean and everyone safe.