There may be state laws that require certain record keeping or other paperwork. You shouldn’t need an easement unless it is required as part of your regulated manure management plan to assure you have enough land for the manure produced. A written agreement with the farmer buying your manure is a good business practice. It should be simple but spell out these considerations:
* how, how much, and when manure will be applied;
* who is responsible for what activity (i.e., manure sampling and lab analysis, application equipment and costs, incorporation of manure, etc.); and
* how it is priced (by the gallon, acre, or pounds of nutrients).
John Lawrence, Livestock Economist, Iowa State University
