This is a difficult question without much detail as a basis for an answer. For storage related costs, you will need to define the type of storage structure desired, number and type of animals from which manure will be collected, length of period manure will be stored, whether structure will be for storage only or storage and anaerobic treatment, and geology at your storage site and special needs for protecting natural resources. I would suggest that you review two resources developed by Charles Fulhage, former University of Missouri faculty member: LPES Lessons (http://www.extension.org/pages/Livestock_and_Poultry_Environmental_Stewardship_Curriculum_Lessons) 20. Planning and Evaluation of Manure Storage (individual sections) (entire lesson) 21. Sizing Manure Storage, Typical Nutrient Characteristics (individual sections) (entire lesson) An example of the variation in costs for one of these factors is summarized in a Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service survey of manure storage facility costs in 1993: Storage Type / Approximate Relative Cost Naturally lined earthen basin / 1.0 Clay-lined earthen basin using clay onsite / 1.9 Clay-lined earthen basin using clay from off-farm borrow site (varies with hauling distance) / 2.4 Earthen basin with plastic liner / 2.1 Earthen basin lined with concrete / 2.4 Aboveground precast concrete tank / 3.9 Circular aboveground concrete tank poured in place / 4.5 Aboveground glass-lined steel tank / 5.5 Cost estimates are based on a 500,000-gallon storage capacity. Cost per 1,000 gallons will usually be less for larger storage capacities. Once you have reviewed the above materials and determined the animal facility specific information needed for answering this question, I would suggest that you contact one of the following individuals in your state: 1. An agricultural engineering consultant or business that focuses on animal manure planning and design issues. See Resource Guide to Consultants 2007 2. A USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office in your county or region. They can put you in touch with engineering staff who may be able to assist you with project planning and design. 3. The Animal Manure contact person with your land grant university. Most land grant universities have a Biological Engineering or Agricultural Engineering department with an Extension resources person that may be able to assist with your needs.

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