Manure and nutrient management requirements vary from state to state, but there are many freely available sources of information available to you. A good starting point is your own County Extension Services office. County Extension is your local agricultural and environmental advisers. If they are unable to help you directly, they will refer you to other sources of information. Where are they? Check the phone book under Cooperative Extension Services.
Another source of information is the Animal Manure Management website. There is a lot of helpful information. For state specific information relative to nutrient management plans visit: State Specific Manure Nutrient Management Information.
These sites will both contain information relative to different aspects of manure management. Such as storage, pasture management, barnyard management, runoff and water quality, and nutrient management. Other good sources of information would be your local Soil Conservation District, or the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
If your farm is large you will probably have to complete a written nutrient management plan. Even smaller farms may be required to have nutrient management plans in some parts of the country. Even though plans and requirements vary by state, the following information should be helpful to get you started anywhere: map of your farm and any fields to which you apply manure, size of fields and pastures (in acres), location of any environmentally sensitive features such as a well or water body,results of recent soil tests, inventory of animals on your farm including their weight, results of recent manure tests (if any), and description (especially capacity) of manure spreaders or wagons.
Many states offer classes for the purpose of developing these plans. As far as classes are concerned, your local Cooperative Extension Service should be able to help you.
