Don’t Spread Manure This Week Says DNR

Jan 10, 2013

Department of Natural Resources is Asking Wisconsin Farmers to Put Manure Spreading on Hold

With another unusual winter underway in North America, the U.S Department of Natural Resources has advised farmers in Wisconsin to hold off on manure spreading for at least 3 to 10 days as predicted rainfall and warmer temperatures could create a runoff situation, potentially causing environmental damage to waterways, lakes and groundwater systems.

The DNR took action in response to a high-risk advisory issued by the National Weather Service. "The forecast shows there is a high risk for runoff of manure spread on fields in the next few days, due to predicted rain and warmer temperatures," Andrew Craig of the DNR said in a news release.

"We encourage producers to hold off manure spreading until the risk is lower, and if they can't do that, to take steps to reduce the risk of runoff that could affect lakes, streams and groundwater," Craig said.

The government of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Weather Service offers an online runoff risk map to help farmers determine the ideal times to apply manure in the fields. This map is updated three times daily to ensure accurate up-to-date information.

Video: Spring Planting Prep Just Got Serious… We NEED This!

Getting closer to planting season means one thing… it’s time to get EVERYTHING ready.

Today didn’t go exactly as planned—we thought we’d be hauling potatoes again, but instead we spent the day digging equipment out of the cellar, hooking up the grain drill, and getting tractors ready to roll. With wheat planting just around the corner, every piece of equipment matters.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a normal day without a few problems… dead batteries, hydraulic issues, and a truck tire that absolutely refused to cooperate. We tried everything—jump packs, bead bazooka, ratchet straps… and eventually had to bring out the “big guns” just to get things moving again.

But that’s farm life—adapt, fix, and keep moving forward.

We’re getting close to go-time. Wheat seed is coming soon, and planting season is right around the corner