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: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.