Producers Must Test Manure Radio News Release

August 21, 2007

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Farm broadcaster:
This fall, in planning for crop year 2008, Iowa livestock and poultry producers must now test each type of manure on their farms annually to be eligible for some USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs. According to Steve Brinkman, this may affect Environmental Quality Incentives Program participants.

Brinkman Cut 1 (WMA, :17)
(Transcript) When the government invests EQIP cost share dollars for livestock manure and wastewater handling, annual manure testing will now be required. This new requirement reflects updates made to the standard that outlines the minimally acceptable level of conservation practices.

Farm broadcaster:
Brinkman is an NRCS nutrient management specialist.

Brinkman Cut 2 (WMA, :19)
(Transcript) The 2008 crop year change applies to producers that apply nutrients or soil amendments to the land to raise crops. Now those crops can be corn, soybeans, hay or even pasture, but this change is designed to better manage the amount, source, placement, form and timing of nutrient applications to the land.

Farm broadcaster:
Brinkman says there are benefits to the farmer for manure testing.

Brinkman Cut 3 (WMA, :11)

Farm broadcaster:
For more information, producers should visit their local NRCS office.