Lenders for livestock facilities normally want easements that are at least as long as the length of the loan. The Department of Natural Resources currently requires all livestock operations requiring a construction permit to submit manure plans. Many lenders would require written plans, even if the DNR did not. These plans need to show how much manure will be produced and where it will be applied. The two greatest concerns are cost sharing and deciding when to apply manure.
Some applicators spread manure on frozen ground to combat soil compaction.
That's probably not a long-term solution in today's environment. This may be a challenge if the spring or fall weather is too wet. A future newsletter will further discuss the value of manure, which varies widely. Manure is almost becoming a bulk commodity. In some parts of the state there is plenty to go around, while manure is in great demand in other areas.