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: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.