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It's a Fact of Life on the Farm...

Centuries ago farmers realized that this plentiful resource makes a great natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Today, farmers still use manure to grow their crops while using the latest environmental practices to protect water quality. You've come to the right place if you are:

A citizen who wants to learn more about how farmers manage manure resources
A farmer who wants to switch to manure as a crop fertilizer and soil amendment

MARYLAND FARMERS ARE IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING THE BAY. Keeping manure away from streams is a top priority. Today's farmers use the latest science to guide when, where, and how much manure to use as a crop fertilizer. That's why this spring, you'll see — and smell — manure being hauled from chicken farms to other types of farms and businesses that can safely recycle this valuable resource without harming the Chesapeake Bay. See how chicken farmers manage manure.

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WHEN WORKING WITH FARM ANIMALS

It also helps to know which way the wind is blowing when farmers are spreading manure. Maryland farmers store manure in the winter to protect against runoff. March 1 is the earliest they can recycle manure as a natural crop fertilizer and soil conditioner. Protecting streams and reducing odors are top priorities. Farmers use special equipment to work manure into the soil while planting windbreaks and buffers to trap dust and sediment. This helps keep runoff out of streams — and odors away from noses. Watch a short Maryland Farm & Harvest YouTube video on what happens to dairy manure.

EVER WONDER WHY SO MANY FARMERS FLOCK TO MANURE?

It turns out, chicken manure not only makes a great fertilizer — it actually builds healthy soils. The organic matter in manure helps the soil store nutrients, soak up water, and ward off erosion. It even promotes the growth of beneficial organisms that make the soil more productive. To protect nearby waterways, farmers follow strict environmental rules when applying manure. After all, healthy soil and clean water go hand in hand. Learn about manure and healthy soils here.

THERE'S MORE TO MANURE THAN MEETS THE NOSE. Livestock manure makes a great natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. It helps build healthy soils that are rich in organic matter and full of life — both above and below the ground. Follow your nose and you'll see that farmers have begun preparing their fields for spring planting. They use best management practices to make sure that spreading manure does not impact local waters and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn how a family-owned dairy farm in Maryland is protecting water quality (USDA website).

THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING TO POULTRY MANURE as a crop fertilizer and soil conditioner? Our Manure Transport Program makes it easy to start using poultry manure. With our new and improved FastTrack grants you can haul your load now, and apply for cost-share reimbursement later. Everyone knows that poultry manure can help improve your soil and save on commercial fertilizer costs. Isn't it time you made the switch? Farmers with fields that have allowable soil phosphorus levels (below MD P-FIV 101) should check out our FastTrack grants.

ALREADY USING MANURE?

Technical and financial
resources are available to farmers who use all types of livestock manure to fertilize their fields. Check out the links at right. Free technical assistance is always just a phone call away at your local Soil Conservation District.

WE HAVE A BRIGHTER IDEA
New technology is helping us to see manure in a whole new light as we capitalize on its potential as a renewable energy source and look at new uses and management options. Maryland is investing in innovative manure management technologies, including manure-to-energy projects that turn chicken manure into power and help farmers find new uses for this abundant natural resource. Check out our Animal Waste Technology Grants.