University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Marketing Manure

Amy Millmier SchmidtAssistant Professor & Livestock Bioenvironmental Engineer

Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska – Lincoln

“Manure is one of the most effective means at the disposal of the farmer to

permanently improve his soil.”--ISU Extension Bulletin from 1907

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Valuing vs. Marketing Manure

©StrongField Resources

Photo: Courtesy of Blue Moon Alpaca Ranch

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

What is the value of manure?

It depends on the market.potential^

The value of fertilizer components

The fertility needs of the crop land to which it’s being applied

The type of manure applied and application method used

Inconsistency of product or application method

Weed seeds, particularly those that are herbicide resistant

Potential contaminants… pharmaceuticals, hormones

The end-user…conventional, organic, backyard farmer

The type of manure applied and application method used

Raw manure vs.composted manure

Inconsistent availability or quality

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Benefits of Marketing ManureDiversification option and additional income for the livestock operation

TIM

E

Flexibility in the amount of time and effort spent producing & marketing the productEF

FORT

Minimal investment and risk

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Markets for Manure

Local food producers wishing to optimize the marketability of their

products

Farmers wishing to improve soil fertility

Consumers & communities wishing to produce their own food

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Markets for Manure

byf.unl.edu

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Initial Investment & Considerations

Rakes, shovels, wheelbarrow

Loader and bins

Covered pad, windrow

turner, bagging equipment

How much time can I commit to this activity?How much manure will I have available to

sell?What is the market in my area?

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Initial Investment & Considerations

How much initial capital am I willing to invest?Are there regulations I need to meet when

selling manure?Do I need to provide buyers with a laboratory

analysis for the manure?Where will I sell the product? On-farm?

Farmer’s Market? Retail locations?

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Raw Manure

Low input costsMinimal time investment

Good N source(some immed. available)

OdorPathogens

Weed seedsNot stable/packagable

Large exports should be accompanied by nutrient analysis and discussion of

best management practices for application.

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Aged Manure (Passively Composted)

Some pathogen and weed seed destruction

Nutrients converted to organic forms

Lower odor and M.C.Easier to handle

Must hold for longer than raw manure

Requires space for holding

Large exports should be accompanied by nutrient analysis and discussion of

best management practices for application.

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Composted Manure

Pathogen, weed seed destruc.Stable, organic nutrients

Low odor, dry, stable, packag.Can demand higher price

Greater input costDedicated space, equipment

requiredManagement required

Requires fertility analysis if sold as fertilizer. Good soil

additive; many applications; manure-bedding mixture, separated solids ideal for

composting

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Compost Tea

Liquid compost extract (steeped compost)

Can sell as liquid or as “tea bags” for steeping

Used for foliar or soil applic.Beneficial soil microbes

Tea production requires equipment, time

Not recommended for application to edible plants

Excellent farmers market product!

Appeals to backyard farmers, organic producers

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

Marketing Strategies

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Animal Science manure.unl.edu

QUESTIONS?

Amy Millmier Schmidtaschmidt@unl.edu(402) 472-0877

Bottom Line…Manure represents a value-added product

for livestock operations.

Markets appear to be growing:Backyard farmers, community gardens,

crop producers

Cost, inputs, and profit all depend on degree of management and quality of

product.

Resource:Marketing Manure: A Value-AddedProduct for Small Operations, NCTAAuthor: Lisa Page, NCAT Ag Specialist