Milk house wastes are becoming more of an issue as dairies expand and environmental issues become more pronounced. Today’s waste is higher in phosphorous compounds from cleaners. With milk and manure in the waste, improper discharging can lead to a poor image or even legal issues.

Manure can have value if managed correctly. This value can be spread out over multiple years. The first year, 30 to 40 percent of the nitrogen (N) is available along with almost all of the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The second year, 10 percent of the N from the first year's is available and P and K not used in year one will still be useable. Year three has 5 percent N and any remaining P and K available for use.

Dairies have effluent in many places. Manure pits, parlor water, effluent from settling basins and runoff are common sources. There are several things to consider when selecting a pump. One of the first is finding a pump that will handle the pressure and head from the effluent lines. The higher the elevation is that the effluent has to be pumped, the higher the head pressure.