Manure isn’t just a byproduct – it’s a balance sheet item. On some dairies, it’s a cash-flow generator. On others, it’s a liability that costs more to move than it’s worth. The difference isn’t in the cows – it’s how you manage the nutrients, equipment and economics between the barn and the field.

High land values, shrinking water supplies, increased regulations and labor shortages are reshaping the way we approach irrigation.

Manure can be a valuable resource or a liability, especially at dairy farms, where cows produce lots of it. For years, farms have recycled manure nutrients, turning them back into feed and forage for cows by applying them as fertilizers to support crop production. However, handling and applying manure efficiently and sustainably can be challenging.

Research looks at manure screenings for solid and nutrient separation.