1. Manure Storage During A Dairy Modernization Robert Wilson WI Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Brian J. Holmes University of Wisconsin-Madison Daniel J. Meyer Iowa State University Extension

2. Augers to Spreader – no Storage

3. Why Do We Store Manure? To reduce the need for frequent hauling and land spreading To allow land spreading at a time when soil and climatic conditions are suitable To allow nutrient application at or near the crop’s growing season

4. Benefits of Manure Storage: Hold manure until fields are ready Use of custom applicators Keep manure from state waters

6. Short-Term Storage Need warm climate, no long periods with frozen or saturated soil Usually need some pasture or hay land for spreading Equipment, time, and labor needed on frequent basis Three months or less

7. Long-Term Storage Six months to one year Accommodates longer winter seasons May best fit annual cropping rotations Provides storage from one irrigation season to the next Allows scheduling of custom spreading

8. What Type of Manure Storage Facility Should I Select? Influenced by form or consistency of manure: Solid: > 15% dry matter Slurry: 5%-10% dry matter Liquid: < 5% dry matter

9. Slurry Manure Flows to Road Ditch

10. Cost and Economics of Manure Storage Facilities A complete economic analysis may not support selection of the lowest capital cost manure storage facility. Cost should be integrated into an economic analysis of the complete manure management system.

11. “Manure Storage should be viewed as a Cost Center not a Profit Center” Leonard R. Massie UW-Extension Specialist (Retired)

12. Cost of Manure Storage Facilities 5.5 198Glass-lined steel tank 3.9 141Above-ground precast tank 1.9 70Clay-lined earthen basin Relative Cost Approx. Cost $/1,000 Gal Storage Type Adapted from 1993 Minnesota NRCS cost survey of manure storage structures. Basin in Clay Soil 371.0

13. Solid Manure Storage — Higher Rainfall Areas Concrete bottom and sides are desirable. Contaminated runoff or seepage must be properly managed.

14. Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins Usually less costly than tanks Can accommodate some lot runoff Requires soils investigation and seal construction Mowing and berm maintenance required

15. Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins (continued) Agitation is required for complete solids removal. Access points or platforms for pumping and agitation are required. Space requirements for berms and front/back slopes are greater. 20-15

16. Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins (continued) Some basins are fully or partially lined with concrete. Constructed ramps provide access with loading and hauling equipment. Basins may be emptied with mechanical loading equipment. 20-16

17. FROZEN MANURE STACKING AREA PUSH-OFF MANURE STORAGE FROZEN MANURE STACKING AREA ALTERNATE GRAVITY FLOW INLET WALL FENCE CURBED ALLEY Top Loading Manure Storage

18. Manure Storage Should Be: Manure management tool Designed, built and managed to protect water quality Large enough to store manure during times when fields are not available for manure application Convenient to empty Designed for manure consistency (Liquid Vs Solid)

19. External Pressures - Safety Drowning Hazard Fences / Gates Grates on openings Warning signs Training

20. Concrete Liner to Protect Groundwater Quality Surface Water Drainage Around Storage

21. Safety Fence for Earth Basin

23. Security Fence Push-Off Ramp Into Spreader or Ramped Storage Push-Off Ramp Mini Pit Ramp Bump Rails

24. Push-Off to Spreader Add Bump Rail

25. Top loading of manure can cause large volumes of frozen manure during extended periods of cold weather.

26. Ramp Plugs with Frozen Manure Needs Bump Rail

27. Manure Solids Accumulating at Single Push-In Needs Bump Rail

28. Manure Push-Ins to Storage

29. Safety Fence at Pit Push-In Equipment Bump Rail Removable Plank

30. Alley Push-In Drive Storage Tank Reception Tank at End of 4-Row Freestall Barn

32. Drive-In Tunnel/Channel for Solids Removal Safety Fence to Be Added After Landscaping

33. Alley Manger Mini Pit Ramp Three Row Drive-By Freestall Barn with Mini Pit Drive

34. Mini Pit Inside Barn (excludes rain water) Ramp

35. FUTURE FREESTALL BARN Plan View of Expandable Manure Storage FUTURE STORAGE RAMP DOWN FREESTALL BARN FIRST STORAGE

36. Summary Planning and Evaluation  Consider form or consistency of manure.  Make a thorough site investigation.  Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.