Use of conservation-compatible manure management practices increases on U.S. hog farms

U.S. hog producers altered their manure management decisions between 1998 and 2009, suggesting an increased focus on applying nutrients at agronomic rates-that is, at levels that do not exceed what can be absorbed by crops. Over this period, hog producers applied manure to a larger share of their cropland, were more likely to remove manure from their operations, increased nutrient testing of manure, expanded their use of feed additives that reduce phosphorus in hog manure, and were more likely to have a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP). Many of these shifts in manure management decisions were the result of changes in the location and size of hog operations, increasing fertilizer prices, a greater number and stricter enforcement of regulations, and more remunerative cost-share programs. This chart may be found in the December 2011 issue of Amber Waves magazine.

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