Manure Management Local Dairy Farm

The second major source of phosphorus was a different challenge. The landowner of the source was an active dairy farmer with built infrastructure and operational systems that all needed upgrading. This required the expertise of MSA’s agricultural engineers.

Phosphorus can be found in animal manure in both organic and inorganic forms. If improperly regulated, phosphorus can build up in soils and in runoff, adversely affecting surface water quality and the health of downstream aquatic ecosystems.

MSA worked with this farmer on a number of impactful and creditgenerating projects, including the construction and installation of:

Eliminated Phosphorus Runoff

• 2.2-Million-Gallon Manure Tank

• Roof Cover & Gutter System

• Waste Reception Tank & Piping

• Improved Crop Nutrient System

The result? Essentially no offsite runoff from the farm’s animal production area. This helps protect local watersheds as well as retains manure and nutrients in-house, allowing the manure to be applied to crop fields at the right time and place in a more beneficial manner.

MSA also helped this farmer receive funding through the National Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), resulting in minimal costs to the farmer and city.