AG LINK - September/October 2007
A Closer Look at Nutrient Management and Qualified Nutrient Management Plans
The idea of soil and crop fertility management is not new to
farmers. Most farm operations have some type of fertilizer
program in place. However, what may be new is the name given
to these fertilizer programs (Nutrient Management), and the
documents that support and back up these fertilizer programs
(qualified Nutrient Management Plans). This article will
provide a closer look at the “new” idea of Nutrient Management
and qualified Nutrient Management Plans.
At the basic level, nutrient management is an accounting
of nutrient needs of a crop and balancing of various sources of
nutrients (soil, manure, legumes, commercial fertilizer, etc) used
to meet these needs. A qualified Nutrient Management Plan is
the document in which the accounting and balancing is detailed
and tracked for farm operations. Like balancing a checkbook,
this accounting ensures that nutrients aren’t over or under
applied. This maximizes production and profits, and reduces
the risk of nutrients negatively impacting the environment.
How is this different from existing fertilizer programs? The
biggest difference is that proven, standardized methods are
required and used to do the accounting and balancing, and the
product that results meets an established and accepted standard
for quality…a qualified Nutrient Management Plan. As a result,
the fertilizer programs of different farm operations will be on a“level playing field”. Because many variables in farm operations,
such as weather, cropping systems, soil fertility levels and
livestock numbers change over time, qualified Nutrient
Management Plans require annual updating.
So, what is the importance of having and implementing a
qualified Nutrient Management Plan? The reasons are many.
Most importantly, it is a tool that can help a farm operation
make sound management decisions. These decisions can help
maximize production and profit. But they also can help reduce
the risk of nutrients negatively impacting the environment, and
may provide some protection should a pollution event occur.
The recommendations in a qualified nutrient management plan
are considered accepted best-management practices. As such, if
it can be documented that the plan is being followed, farm operations
will be able to better justify their management decisions.
Another important reason for implementing NMP is that
Wisconsin law requires all farms applying nutrients have and
implement a qualified Nutrient Management Plan by January 1,
2008. County ordinance also requires qualified Nutrient
Management Plans for construction and management of
manure storage facilities; and many government farm programs
require a qualified Nutrient Management plan to be eligible
for participation.
That leaves the question of who can develop a qualified
Nutrient Management Plan (qNMP). A qNMP may be developed
by a certified professional; or, farm operations may develop
their own qNMP if they complete a DATCP-approved training
course and the qNMP they develop meets the standard for
quality (NRCS Standard 590). Which is better, developing
one’s own qNMP or working with a certified professional?
That’s up to the farm operation, but the best plan is one that can
be easily understood and can be implemented.
Nutrient Management Roundtables Kick Off 2007 Producer Training
Two public roundtable sessions on current nutrient management
regulations, related environmental issues, and producer
compliance are set for late October. The first location will be
at the Country Aire Restaurant, Stratford from 7:30-9:30
p.m.,Tuesday, October 23. The second location is at
Northcentral Technical College in Wausau from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, October 24. Program administrators from state
and county offices will be on hand to give an overview of the
regulations and their perspective on compliance. There will
also be an overview of nutrient management training for
Marathon County producers. Producers interested in going
through the Nutrient Management training must attend one of
the informational sessions and register for a class but you do
not have to be taking the class to attend this informational
session. Classes will be held in Athens, Spencer, and Wausau.
The cost of the program is $125 and includes plan development
using either SNAP-Plus computer software or a manual option.
Participants receive...
- a qualified plan that meets state requirements, and
- information on cost-share opportunities that are available
For a registration brochure and other details, call Scott Mickelsen,
Northcentral Technical College at (715) 675-3331 x-4373 or Mike Wildeck,
Marathon County UW-Extension at (715) 261-1239.
Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers Available in Wausau This November
The Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock
Farmers is a great place to start the process of owning and operating
a grass-based dairy or livestock farm. The school is part
of the UW-Madison - Farm and Industry Short Course since
1995, one third of its approximately 200 graduates have gone
on to start their own farms. Follow-up surveys indicate that
those students who haven’t started their own businesses have
gone on to successful careers in dairying, managed grazing, and
other farm related industries.
In November of 2006 the Wisconsin School for Beginning
Dairy and Livestock Farmers expanded to the University of
Wisconsin-Marathon County campus in Wausau. The courses
were taught by local grazing specialists, local graduates of the
school and a virtual classroom that connected the students in
Wausau with the classroom in Madison. Students had access
to the same high quality experience as those attending the
course in Madison. Each student developed an outline of their
first business plan. One student even enrolled in the Farm and
Industry Short Course to earn credits toward a Short Course
degree; credits that can be transferred towards a degree at the
UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Students of the program agree that the most beneficial aspect
to the courses is the opportunity to meet others who possess a
passion for agriculture and farming.
The Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock
Farmers will begin the 2007-08 school year on Thursday, November 15. The 16 week course will meet each Thursday
from 11:00 AM until 1:15 PM (except for holiday breaks
and field trips) and finish on March 27, 2008. The curriculum
covers a variety of topics from farm selection, design and
remodeling to animal and grass management to business
planning and arrangements. Tuition and fees for the course
range from a $240 base fee to $700 depending on how many
credits a student earns.
The deadline for applications is November 1, 2007. Space is
limited, so prompt applications are encouraged. For more
information about the course, potential scholarships or to get an
application contact Tom Cadwallader at (715) 536-0304 or
(715) 261-1240. You can also learn more about the School and
its history by checking out their website at
http://www.cias.wisc.edu/dairysch.html.
Trends in Farm and Forest Land Values
Media attention has been directed towards the sliding housing
market and the increasing pressure felt by mortgage companies.
Little attention, however, has been given to our working lands
in Central Wisconsin.
The 2006 Agricultural Land Sales Report, released by the
Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service found “rapid growth
of land values calmed somewhat in 2006” indicated by the
combination of fewer acres being sold and the rate of increase
declining slightly.
While that may have been the case when looking at statewide average it wasn’t the case locally. Open farmland prices in the
state rose about 3% between 2005 and 2006, from $3283 to
$3366 per acre. However, Lincoln, Langlade and Marathon Counties experienced an increase from $1458 to $1782 per
acre; a 22% rise in the prices paid for farmland continuing on
in agriculture. This increase is associated with very little differencein the sales volume. Local forest land sales also ran slightly
counter to the State of Wisconsin. While the state saw a 7%
increase in the prices paid for forest land, from $2254 to $2415
per acre, the tri-county area actually saw a 2.6% decline, from
$2028 to $1976; the first decline since 1989. The state and local
data did agree in the number of forest land transactions; with
both dropping by 15% between 2005 and 2006.
These are averages and like anything in real estate its location,
location, location! For instance, the price per acre in the Town
of Johnson is considerably different than the Town of Stettin.
If you would like a copy of the report that summarizes
the annual farm and forest land sales data for Lincoln,
Langlade and Marathon Counties since 1989 you can either
download:
Agriculture and Forest Land Sales
report or contact Tom Cadwallader at (715) 536-
0304 or (715) 261-1240. The annual statewide Agricultural
Land Sales Report can be found at the Wisconsin Agricultural
Statistics Service website at
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/Publications/Land_Sales/index.asp.
Chamber Comes to Defense of Dairy Operation
For those who have not heard, the Van Der Geest’s have
installed a manure drier at their facility. The project was done
with the full knowledge of the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). “The DNR were the first people we
talked to after making the decision to build the manure drier,”
said Mary Kay Van Der Geest, President of Van Der Geest
Dairy Cattle, Inc. “Our aim has been, and remains, to protect
the environment and do things that are environmentally
friendly. The manure drier accomplishes this by reducing truck
traffic and lessens our dependency on fossil fuels, makes a
wonderful bedding product for the cows and eliminates the
need to purchase bedding material.” At the time of installation,
the DNR believed that no air permit was required. However, the
DNR reversed this belief after further investigation and a
better understanding of air permit needs as applied to dairy
farm technology.
The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce acted on this issue
to support the efforts of Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Inc. In a statement issued on behalf of the chamber, the Business
Advocacy Committee stated, “Agribusiness is important to the economy of the region. We applaud their efforts to address this
issue and work towards a resolution that is fair and equitable. It is important that we support our members, especially when they
have done the right thing (working with the DNR) from the beginning.”
In its support of Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Inc., the following
items are emphasized:
- The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce supports
granting an air permit for the Van Der Geest Dairy
- The manure drier has saved significant cost, enabling
the agribusiness to remain competitive in a very
competitive market
- The manure drier has benefited the surrounding area by
- reducing the amount of truck traffic on local roads
- creating a product that will enable the dairy to
become more self-sufficient in its operations
- further reduce dependency on fossil fuels to
generate heat for the drier’s furnace
- The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce applauds
Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Inc., and all businesses that
use modern technology to improve business while being
proactive in the areas of protecting the environment.
Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Inc. has performed the emission
tests under the supervision of the DNR which met acceptable
levels. The agribusiness will continue to monitor emission levels
in order to ensure that the manure drying process remains environmentally
friendly. As a result, The Wausau Region Chamber
of Commerce, along with Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Inc.
encourages approval of the air permit request by the DNR. Ms.
Van Der Geest will to learn of the DNR’s decision in 30-60 days.
NEW from UW-Extension Publications
Direct Marketing in Wisconsin--
Direct marketing is a good business option for many producers,
but there are important things to consider before deciding
whether it's right for you. Get answers to your questions from
these and other publications in the Emerging Agricultural Market
Team's excellent series on Direct Marketing in Wisconsin:
http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Direct-Marketing-C12.aspx. To
order and to view more UW-Extension publications, visit
http://learningstore.uwex.edu. Or, if you don’t currently have
internet access, call or visit Marathon County UW-Extension
(715 261-1239 for a copy.
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