By Blake Jackson
Agricultural operations across Pennsylvania that apply manure or agricultural process wastewater to land are required to maintain and follow a written nutrient management document to help protect water quality.
According to Penn State Extension specialists Sarah Tzilkowski and Jennifer Weld, the requirement applies to farms of all sizes, including operations with Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs) and pasture systems.
For farms that are not classified as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs), a Manure Management Plan (MMP) is generally sufficient to meet state regulations.
An MMP is a farm-specific document explaining how manure and agricultural wastewater will be stored, handled, and applied. These plans are regulated under Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law and Chapter 91.36(b) regulations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) offers several approved planning formats, including the Manure Management Plan Short Form and Workbook, along with alternative options such as the PAOneStop module and NRCS nutrient management plans.
The plans are designed to reduce nutrient runoff into streams, groundwater, and environmentally sensitive areas. In addition to regulatory compliance, MMPs can improve overall farm efficiency by helping producers better manage nutrients, lower fertilizer expenses, strengthen soil health, and improve crop productivity.
Creating a strong manure management plan requires accurate and updated farm information. This includes livestock numbers and weights, crop rotations, expected yields, manure storage systems, application timing, field boundaries, pasture management, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Farmers may prepare the plans themselves if they understand the operation well, although many producers seek help from certified nutrient management specialists, conservation districts, Penn State Extension educators, USDA-NRCS staff, and agricultural organizations.
Penn State Extension notes that proper manure management is an important part of long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable farming.
Well-maintained plans can also support daily management decisions by keeping important operational records organized in one place.
FAQs:
- What is a Manure Management Plan (MMP)?
An MMP is a written plan explaining how manure and wastewater are managed on a farm.
- Can farmers create their own MMP?
Yes, if they understand their operation and regulatory requirements.
They help protect water quality and improve nutrient management efficiency.
- What information is included in an MMP?
Livestock details, crops, manure storage, application methods, and field data.
- Do pasture-based farms also need a plan?
Yes, pasture operations are included under Pennsylvania regulations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle