Managing Manure This Fall: Tips for Iowa Livestock Farmers

10-29-2026 in Article

With continued wet conditions across parts of Iowa, crops still in the field and manure storage nearing capacity in some areas, livestock farmers may face additional challenges this fall. To help farmers prepare, we spoke with Seth Wengert, Co-Owner of AgVice, about key considerations for manure management this fall.

What should farmers prioritize when storage is getting full?

Animal care comes first. Make sure barns have adequate ventilation and monitor manure storage regularly. Ensure you are checking your pits at multiple points as manure levels may vary, sometimes caused by clogged equalizer openings preventing manure from flowing between sections as intended. When necessary, and when possible, transferring manure between storages or even barns that may fill at differing rates could help manage capacity and provide additional flexibility.

How can farmers minimize soil compaction?

Prioritize the driest fields and consider soil type when planning applications. Lighter, sandier soils are generally less susceptible to compaction than heavier clay soils. Work with your manure applicator to identify wet areas, evaluate field conditions and determine the best timing and locations for application. Waiting for improved conditions when possible, can help protect soil structure.

What temperature and application rules should farmers remember?

A common guideline is to apply manure when soil temperatures are 50 degrees Fahrenheit and falling, similar to commercial fertilizer applications. However, full manure storages can create difficult management decisions as temperatures drop, making advance planning especially important.

Farmers should also remember that manure left on the soil surface, even on field ends where lifting your applicator bar when the rest of the field is injected, is considered a surface application. To meet incorporation requirements, applicable setback distances must be followed or the manure must be incorporated within 24 hours utilizing a tillage implement.

In Iowa, confinement sites with more than 500 animal units are subject to additional winter application restrictions. State law prohibits manure application on snow-covered ground from Dec. 21 through April 1. In addition, manure may not be applied on frozen ground from Feb. 1 through April 1, regardless of whether snow is present. Farmers should review all applicable requirements before applying manure during late fall and winter.

What else can farmers do to prepare?

Communication is key. Talk with your manure applicator before application begins, identify potential wet spots and field access concerns, and confirm schedules rather than assuming equipment will arrive as planned.

Finally, make sure manure pits are thoroughly agitated during pumping. Leaving solids behind reduces available storage capacity for the following year and can contribute to future management challenges. Taking the time to remove those solids now can help maximize storage capacity and avoid problems down the road.

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