Feedlot Manure Boosts Farm Cost Savings

By Scout Nelson

Feedlot manure is often overlooked when farmers assess profitability, but it plays an important role in reducing crop production costs. Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist, highlights how manure provides hidden value through crop nutrients that support farm efficiency. While many cattle feeders focus on feed costs, labor, and closeout reports, manure offers important benefits for crop production.

Manure contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, which helps crops grow. When managed correctly, it becomes a valuable fertilizer source. This is especially important during times when commercial fertilizer prices are high. Using manure can lower input costs and improve overall farm profitability.

The nutrient value of manure depends on the type of housing system used in feedlots. Systems such as open yards, bed packs, and slatted floor barns produce different levels of nutrient value. Facilities that capture more manure, like bed pack or slatted systems, offer greater value per animal. These nutrients may not appear directly in financial reports, but they reduce fertilizer expenses significantly.

Manure value also changes with fertilizer prices. When prices for products like urea and DAP increase, the value of manure also rises. This makes proper manure management even more important for farmers looking to save costs.

To benefit fully from manure, farmers must manage it carefully. Testing manure and soil is the first step. Nutrient levels can vary based on factors like animal diet, bedding, and storage conditions. Accurate testing helps match manure nutrients with crop needs.

Farmers should also choose fields wisely. Applying manure to fields with low nutrient levels improves results. Avoiding fields with a history of heavy manure use prevents nutrient buildup, especially phosphorus.

Reducing nutrient loss is another key step. Selecting fields with lower risk of runoff or leaching keeps nutrients in the soil. Methods such as incorporating manure into the soil help reduce nutrient loss and improve crop use.

By using manure as a resource, farmers can reduce costs, improve soil health, and increase long-term productivity.

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