Why does manure management matter?
Manure carries nutrients, organic matter and germs. When it washes into water, it can harm fish, contaminate wells and make people sick. When it is used wisely, it improves soil and cuts fertilizer needs.
Small farms often have fewer rules than large operations, but local and state rules can still apply. Check with your county health office and your state environmental or agriculture agency.
Good habits begin with where animals live and where manure goes. Keeping animals on well managed pasture also spreads manure more evenly than piles in a corral.
Where should manure be stored?
Storage should be away from wells, streams, ditches and low spots where water gathers. Piles left in the open can leak nutrients when it rains, so keep them on solid, well drained ground and cover them if advice in your area calls for it. A simple lean to roof or tarp over a pile can keep rain from soaking it, if your local advisers recommend it.
The NRCS and your county conservation district can help you plan storage that suits your soil, slope and climate. Ask about cost share programs that may help pay for improvements.
Do not guess at distances from water. Rules and good practice differ by place.
- Away from wells and surface water
- On firm, well drained ground
- Covered if recommended locally
- Reachable for loading and cleanup
How do I use manure on fields?
Manure can feed pasture and crops, but too much can burn plants and run off. Timing matters, since applying on frozen or saturated ground or before heavy rain raises runoff risk.
A soil test tells you what your land needs. Your extension office can help you test soil and, if needed, the manure, so you apply the right amount instead of guessing.
Keep records of when and where you spread. Avoid spreading near wells, ditches or streams, and ask your NRCS or conservation district about buffer ideas for your land.
- Test your soil before spreading
- Apply to growing pasture or crops
- Avoid frozen, saturated or sloping ground
- Record dates and places
What about flies, odor and neighbors?
Manure attracts flies and creates smell, especially when wet and piled thick. Regular cleaning, dry bedding and good drainage reduce both. Talk to neighbors and listen to their concerns.
Be considerate about timing. Spreading before a holiday weekend or when winds blow toward houses causes problems.
Some towns and counties have nuisance rules, so check them. A friendly note to neighbors about your plans often prevents complaints before they start.
- Clean pens and stalls often
- Keep bedding dry
- Spread when winds favor neighbors
- Cover or compost piles
How does manure affect health?
Manure can carry germs such as E. coli and Salmonella. Wash hands after working with animals or manure, keep children from putting hands in mouths, and keep manure away from food crops and wells.
People with weak immune systems, pregnant people and young children are at higher risk. Ask your doctor or the CDC about farm hygiene.
Test private wells regularly. The EPA and your county health department can tell you how. Wear gloves and wash up before eating after working with manure.
What are my options for large amounts?
If you have more manure than your land can use, you can compost it, share it with neighbors or gardeners, or arrange for someone to haul it. Do not dump it on public land or in ditches.
Check with your county for any rules on hauling and selling manure.
Consider adjusting animal numbers if the pasture cannot support them. A simple trade with a gardener often solves the problem for both sides, as long as they know what they are getting.
- Compost it first
- Share with nearby gardeners
- Hire a hauler
- Reduce animal numbers if needed
Who can help me plan?
Your county conservation district, the NRCS, your extension office and neighbors with similar animals are good places to start. They know local soils and rules.
Programs through USDA agencies may help with planning and costs, and the eligibility rules vary. Ask before you buy materials. Many offices will walk a small farm owner through a free site visit and give advice without any obligation.
Write a simple plan and review it each year. Your neighbors with the same animals often know which local offices are helpful and which forms matter.
Key takeaways
- Store manure away from wells and water on firm, well drained ground.
- Test your soil and apply only what plants need.
- Practice good hygiene to protect family health.
- Ask NRCS, extension and your county for local rules and help.
- Write a simple manure plan and review it every year.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.