What to do with all that manure?

Every livestock producer needs a safe strategy to dealing with animal manure. 

Use a certified lab if you plan to use as fertilizer.

Use of manure in place of commercial fertilizer can increase profits, but isn't without risk. Know the value of manure you're applying to fields.

Become a certified livestock manager.

The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires livestock facilities in Illinois that house 300 or more animal units (for example, 750 finishing hogs, 214 dairy cows, or 300 beef cattle) to have at least one person certified in the environmental protection aspects manure management. The certificate is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and is valid for three years. Attend a training.

Develop a manure management plan.

In Illinois, there are three different manure management plans that a livestock facility might need to have.