Amy Millmier Schmidt, Assistant Professor & Livestock Bioenvironmental Engineer, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

1. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Marketing Manure
Amy Millmier Schmidt
Assistant Professor & Livestock Bioenvironmental Engineer
Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Animal Science
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
“Manure is one of the most effective means
at the disposal of the farmer to permanently
improve his soil.”
--ISU Extension Bulletin from 1907

2. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Valuing vs. Marketing Manure
©StrongField Resources
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Moon Alpaca Ranch

3. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
What is the value of manure?
It depends on the market.
The value of fertilizer
components
The fertility needs of the crop
land to which it’s being applied
The type of manure applied
and application method used
Inconsistency of product or
application method
Weed seeds, particularly those
that are herbicide resistant
Potential contaminants…
pharmaceuticals, hormones
The end-user…conventional,
organic, backyard farmer
The type of manure applied
and application method used
Raw manure vs.
composted manure
Inconsistent availability or
quality

4. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Benefits of Marketing Manure
Diversification option and additional
income for the livestock operation
TIME
Flexibility in the amount of time and effort
spent producing & marketing the product
EFFORT
Minimal investment and risk

5. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Markets for Manure
Local food producers wishing to
optimize the marketability of their
products
Farmers wishing to improve soil
fertility
Consumers & communities wishing to
produce their own food

6. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Markets for Manure
byf.unl.edu

7. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Initial Investment & Considerations
Rakes, shovels,
wheelbarrow
Loader
and bins
Covered pad,
windrow
turner, bagging
equipment
How much time can I commit to this activity?
How much manure will I have available to sell?
What is the market in my area?

8. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Initial Investment & Considerations
How much initial capital am I willing to invest?
Are there regulations I need to meet when selling
manure?
Do I need to provide buyers with a laboratory
analysis for the manure?
Where will I sell the product? On-farm?
Farmer’s Market? Retail locations?

9. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Raw Manure
Low input costs
Minimal time investment
Good N source
(some immed. available)
Odor
Pathogens
Weed seeds
Not stable/packagable
Large exports should be
accompanied by nutrient
analysis and discussion of
best management practices
for application.

10. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Aged Manure (Passively Composted)
Some pathogen and weed
seed destruction
Nutrients converted to organic
forms
Lower odor and M.C.
Easier to handle
Must hold for longer than raw
manure
Requires space for holding
Large exports should be
accompanied by nutrient
analysis and discussion of
best management practices
for application.

11. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Composted Manure
Pathogen, weed seed destruc.
Stable, organic nutrients
Low odor, dry, stable, packag.
Can demand higher price
Greater input cost
Dedicated space, equipment
required
Management required
Requires fertility analysis if
sold as fertilizer. Good soil
additive; many applications;
manure-bedding mixture,
separated solids ideal for
composting

12. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Compost Tea
Liquid compost extract
(steeped compost)
Can sell as liquid or as “tea
bags” for steeping
Used for foliar or soil applic.
Beneficial soil microbes
Tea production requires
equipment, time
Not recommended for
application to edible plants
Excellent farmers market
product!
Appeals to backyard farmers,
organic producers

13. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
Marketing Strategies

14. University of Nebraska – Lincoln  Biological Systems Engineering  Animal Science 
manure.unl.edu
QUESTIONS?
Amy Millmier Schmidt
aschmidt@unl.edu
(402) 472-0877
Bottom Line…
Manure represents a value-added product
for livestock operations.
Markets appear to be growing:
Backyard farmers, community gardens,
crop producers
Cost, inputs, and profit all depend on
degree of management and quality of
product.
Resource:
Marketing Manure: A Value-Added
Product for Small Operations, NCTA
Author: Lisa Page, NCAT Ag Specialist