In the early 1990s, manure management was seen by some ag service providers as a significant threat to the financial health of their businesses (Reduced fertilizer sales as farmers took credit for manure’s nutrients). And while fertilizer sales have fallen, newer opportunities (soil sampling, nutrient management plan services) have arisen to soften or even offset some of the financial impact.

The advent of phosphorus based nutrient management plans means that the typical livestock farm will need access to more acreage to deal with their farm’s manure. Since land is not cheap, more and more farmers are beginning to look into agreements with neighboring farmers to take manure. This can provide a business opportunity if you position your business properly.