Introduction

Welcome to the North Dakota State University Extension Service web site for self-assessment of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or CNMP. This web site workbook will take livestock producers through a step by step process that they can do on their own at their own pace. It can be used by cow-calf ranchers, cattle feeders, dairy farmers, hog producers, sheep producers, and horse owners.

By completing this workbook, you will gain an understanding of what is necessary to keep your animal feeding operation or AFO environmentally sound. If your AFO is large enough to be subject to environmental regulation or if you have particular manure management issues that require structural or operational changes, you should consult your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or a livestock waste management professional.

So what is a CNMP and why would I want one?

A CNMP has several components that include feed management, manure handling and storage, land application of manure, management of land receiving manure, record keeping, and management of animal mortalities. The purpose of the CNMP is to develop and implement technically sound, economically feasible, and site-specific practices which will minimize impacts of animal feeding operations on water quality and public health.
When various species of livestock are fed, they convert only a portion of the nutrients in the feed to useful animal products such as meat, milk, eggs, wool, etc. The remainder of the nutrients remain in animal manure and can impact water quality if not properly managed. Nitrogen and phosphorus are of most concern. Some large animal feeding operations are subject to environmental regulation because of their potential to impact water quality.

When manure is properly applied to crop land, the nitrogen and phosphorus can be recycled through crops as fertilizer and the manure organic matter can improve the quality of the soil. This can be of economic advantage to the producer. Therefore, even an animal feeding operation that is not large enough to be subject to the most stringent environmental regulations will want to develop a CNMP.
This CNMP workbook has 15 sections which you can print, complete at your own pace, and store in a notebook. If your self-assessment indicates some manure management issues with your animal feeding operation, be sure to consult professionals.