Northern Plains farmers have faced several challenges this year with excessive moisture that keeps coming, late planting, and now delayed harvest as well as manure application challenges. Iowa State University Extension Ag Biosystems Engineer Dan Andersen who’s the manager for the Iowa Manure Management Action Group says the window appears to be getting shorter for manure application and avoiding compaction needs to be a priority.

He says another problem when applying manure during this wet period is avoiding runoff.

Andersen says he’s been getting questions on how much nutrients can be retained in the soil and how much manure can the soil hold. He says it’s also important that with farmers working under a tight window and a bit rushed that people watch out for that slow moving equipment and help keep them safe.

Andersen says anyone needing help with manure applications or management should get in touch with their local extension office.