What type of nutrient plan does your farm need?

There are two types of nutrient plans that Michigan farms can have, Nutrient Management Plan and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.

The difference between a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) and a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is in the level of information needed. Federal and state laws have classified livestock operations by size. There are large livestock facilities (greater than 1,000 animal units), medium facilities (750-1,000 animal units), and small facilities (less than 1,000 animal units).  Farms that are considered large facilities are required to have an updated CNMP. Small and medium livestock operations as well as crop and fruit operations need to have a nutrient management plan.

Nutrient management plans have five basic components:

  1. Lab analyses
  2. Nutrient Source
  3. Nutrient Application Rate
  4. Nutrient Timing and Placing
  5. Evaluation

Comprehensive nutrient management plans have thirteen basic components:

  1. Overview
  2. Farm Headquarters Map
  3. Evaluation of Existing Components
  4. Animal Outputs
  5. Conservation Practices on Fields Used for Manure Application
  6. Land Application Management
  7. Record of CNMP Implementation
  8. Inputs to Animals-Feed Management
  9. Alternative Utilization
  10. Odor Management
  11. Inspection, Operation & Maintenance, Training
  12. Schedule of Implementation
  13. Emergency Action Plan

Plans need to be written in a way that it is easily understandable to all who will be referencing the information. Plans also need to be updated yearly so that the information is current and applicable to the current growing season. For more information on nutrient management plans or comprehensive nutrient management plans contact your Michigan State University Extension educator or me at curellc@anr.msu.edu or Shelby Bollwahn, bollwah1@anr.msu.edu.

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