Economics of Hauling Dairy Slurry and Its Value in Wisconsin Corn Grain Systems.

One key component in conservation planning is the development of a comprehensive nutrient management plan.  Growth in herd size however has left many dairymen with increasingly large quantities of manure to handle, making nutrient management planning a challenge.  Simultaneously; a doubling in fertilizer prices since 1999 has made alternative nutrient sources such as manure more attractive to grain farmers. To evaluate the potential of using dairy slurry for corn (Zea mays L.) production in Wisconsin grain systems, custom manure hauler bids were combined with corn production expenses to develop enterprise budgets in which slurry provided corn nutrient needs. A scenario was developed in which a recipient grain farmer shares manure hauling costs with the dairy farmer supplying the slurry. Results showed that by sharing manure hauling expenses, profitable hauling distances increased from 5.9 to 9.4 km with optimum soil nutrient levels. Manure nutrient variability was the most important factor after payment method in determining economically viable hauling distances. Soil nutrient status, N price, and diesel price were all of lesser importance when evaluated independent of other factors. These results suggest that grain and dairy farmers could enter into beneficial manure contracts having both economic and nutrient conservation advantages.