By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is encouraging farmers and commercial manure applicators to review the Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast before applying manure to fields.
The online tool is designed to help users assess the likelihood of manure runoff based on current soil conditions and upcoming weather patterns. It is available at runoffriskadvisory.wi.gov.
The forecast features interactive maps that display short-term runoff risk levels for manure spreading. These maps evaluate factors such as soil moisture, ground temperature, and recent or expected precipitation across 1.5-square-mile grid sections.
Information is refreshed four times each day using updated data from the National Weather Service, ensuring that farmers have access to timely and accurate conditions.
“Nutrient management planning is essential to applying manure responsibly and protecting water quality,” said Andrea Topper, DATCP nutrient management outreach specialist.
“The Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast supports that effort by helping farmers evaluate current field conditions and short-term weather before spreading.”
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock