Manure management is a major concern for horse farms of all sizes, particularly in the winter. Our weather systems have changed, bringing cooler precipitation to our properties by way of rain, snow and freezing soils.
This has made it more challenging for manure storage in the months between October to March, especially if one is managing raw manure on site.
The accumulation of raw manure can be a nuisance for horse owners as well as the surrounding community. When manure run-off reaches water ways, it can harm fish and aquatic insects, and manure leachate can contaminate drinking water supplies. The British Columbia Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice, under the Environmental Management Act states that agricultural waste must be stored and handled in a manner that does not cause pollution, and the Canadian Fisheries Act prohibits the addition of harmful substances to any water that would degrade water quality and render it harmful to fish or fish habitat. It may not be apparent if sensitive ecosystems are nearby, but water is everywhere and can carry substances across into groundwater sources.
To avoid environmental harm and to comply with provincial and federal regulations, manure must be actively managed. Composting is becoming increasingly accepted as the best management practice for manure. It can decrease the volume of manure by up to 50%, eliminate the smell, reduce pathogens and insect populations and turn manure into a valuable resource. You may be surprised at how quickly composting can become part or your horse-keeping routine, and with a one-time investment you can eliminate the need to purchase chemical fertilizers and pay haul away fees.
Manure Link is a website which offers many free resources, such as the Land Management Guide for Horse Owners and Small Lot-Farmers, solutions to bin management, and opportunities for linking those who have manure, to those who want manure. The website is a great resource for all horse owners in British Columbia.
Winter is a great time to think about your manure storage, make changes, and mindfully monitor. For a short list to check for your winter manure storage, check out these brief points:
- have all manure piles covered from rain and snow from October to March
- ensure your piles have oxygen added to it, by way of turning on dry days or venting
- visit current government setback for manure placement from watercourses and wells
- ensure your well head is covered and protected from leaks and cracks
Manure management is a part of livestock ownership that many landowners are reluctant to discuss. However, it remains a necessary component of sustainable land management and one that is causing concern as fewer companies are agreeing to haul away manure. We can all do our part this winter to keep our watercourses and our drinking water clean. We all can make a difference.
For further information, please visit https://www.manurelink.com/ or contact the Langley Environmental Partners Society at [email protected]
By Amanda Smith