Mark Wilson
Land Stewards, LLC
The Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is a planning tool based on
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical standards and
specifications. A CNMP is comprised of
six general areas: manure and waste handling and storage, land application of
nutrients, land treatment/soil conservation, alternative utilization of manure,
record keeping and feed management (optional). Livestock producers can apply for
Environmental Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) cost share funds to help defray
the cost of developing a CNMP and a CNMP is required for producers applying for
EQIP funds for implementing manure management practices. Producers may also
request a CNMP to improve farm management and profitability or to meet
requirements of regulatory agencies if manure management practices have not been
effective. Producers usually ask their local Soil and Water Conservation
District (SWCD) to write the plan, but the option to contract with certified
Technical Service Providers (TSP) also exists. Although the NRCS has developed
a website (http://techreg.usda.gov/)
to help expedite the process of using private TSPs, the TSP program has had
limited success in Ohio due to inefficiencies in the certification process and
reimbursement rates that do not cover the costs of completing the CNMP. As a
result, SWCD personnel have a backlog of CNMPs to write which has resulted in
much of the work being contracted to TSPs outside of Ohio resulting in
frustration for everyone involved.
Discussion:
Fred Michel (OSU) asked if CNMPs are required based on the size of the facility. Wilson noted that size is not a criteria; only producers requesting EQIP funds are required to have a CNMP. Jon Berger (SWCD) noted that most requests are from livestock producers but some crop farmers who utilize manure may also request one.
Michel asked what percentage of farmers receive EQIP funds. Wilson did not have a figure but noted that 80-90% of producers are involved in commodity programs. Berger noted that in Wayne County, which has 1800 farms, only 30-40 have received EQIP funds.
Duane Wood (SWCD) asked if there is a cost difference between states in the note to exceed reimbursement rates and the number of plans. Wilson has not evaluated that but noted that Environmental Management Solutions, a company in Iowa certified to write CNMPs, estimates that approximately 100 hours are needed by experienced TSP to write a CNMP. In Ohio, the estimate is 60-80 hours per plan. Wood noted that the $1500 cap on reimbursements in Ohio is not very realistic.
Maurice Watson (OSU) asked how often a plan needs to be re-written. Wilson responded that they need to be reviewed yearly and record keeping must be current. Berger noted that soil tests must be updated every three years. If a farmers changes animal units by more than 10% or applies for additional EQIP funds, a new CNMP may be needed. Wood noted that there are opportunities for making the system more efficient. Wilson agreed and said that the time needed for writing a plan varies with the amount of information available and the producer’s organization of that information.
Mary Wicks (OSU) questioned the economics of contracting Ohio CNMPs to a TSP in North Carolina and whether site visits are required. Berger noted that for the 70 plans written by the TSP, one visit was made to Ohio. A site visit is not necessary for the CNMP but would be required for a manure management plan approved by the Ohio Department of Agriculture which requires a Conservation Plan. Wilson suggested that the costs of writing 70 plans may be spread somewhat.
Robert Mullen (OSU) commented that he had been working with Norm Widman (NRCS) to develop a TSP training program at OSU. As Widman has left the state, the discussions will have to wait for his replacement.
Notes by Mary Wicks
The OCAMM (Ohio Composting and Manure Management) Program is funded by OARDC/OSU.