Brad Cowan wrote:
> Why would 2,3, or 4 acres per cow be required for manure management? Most
> confinement farms in our region are more like 2,3, or 4 cows to the acre.
Are you sure? It is not how many acres you own, but how many acres you
either control through rent or lease or have nutrient deposition rights. In
Wisconsin, the CAFO's already must meet the DNR requirements and can not
have more cows than they can properly nutrient cycle.
All farms will have to meet the rules here in Wisconsin with a nutrient
management plan.
Isn't it that way in Orygun?
If you have a confinement operation, with adequate land access for nutrient
recycling you have an advantage over the graziers who may be limited by too
few grazing acres in close proximity to the milking center. In Wisconsin,
grazing may be less of an advantage compared to some areas due to the
necessity of either outwintering (expensive) or having a freestall or other
shelter (expensive).
Realistically, how many acres do you calculate you need per cow to handle
nutrient recycling?
Rick W.
