Manure Cycling Interview Data

Exploring the potential for nutrient circularity in the beef
production system requires an understanding of current practices.
Manure nutrients produced in feedlots are an ample source of
fertilizer for phosphorus deficient crop and hay lands. However, it
is unclear how far manure nutrients are travelling from feedlots,
what crops they’re being applied to, and whether those grains are in
turn integrated into the feedlot operations. The purpose of these
interviews was to ascertain the above information from feedlot
managers. In addition, we sought contextual information (provenance
of cattle, cattle weights/ages, manure treatment,
regulations/guidelines, processing facility destination, barriers,
suggestions for improvements). To answer our question about
potential manure nutrient circularity, we focused and report here
the elements pertaining to feed/grain provenance, crops manure was
applied to, and export distance for manure.