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.