Holdings Sustainability Report 2022 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 34
PLANET
Manure
The organic fertilizer produced from pig manure is one of the most vital by-products our industry provides.
Pig manure contains all 13 essential nutrients required by plants, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and
potassium (K), as well as a large proportion of organic matter, which provides multiple benefits including
improving soil texture and quality, and improving water uptake and water holding capacity.
Nitrous oxide and methane are the primary greenhouse gas emission produced in manure storage systems.
Both lagoon and deep pit manure storages produce these GHGs, but the anaerobic decomposition process
is hampered by higher nutrient concentrations in deep pit systems, which means there are lower methane
and nitrous oxide emissions. This is why 86% of PIPESTONE managed farms operate with under barn manure
storage.
A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is a component conservation plan that includes a
combination of structural practices, management activities, and/or land management practices for livestock
operation. Our managed sow farms are required to maintain up to date CNMPs that are reviewed annually to
ensure optimal use of our organic fertilizer by-product.
When applying manure, we use the direct injection/
incorporation method. Injection is when the manure
is placed below the surface of the soil. It was
developed to reduce odors and issues with ammonia
gas losses. This is the most sustainable application
method for many reasons. Some of these include but
are not limited to:
• Manure is applied more efficiently than other
methods.
• Injection places and protects nutrients in the
soil minimizing runoff and volatilization losses so
crops can readily utilize them.
• It helps to reduce odor.
Manure (Gal/lb of live weight)
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Manure
Economically, organic fertilizer application reduces
the need for purchasing manufactured fertilizers that have additional costs associated with them.
Finally, the pumping
schedule is an important
part of reducing GHG
emissions from our
farms. Most managed
sow barns are pumped
at least twice per
year, in the spring
and fall, to minimize
the accumulation and
production of GHGs and
maximize the nutrient
value of the organic
fertilizer.
Total gallons of
manure pumped
Acres
Applied
Gallons
Pumped
N
P
K
2018
26,861
247,851,740
-
-
-
2019
32,340
329,899,397
-
-
-
2020
36,679
364,133,080
22
10
15
2021
36,583
372,709,856
23
10
15
2022
39,731
390,006,570
23
9
14
2023 Goals:
•
•
•
34
Fully compliant nutrient management program with state and third-party verification at all sites.
Complete direct injection manure application for greater than 95% of gallons.
Have manure usage under four gallons/sow/day and feeding protocols to reduce waste to less than 2%
of total use.
Pipestone Management