DNR, Ag Department caution manure handlers

Rain and manure don't mix. Tom Bowman with the Wisconsin DNR's Agricultural Runoff Program says there are concerns that all the rain in southern Wisconsin could cause problems: manure storage facilities could overflow, or farmers worried about that might try to spread manure on fields that are too saturated to absorb it. Either way, the result would be bad. Bowman says producers need to know what to do. Larger livestock operators with permits from the DNR should contact that agency. Smaller livestock producers can contact their county Land Conservation Department, the state Ag Department or the DNR.