Most producers would prefer to spread manure on their fields in spring and summer when the crops are going to get the most use out of it. Although the Department of Environmental Protection discourages winter manure application, there are circumstances when manure has to be applied in the winter, such as when wet fall weather kept field conditions unsuitable and the lack of a large enough storage structure to hold the manure until spring.

Land application of manure creates conditions conducive to significant environmental losses of nutrients.

The NRCS is directing its state staff to work with state soil and water-quality agencies to define the circumstances where manure can be applied during the winter.

University of Illinois researchers say corn response to sulfur may be more common than in the past.

Pennsylvania is looking into new ways to deal with the old problem of manure. This year, Pennsylvania is using a $225,000 federal grant to study the benefits of injecting manure into farm fields.