"How much is this manure worth?" This is a common question from both livestock farmers who are supplying manure and crop farmers who are utilizing it. To answer this question, it is important to understand the difference between gross value and net value. The gross value of manure reflects the equivalent commercial fertilizer value of the nutrients contained in the manure. The net value considers the impacts of application method, transportation and cropping system nutrient needs as well as intrinsic values that are much more difficult to put a number on.

In this article, Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Educator Leslie Johnson explains how to determine the gross value of nutrients in manure and walks through the steps of calculating manure value.

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