University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment extension specialists will conduct regional meetings to present information on how and when farmers can make manure can work in their operations.

“The Scoop on Poop” will be Feb. 29 at the McLean County Extension office and March 8 at the Henderson County Extension office. The McLean County program will begin at noon, and the Henderson County presentation will start at 9 a.m. Both times are Central.

“Producers have shown an increased interest in using manure to fertilize fields, but there are several aspects to consider before someone starts using it,” said Edwin Ritchey, UK extension soils specialist. “Manure is a complete fertilizer, containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It will depend on the producer’s management style and a soil test to find out if it’s going to be agronomical, economical and environmentally safe for them.”

During the presentation, Ritchey and fellow UK extension soils specialist Josh McGrath will talk about the agronomic aspects of manure. Topics include manure testing; economic value; storage; spreader calibration; environmental and water implications; soil and plant interactions; tillage, no tillage and manure.

UK agricultural economist Jordan Shockley will discuss a decision tool he developed with a risk assessment feature to help farmers determine whether manure will economically work for their operation compared to current fertilizer prices. The tool will allow farmers to input known nutrient contents of the manure, soil test values and management practices they plan to use. It will show farmers how the different management decisions will impact the value of the manure.

Preregistration is not necessary, but to guarantee a lunch for the McLean County program, contact Cary Hicks, agriculture and natural resource agent at 270-273-3690 or cary.hicks@uky.edu by Feb. 26. To reserve a lunch for the Henderson County event, contact Camille Lambert at 270-826-8387 or camille.lambert@uky.edu by March 7.