University of Manitoba - The National Centre for Livestock and the Environment

ACHIEVING MANURE PHOSPHORUS BALANCE IN MANITOBA - TECHNICAL WORKSHOP

Monday November 30th and Tuesday December 1st, 2009
Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Achieving Manure Phosphorus Balance in Manitoba Technical Workshop is a partnership effort, engaging various groups, including the Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI), the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE), Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) and the Manitoba Manure Management Advisory Committee (MMMAC). We believe a coordinated effort between industry, government and research scientists is the most efficient and effective way to address these challenges.

Progress Update November 2010:
Research & Technology Evaluation Priorities
Extension & Technology Transfer Priorities

Workshop participants are welcome to folow the links to view progress updates on the workshop recommendations.

Research & Technology Evaluation Priorities - see what projects are underway and the timelines for future activities

Extension & Technology Transfer Priorities - the updated strategic plan details current and planned activities and deliverables

Organizational Chart - it takes a collaborative effort! See who's involved and how they are helping find solutions and put answers in the hands of producers

All are welcome to view the general recommendations and priorities for Research & Technology Evaluation and for Extension & Technology Transfer

Overall Purpose of 2009 Phosphorus Management Workshop:
To better equip Manitoba's livestock producers to comply with phosphorus-based manure management regulations while remaining economically competitive by sharing current information on available management options and working to identify, evaluate and adopt management options for achieving manure phosphorus balance in Manitoba.

Summary
The Province of Manitoba has proposed accelerating the implementation of manure phosphorus regulations, expecting all areas of Manitoba and all types of livestock operations to be in compliance by 2013. In order for Manitoba's livestock producers to comply with the revised regulations and remain economically competitive, they must have access to practical solutions for manure phosphorus management. The workshop is intended as a forum to share information among researchers, government agencies and industry leaders on the possibilities and limitations of existing options for manure P management to develop a strategic plan for addressing knowledge gaps and for investigating promising manure management options (eg. solid-liquid separation technologies).

Workshop Process
The technical workshop consisted of a one-day update on current manure phosphorus management in Manitoba followed by a one day working session to identify priorities and action plans for extension, research and technology evaluation & transfer needs in the areas of feed, land and manure management in order for the province’s livestock sector to achieve manure phosphorus balance.

During this two-day workshop we worked through:
1. What can we do? (options to consider re: current state of technical knowledge, extent of adoption, available extension tools, how others have dealt with this issue, etc.)
2. What should we do? (identification of challenges necessary to address in the short term, prioritization of options with the greatest practical potential), and
3. How will we do it? (action plan with goals, leadership and timelines).

Thank you Workshop Participants for your interest and willingness to work with us and other industry, government and university leaders to develop a research and extension strategy for adapting to the challenges of our Province's phosphorus-based manure management regulations! Your knowledge and experience were valuable as we worked together over the two days!