Livestock Waste Management and Conservation

NMP vs. CNMP

When trying to determine whether to develop a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) or a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), there are many factors that you should consider.

What is required by regulations?
Tennessee CAFO regulations state that any Large CAFO with a liquid manure system (i.e., large dairy or large swine operations) must have a CNMP.

Any Large CAFO with a dry manure system (i.e., poultry operations) and all Medium CAFOs (i.e., all medium poultry, dairy and swine operations) must have a NMP. However, a CNMP can be written in substitution of a NMP.

Who can write these plans?
Only persons that are certified to write a CNMP can do so. These people have completed intensive training to become certified. NRCS has a few certified writers on staff, and independent third parties have been certified.

Third Party Writers Active in Tennessee

A NMP can be written by anyone, including you. However, there are some components in which technical assistance will be required. For example, if you have fields that test high or very high in soil phosphorus, you will need to call your local NRCS for assistance with the Tennessee Phosphorus Risk Index. Also, if you want to install conservation practices, your local NRCS or Extension Agent will be able to help you.

How much do these plans cost?
The cost of a CNMP can vary greatly from farm to farm, depending on how intensive the plan is; how many conservation practices are installed; and how the writer was contracted. The simplest of plans (i.e., a poultry farm that transfers all litter produced) written by a third party hired by the producer would cost a minimum of $4000 according to one certified writer. The more conservation practices installed, the higher the price. The longer it takes to write the plan and install practices, the higher the price.

The cost of a NMP can be minimal since the producer will perform most of the work. However, if conservation practices are installed, the price will increase.

In either case, the sky is the limit if a new waste management system must be installed.

Are there any cost-share funds available?
NRCS will cost-share the hiring of a certified CNMP writer and installing conservation practices. They will also cost-share the installation of conservation practices for a NMP. Information regarding the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Do other programs require a specific plan?
Yes. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) now requires each farm to develop a CNMP before they will guarantee a loan. In some cases they may guarantee the loan before all practices outlined in the CNMP are completed. At a minimum, they require an approximate cost of the components in the CNMP before the loan is guaranteed.

Also, if producers are seeking EQIP cost-sharing for the installation of a waste management system or the modification of a waste management system, NRCS requires a CNMP.

How do I start writing a plan?
If you choose to have a CNMP written, the first step is to complete the Information Sheet for Developing CNMP for an Animal Feeding Operation. This information should be gathered prior to contacting NRCS or a certified writer since they will need this information to begin the process.

If you would like to write a NMP, use the NMP Checklist to insure you have all of the necessary components of a NMP.