Manure Sampling Services

Stay compliant. Maximize nutrients. Stop guessing what's in your manure.

Annual manure testing isn't optional. It's required. But beyond compliance, it's one of the most valuable tools you have for managing nutrients, improving crop performance, and reducing waste.

Why Manure Sampling Matters

Manure is not a uniform product. Nutrient levels can vary significantly depending on storage, handling, and timing.

Without testing, you risk:

  • Overapplying nutrients (wasting money + increasing runoff risk)
  • Underapplying nutrients (hurting yields)
  • Falling out of compliance with Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs)

Manure testing gives you real numbers, so you can apply nutrients accurately and responsibly.

RAPs Requirement

Under Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs):

You must take at least one manure sample per manure source, every year

This includes:

  • Liquid manure pits
  • Solid manure stacks
  • Any imported manure

If it's being applied to your fields, it needs to be tested.

 Need a refresher on your RAPs? 👉 Take the RAP Quiz.

When to Take a Manure Sample

Timing matters. For the most accurate results:

  • Sample when manure is being applied to fields
  • For liquid systems, sample after agitation

This ensures your test reflects what's actually being spread, not what's settled or separated.

How to Take a Proper Sample

Accurate results depend on a truly representative sample.

Step-by-step:

  1. Collect a representative sample from each manure source
  2. Place in a wide-mouth plastic quart container
  3. Fill container no more than 2/3 full
  4. Clearly label with:
    1. Manure Source
    2. Farm Name
    3. Date
  5. Freeze Immediately
    1. This is critical. Freezing preserves nitrogen levels for accurate results.
  6. Seal container in plastic bag.
  7. Complete the manure sample submission form

For full instructions, refer to University of Vermont Extension guidance.

Get Ready

Before sampling, make sure you have enough containers for every manure source.

Need containers? Contact us: (802)487-9226

Submit Your Samples

Once your samples are collected and frozen:

Option 1: Ship directly to the lab

Option 2: Drop off with us and we'll handle shipping

📍 41 School St, Suite 101, Newport, VT
💲 $45 per sample (check)

Why This Matters (Beyond Compliance)

Manure testing helps you:

  • Apply nutrients more precisely
  • Reduce fertilizer costs
  • Improve crop performance
  • Protect water quality
  • Strengthen your Nutrient Management Plan

Compliance is the baseline. Better management is the goal.

Get Started

Don't wait until after spreading. Plan ahead.

👉 Contact us to get containers | (802)487-9226
👉 Review sampling guidance
👉 Submit your samples this season