Manure Management - The Safety Aspect

By Dan West, NYCAMH
This subject really stinks but it needs to be addressed. Many aspects of manuremanagement are causing more concern now than ever before because of environmental issues. This is not the only concern, though. It became painfully evident just a few weeks ago right here in New York State that by-products of manure can be lethal.
What does the average herdsperson or farm manager need to know about manure management so he or she does not become a fatality statistic? What we call "manure gas" is actually several gasses produced by the decomposition of manure. These toxic gasses include methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen disulfide. Most of these gasses are heavier than air so they will accumulate in low areas such as a manure pit. Methane, on the other hand, is lighter than air, so it will accumulate in the top of a storage area if it is enclosed. Gas levels are usually higher when the stored manure is being agitated, ventilation systems are not working, and during hot, humid weather.
Because manure gasses are invisible and inconsistent, you can't tell by looking or by past experience if a pit is safe to enter. Even a nearly empty manure pit can contain toxic fumes, or the oxygen may be displaced so there is not enough to support life. So what if
you have to enter the manure pit? If you have not had specific training in confined space entry, don't go in - it could be the last thing you ever do! Call the experts that have self-contained oxygen supplying breathing apparatuses and safety lines and harnesses. Even if a family member falls in a manure pit, resist the urge to go in after them. Call for help. A few years ago in Michigan five family members died, one by one, as they attempted to rescue the one that went in before them. These deaths could have been avoided.
For safe manure management observe the following precautions:
• Always post warning signs around manure storage areas.
• Fence lagoons to keep children out. (Even though the surface may look solid, a child
can fall through.)
• Do not allow people or animals in buildings above manure pits while agitating.
• Provide maximum ventilation when agitating or pumping manure from a pit.
• Never enter a pit unless you have specialized training, equipment and the assistance
of another person.
• Do not completely fill the pit. Leave space above the manure for gasses to
accumulate.
• Make sure repairs and maintenance can be done on your system without going into
the pit.
• Do not try to rescue a person who has been overcome by manure gas - immediately
call for help giving specific information about the nature of the hazards.
Don't assume that because you can't smell or see any gas, or because you have gone in before, that it is safe to enter a manure pit or storage tank. If you would like more information about manure gas and reducing your risks when working around it, contact
NYCAMH at 1-800-343-7527.
Upcoming Events
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
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November 13, 2025
: Optimizing the Economic Return of Pasture-Raised Slow-Growth and Conventional Broilers - Webinar
Over the past three years, Cornell Cooperative Extension has worked with nearly 40 small farmers across NYS to gather information on the true costs of raising broilers (meat chickens) on pasture. This presentation is a summary of the findings of this research project.
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop - East Aurora
October 21, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop - East Aurora
East Aurora, NY
This workshop will explain why regularly testing fecal egg counts can help you with understanding your animals' parasite loads and dewormer resistance. Attendees have the opportunity to prepare and evaluate fresh fecal samples under the microscope and practice interpretations.
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