Des Moines-Iowa now has rules similar to those in Delaware, limiting application of liquid manure on frozen ground from Feb. 1 to April and on snow-covered ground from Dec. 21 through April 1. Six hearings are being held in January and early February around the state to explain the legislation, which was passed by the state legislature in the 2009 session and signed by Gov. Chet Culver. The measure allows exemptions for farmers facing unusual circumstances, such as weather or storage capacity limits. The proposed Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules would take effect in the winter of 2010-11. For the 2009-10 winter, DNR officials said they do not intend to impose the 100-day manure storage requirement for farmers requesting an emergency exemption.
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