From Waste to Wealth—Turning Manure into a Resource
When it comes to feedyards and dairies, manure isn’t just a byproduct—it’s an opportunity. With the right system, smart application, and a little patience, waste becomes wealth.
At MJE, LLC, we help clients turn a necessary task into a revenue-generating, soil-building, sustainable advantage. Here’s how feedyards and dairies across the High Plains—and beyond—are making the most of every load.
Composting: Waste Management with a Payoff
Manure composting takes what was once a disposal problem and turns it into high-value fertilizer.
For feedyards: Stockpiling and drying solid manure directly from pen maintenance makes it easier to haul and apply to cropland—and can create valuable compost for sale or use.
For dairies: Composting is often tied to bedding reuse and nutrient management, but dedicated manure pads are becoming more common to maximize the value of separated solids.
Why compost?
Reduces volume and weight, cutting transportation costs
Kills weed seeds and pathogens through heat treatment
Improves soil structure and water retention when applied
“Stockpiling manure allows owners to dry it out before hauling, saving money and improving application rates. Composting it properly can turn it into a saleable commodity,” says MJE CEO Aaron Jantz.
Smart Land Application: Fertilizer Done Right
Manure is one of nature’s best fertilizers—when used correctly. Poor planning, though, can lead to:
Over-application
Runoff into waterways
Nutrient imbalances in soil
MJE helps clients design manure systems that allow for controlled land application—whether directly from pens or after processing.
Best practices include:
Testing soil and manure nutrient levels before spreading
Calibrating application rates to match crop needs
Monitoring nitrate and phosphorus levels to avoid overloading fields
Bonus Tip: Regular soil sampling isn’t just for compliance—it helps maximize crop yields and reduces unnecessary fertilizer purchases.
The Nutrient Boost: Manure’s Value in the Soil
When applied correctly, manure offers:
Nitrogen for plant growth
Phosphorus for strong root systems
Potassium for drought resistance
Organic matter to improve soil texture and water-holding capacity
Healthy soils = healthier crops = better margins. It’s a simple formula, but it requires planning to get right.
The Role of Separators: Precision Matters
As dairies grow larger, manure separators are becoming essential for:
Separating solids from liquids for more targeted nutrient management
Creating usable fiber for bedding
Reducing lagoon buildup
Improving the efficiency of land application and composting operations
At MJE, we’ve implemented multi-stage separation systems that allow dairies to better control what’s heading to fields—and what’s going back into barn operations as recycled bedding.
Real-World Wins: Turning the Mess into a Market
Across dairies and feedyards, we’ve seen operators:
Sell composted manure to neighboring farmers
Use recycled solids to offset bedding costs
Generate revenue from captured methane gas in biogas systems
“The real win is when manure isn’t a cost center—it’s a profit center. Whether it’s compost, fiber, fertilizer, or gas, a properly managed system creates real returns.“
Aaron Jantz, CEO
The MJE Approach: From the Ground Up
At MJE, we don’t just design to contain manure—we design to capture its value.
Smarter separation
Sustainable land application
Composting strategies
Energy recovery options
Whether you’re operating a 1,000-head feedyard or a 20,000-cow dairy, we can help turn waste into a strategic advantage.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for Part 5, where we break down the full financial and operational ROI of smarter manure management—and why it’s more than just a cost-saving move.
