WSDA Blog

As the landscape of the dairy industry continues to evolve, so too must our approach to nutrient management. We are excited to announce a new name for the Dairy Nutrient Management Program (DNMP), now called the Nutrient Management Technical Services (NMTS) Program:  

• Nutrients, because we aim to ensure the beneficial use of manure and fertilizer. 

• Management, because doing so requires planning and attention to conservation practices. 

• Technical, because science-based adaptive management is critical for sustaining agriculture’s commitment to environmental protection. 

• Services, because WSDA recognizes that farmers need robust technical assistance and decision support tools for success.  

This change reflects our commitment to not only uphold regulatory compliance but also to provide the essential manure and fertilizer management technical assistance and resources that agricultural communities need to thrive. 

A new chapter: Why the change?

For over two decades, the DNMP has played a crucial role in enforcing dairy compliance with water quality laws. Originally established under the DNMP Act of 1998, the program transitioned from the Department of Ecology (ECY) to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to better serve our communities. However, as the dairy industry has changed, so too have the challenges and opportunities we face. 

The new Nutrient Management Technical Services program aims to adapt to these changes by focusing not just on regulatory compliance, but also on providing comprehensive support through voluntary compliance tools. We recognize that education and outreach are key to fostering sustainable practices across the industry. 

Expanding our scope

Today, in addition to a dairy compliance program, this work includes building livestock production resilience to a changing climate, protection of downstream shellfish beds from potential dairy manure impacts, educating and providing tools to crop growers to improve nutrient management and reduce impacts to groundwater, and supporting greenhouse gas reductions on farm while taking advantage of economic opportunities in renewable energy. 

The change acknowledges an expansion of our scope of work. The program works in close collaboration with conservation districts and other conservation partners to seek and fund technical assistance and research and development projects and invests in partnerships to reduce the environmental impacts from agriculture. While our program continues to regulate dairy farms, as a conservation partner, we are working to broaden our voluntary services where nutrient management is a high priority, including to provide services like:

• Training and education for manure applicators: Our program will emphasize educational initiatives that reach beyond the dairy sector, including other livestock operations, custom manure haulers, and custom dairy feed growers. By providing resources and training for those who help apply manure, we can improve nutrient management practices across the board. 
• Technical assistance and support for crop growers: We are dedicated to offering hands-on support to growers. We’re piloting this work in the lower Yakima Valley, where we’re partnering with our own Natural Resource Agricultural Science Program as well as partners such as WSU and the South Yakima Conservation District. This assistance is vital in promoting good nutrient management practices that safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure the viability of agriculture. 
• Advocating for research on precision nutrient management: We aim to increase local research on manure management, nutrient management in the field, and increase feed and production system resilience to support livestock operations in Washington. We’ll do this through partnerships with industry, conservation agencies, and land grant universities.  

A strategic mission

As we re-shape into the Nutrient Management Technical Services Program, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The vision of the new Nutrient Management Technical Services program is that all crop and livestock producers are equipped to maximize the beneficial use of nutrients in ways that protect land, air, and water resources for current and future Washingtonians.  

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to protecting public health and the environment. Through improved nutrient management practices, we can mitigate the impacts of agricultural runoff, enhance water quality, and promote sustainable farming practices. By supporting our agricultural communities, we ensure that farming remains a viable and sustainable livelihood for future generations. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out new resources and initiatives. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! 

Visit our website if you have questions or want more information.