A survey was conducted to collect information on nutrient management practi
ces on dairy farms in south-central Pennsylvania. Of the 994 responding far
ms, the average farm consisted of 64 lactating cows, 10 dry cows, 41 heifer
s, and 17 calves with 69.7 ha of tillable land. Manure from lactating cows
was mainly collected on a daily basis (84% of the farms) and stored as slur
ry or liquid (73%), while dry cow and heifer manure was collected weekly or
less frequently (69 and 85% of the farms) and stored as solid stack or bed
ded pack (67 and 82%). Manure utilization featured consistent use of on-far
m spreading, with limited incorporation, to corn or small grain fields befo
re planting. Spreading on perennial forages or pasture was also common. Irr
igation or injection of manure occurred on less than 5% of the farms. Only
20% of the farms reported manure nutrient testing, contrasting to over 90%
for soil testing. Farm advisors and their services can be of vital importan
ce in helping producers make conscientious management decisions for enhance
d nutrient utilization. For example, ration balancing involved the services
of feed and mineral sales representatives (85% of the farms), independent
consultants (12%), and veterinarians (5%). Manure nutrient crediting to det
ermine manure application rates was made by fertilizer dealers (40%), crop
advisors and independent consultants (31%), and others. Nutrient management
strategies and efforts must address the specific needs of farms with diffe
rent animal densities and nutrient balances in order to be effective and ap
plicable on the majority of farms.