About the Manure Management Literature Review

Background

Manure management in the U.S. accounts for nearly 10% of all anthropogenic methane emissions, and dairy manure management emissions are nearly half of all manure management emissions. Identifying and adopting system-appropriate practices for manure management may reduce methane emissions, the spread of pathogens and additional unwanted results, while generating an added source of income for farmers and improved environmental agricultural sustainability.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is seeking a researcher or research team to conduct a scientific literature review of the manure management research applicable to U.S. dairy. The researcher/team will initiate the exploration of the:

1. Systems-level manure management research in the U.S.
2. Innovation-level research on specific technologies and practices of U.S. dairy producers
3. Links between these two levels, exploring questions around the impacts and knowledge gaps of technology and practice adoption at scale

RFP Overview

The objective of this short-term research agreement is to conduct a literature review of the manure management literature applicable to U.S. dairy and develop a white paper on the state of academic research relevant to this topic. This work may be used to inform a future FFAR research convening or program. We are seeking a scientist with expertise in dairy manure management and experience conducting literature reviews and familiarity with U.S. agricultural supply chains and stakeholder organizations.

The primary task is evaluating recent literature and relevant reports and drafting of a white paper on critical research needs related to the systems-level manure management and the innovation-level research on specific technologies and practices of U.S. dairy production. The white paper should assess published literature and literature syntheses regarding the topics listed below and identify areas of research community consensus (or lack) on key conclusions and future research needs.

The final work product should include:

• Literature reflecting upstream factors (e.g. private sector incentives/interventions) influencing the capacity and willingness of individuals and populations to act.
• Emerging areas of research on barriers and enabling factors that are not yet mature enough for synthesis.
• Examination of questions around the impacts and knowledge gaps of technology and practice adoption at scale.

This project is anticipated to be a part-time 6-month contract. Proposals are being accepted until a successful candidate or team is selected. This work will be conducted remotely and will proceed in consultation with FFAR staff and stakeholders, including through regular video calls.

Read the full RFP description and requirements.

Manure Management Convening

The literature review and resulting white paper will be used to inform a manure management convening. The convening aims to bring diverse stakeholders together to explore:

1. Emerging innovations to support sustainable manure management in medium-sized farms
2. The barriers and enabling factors to sustained adoption of manure management systems that support increased environmental sustainability and human health
3. Ways of using manure to add a source of income for farmers and improved environmental agricultural sustainability

Advisory Council

The Manure Management Advisory Council consists of industry experts who will co-design the convening with FFAR. It includes representatives from: CSU Ag Innovation Center, Dairy Management Inc., University of Vermont, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and a major food and beverage company.