Milk Dumping

As you voluntarily dump milk, below are some options for the milk. As we hear of additional options and learn more information, this list will be updated.

1) Dumping into a Manure Pit or Lagoon

2) Land-spreading Milk

  • Milk is a high strength waste - the nutrient composition is stronger than manure fertilizer.
  • Milk can be applied to fields using agronomic rates.
  • Milk should be direct-injected or incorporated on the field.
  • Track how much you are applying in each field.
  • Odor may become an issue; communicate with your neighbors that you are applying milk to your fields.
  • This webinar does a great job discussing application rates, etc. when landspreading milk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk2aeVl4EoU&feature=youtu.be

3) Feeding to Dairy Animals

  • Work with your nutritionist to formulate rations – especially lactating cow rations. It isn’t recommended to feed milk to dry and transition cows.
  • Feeding pasteurized milk is recommended to reduce the spread of diseases such as Johne’s, bovine luekosis and other transferrable diseases.
  • Odor may be an issue so bunk management is key. Push up feed more frequently and turn the ration at the bunk to help reduce odors.
  • Implement fly control measures. The warmer weather and odor will attack more flies.
  • Guidance Document for Feeding to Dairy Animals

4) Selling Milk to Feedlots and Other Livestock Options

  • All milk produced is registered with the Federal Milk order – including milk that is dumped.
  • Since you are being paid for the dumped milk, the feedlot or livestock operation that is interested in purchasing the milk needs to contact your cooperative or processor. The livestock operation would probably need to be set up as a milk purchaser.
  • The spread of disease is a concern with unpasteurized milk. Johne’s, bovine leucosis, mycoplasma and other diseases are transferrable in the milk.
  • Milk sold as livestock feed needs to be labeled on the invoice as ““Raw milk for animal feed” per the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
  • The accompanying invoice also needs to state the milk has been tested for antibiotics and tested negative per the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.