Draglining manure is a method of efficiently applying liquid manure over large areas using a system of hoses and pipes. The process involves pumping manure from a storage facility or tank through a network of hoses to the field. The manure is either spread on the surface or injected into the soil using specialized equipment.
The dragline system typically includes a large, mobile pump and a series of drag hoses, which are pulled across the field by a tractor or another vehicle. This setup allows for even manure distribution while minimizing the need for multiple trips across the field, thus improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and reducing soil compaction. There are typically two kinds of application units used with a dragline:
Surface application through a toolbar with splatter plates.
Soil incorporation, which injects manure directly into the soil.
Dragline technology enables the transportation of manure up to five miles, with booster pumps placed along the route to maintain pressure and tread pipes used to cross roads and other obstacles. Additionally, many farms are now installing permanent piping systems—both above and below ground—to streamline the transport of manure over long distances, up to 10 miles from the farm. Alternatively, in farms that use drag hose systems but lack nearby manure storage facilities, manure can be offloaded into a frac tank or side-loading manure “dumpster” for transfer to the spreading tractor. Some farms will create satellite lagoons to store manure. From there, it is pumped directly into the drag hose system.
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
Over 100 cows

Practice Benefits
Efficiency: Draglines enables the rapid application of large volumes of liquid or slurry manure over extensive areas, improving operational efficiency and reducing the time and labor involved in manure management.
Reduced fuel consumption: By minimizing the need for multiple trips across the field, draglines reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, making the process more environmentally friendly.
Minimized soil compaction: Draglines typically cause less soil compaction compared to other manure application methods, as the system involves fewer passes with heavy manure tankers.
Supports manure injection: Draglining supports manure injection because it is impractical to equip manure tankers with multiple toolbars.

Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements

Flat terrain: Draglines are more challenging to use on sloped terrain due to increased resistance on the hoses and the difficulty in maintaining consistent tractor speeds. The speed of the application equipment directly impacts the uniformity and accuracy of the manure application rate.
Liquid or slurry manure: Draglines are well-suited for transporting liquid or slurry manure, though they are less effective for manure with solid content exceeding 15%.
Large fields: Setting up a dragline system can be time-consuming, so it is typically used for large areas, usually exceeding 100 contiguous acres of cropland.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

Custom operators: Dragline systems require a considerable investment in multiple large pumps, extensive hose networks, and high-powered tractors to ensure the manure is efficiently distributed over large areas. These capital-intensive requirements, combined with the expertise needed to operate the equipment, often make it more economical for producers to contract specialized operators who already possess the necessary resources and experience.
Satellite lagoons: Some farms choose to engineer and install satellite lagoons to locate their manure further from the farm to allow an increased range of draglining capability.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

Labor costs: Draglining is generally a two-person operation—one individual moves the hose (a process known as "humping") while the other operates the tractor to spread the manure. Labor costs for these two operators represent an ongoing expense.
Implementation Considerations

Setup and hose management: Setting up a dragline system requires planning to avoid hose crossing during application. Hoses are often arranged at angles instead of straight lines, which adds complexity. Effective hose management is critical to prevent kinks or damage during application, particularly when maneuvering around field obstacles like trees or drainage systems.
Field monitoring: Farmers must monitor field tiles, especially along field edges, where draglines are used to apply large volumes of manure. This is crucial to manage preferential flow, which can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental contamination if the system is not carefully managed.
Field conditions and timing: The timing of dragline manure application is often constrained by field conditions. Wet soil, particularly in early spring, can delay setup or cause compaction. However, wetter conditions might also be an opportune time for draglining, as the technique can quickly cover large areas and avoid traffic from tanker trucks, which would cause more compaction.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
There are no federal cost-share programs or conservation funding for this practice.
Additional Resources
Article: Applying Manure With a Drag Line System (Pennsylvania State University)
Article: Three Benefits of Dragline Manure Application (Dairy Herd Management)
Article: What you need to know about a dragline manure system before you buy (Progressive Dairy)
Video: How to Manure Dragline - Lay Pattern Manure Dragline Hose in the Field (Hoover Ag)

Environmental Impacts
REDUCES FARM GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT
Draglines streamline the manure application process by allowing large areas to be covered more efficiently, reducing the number of trips compared to traditional tanker truck applications. This results in lower overall fuel consumption, as fewer trips are required, and the system runs continuously rather than relying on frequent refilling. By reducing fuel use, dragline systems contribute to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fuel combustion.
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Note: When used to inject manure, the practice can improve water quality; modern incorporation equipment injects manure a few inches below the surface with minimal soil disturbance, preserving no-till benefits while reducing phosphorus buildup. The dragline system can be combined with an injection unit, offering both systems advantages to farmers. See Nutrient Management: Manure Injection.

Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
FARM ES Version 3 includes an optional crop module, allowing users to enter their cropping practices including manure application by draglining.
Contents
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
Draglining manure is a method of efficiently applying liquid manure over large areas using a system of hoses and pipes. The process involves pumping manure from a storage facility or tank through a network of hoses to the field. The manure is either spread on the surface or injected into the soil using specialized equipment.
The dragline system typically includes a large, mobile pump and a series of drag hoses, which are pulled across the field by a tractor or another vehicle. This setup allows for even manure distribution while minimizing the need for multiple trips across the field, thus improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and reducing soil compaction. There are typically two kinds of application units used with a dragline:
Surface application through a toolbar with splatter plates.
Soil incorporation, which injects manure directly into the soil.
Dragline technology enables the transportation of manure up to five miles, with booster pumps placed along the route to maintain pressure and tread pipes used to cross roads and other obstacles. Additionally, many farms are now installing permanent piping systems—both above and below ground—to streamline the transport of manure over long distances, up to 10 miles from the farm. Alternatively, in farms that use drag hose systems but lack nearby manure storage facilities, manure can be offloaded into a frac tank or side-loading manure “dumpster” for transfer to the spreading tractor. Some farms will create satellite lagoons to store manure. From there, it is pumped directly into the drag hose system.
Practices and technologies
Draglines
alternative practice name:
Manure Pumping