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There is no dollar limit for individual research project proposals. Historically, multiple projects are funded during each annual RFP.  

There is no limit on the number of years a research project can continue. However, AFREC awards project funding one year at a time. You can propose a multi-year project, although the Council will approve funding for the first year in this current RFP. Within the application you will be asked to identify the budget by year for up to 5 years.

In response to economic and environmental concerns, and as a result of increasing educational, cost-share and regulatory programs, the number of livestock producers who test their manure has increased dramatically in the last five to ten years. Despite this trend, many livestock producers still do not test their manure on a regular basis. Difficulties with sampling, variability in test results and concern about the accuracy of nutrient availability estimates have led many producers to question the value of manure testing.

Increased customer demand, the need to fill information gaps and the desire to promote the value of manure testing have resulted in, agricultural laboratories devoting more resources to manure analysis and promotion of their manure testing and nutrient management services. There has been a corresponding laboratory need for information and technical assistance for development and improvement of manure analysis methods, quality control and assurance, reporting and interpretation of results. Extension educators, local governments, private industry and others who work with farmers also desire more and better information about manure sampling and testing. The Manure Testing Laboratory Certification Program was developed in order to help fill these needs.