The development of a whole-farm nutrient balance is the concept that involves balancing the amount of nutrient inputs across an entire operation (fertilizer, animals and feed) and comparing it to the nutrients leaving the operation (milk, meat, crops and manure). This concept applies to all operations, both large and small. In order to comply with regulatory nutrient management plan requirements, larger operations must demonstrate that manure will be handled and applied on an agronomic basis and the operation is designed for a whole-farm balance. For smaller operations that do not have as strict regulatory requirements, efficiently minimizing excess inputs while utilizing manure nutrients is essential for sustainability.