WMCE: An Animal Waste Management Cost Estimation Computer Model
Dalin K. Bullock, Stephen E. Poe, K. L. Farrell-Poe, B. E. Miller · Journal of natural resources and life sciences education · 1995
ABSTRACT Waste Management Cost Estimator (WMCE), a Quattro Pro spreadsheet model, was developed as an economic planning tool to be used by students, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Cooperative Extension Service personnel, and animal waste management consultants. The purpose of WMCE is to allow users to determine the cost of owning and operating animal waste management systems (AWMS). WMCE is designed to estimate: (i) the production of manure, liquids, and bedding materials that must be handled by the AWMS; (ii) the size and cost of waste storage facilities; and (iii) the cost of owning and operating alternative waste management systems. The WMCE allows the selection of several animal waste handling systems and defaults. The defaults are easily adjusted to customize the model. A panel of users evaluated the effectiveness of the WMCE pilot program.