The National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management was developed with funding made available through the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Fund for Rural America Program. The center ceased operation in 2005 when funding was no longer available.
The center consisted of 16 universities and a Policy Advisory Committee. Center efforts emphasized the development and dissemination of knowledge and technology that support sustainable, profitable and internationally competitive animal production and also protect community interests and environmental quality.