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Three novel sampling methods for obtaining representative samples prior to the actual pump out time from manure stored in pits were investigated in this study. In addition, empirical relationships between nutrients (N and P) and total solids that could help in quicker determinations of the manure nutrient contents on-site during scheduled pump-out time were also investigated. Results showed that, stirring representative manure in a 55-gallon barrel for a period of at least five minutes using a paddle-stirrer such as the one described in this study is adequate for complete homogenization of manure essential for drawing off a representative sample from any point in the barrel. Further, results showed that, the use of a sump pump (such as the one described in this study) placed at the bottom of a similar barrel and oriented to shoot manure horizontally is also adequate for homogenizing the manure after five minutes of operation: a procedure that also allows for collection of a representative sample from any point in the container. Using the above two techniques, correct nutrient determinations are possible before the pump-out date, allowing for proper planning of the manure application in the field. The correlation coefficient (R = 0.26) of a linear regression between total solids (TS) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) using data obtained in this study was too low, suggesting that the content of TS cannot accurately be used to estimate the content of the TKN. The correlation coefficient (R = 0.92) of a linear regression between TS and total phosphorus (TP) obtained using data from this study indicated that, the content of TS can be used to accurately estimate the content of TP in the manure.