An aerial view shows the heart made out of manure by Minnesota farmer Bruce Andersland for his wife. (Courtesy of Andersland family, Minnesota Aviation, Darren Schone/Associated Press)

A farmer in southern Minnesota has made a heart out of manure in a romantic gesture that gives unique meaning to the words "love stinks."

Bruce Andersland made the 800-metre-wide heart for his wife of 37 years in their farm field about 19 kilometres southwest of Albert Lea.

Andersland told the Albert Lea Tribune that he got to work on his steamy show of affection on his tractor and manure spreader Wednesday and finished it Thursday. The heart is not as dark as it might have been because it is mixed with snow that fell recently.

Beth Andersland acknowledged that some people might think a manure heart is gross.

But she said it's the biggest and most original Valentine she has ever received and called it cute.

"Why not do something fun with what you got?" Beth asked.