A great presentation from Agriculture's Promise. Provided by Jill Heemstra and Tommy Bass.

1. Navigating Environmental Issues: Beginning Livestock & Poultry Producers Thomas Bass, Montana State University Jill Heemstra, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

2. U.S. Senator Jon Tester 3rd generation farmer, butcher and teacher 1500+ acres primarily in organic wheat & barley Big Sandy, MT: pop. 703 Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

3. U.S. Senator Jon Tester BELAA Agriculture’s Promise

4. Environmental Concern Primarily non-point source water pollution Collective run-off from an area (picture depicts sediment from a large construction site) In animal ag: run-off could be from confinement areas, manure and feed storage, or land application areas… Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

5. Environmental Concern Livestock and poultry operations have the potential to contribute the following to waters of the U.S.: Nutrients Sediment Pathogens organic matter… Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

6. Existing Regulations Primarily water quality driven Clean Water Act (CWA: USEPA, 1972, ‘77 & ’87) CAFO Permitting (next slide) State rules and delegated authority State enforces on behalf of federal government Local ordinances zoning, setbacks, air quality, other… Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

7. Animal Feeding Operations Most detailed and descriptive rules apply to Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs & CAFOs) Permitting: federal and/or state level Animals in confinement in area with no vegetation (or inside); feed delivered Permits are size based, but can be risk based (individual threat to water quality) Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

8. Basis of Permit and Documentation Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) “Nutrient and Manure Checkbook” Document and supporting records that account for fertilizer and manure: needs, inventory, use (land application) and export. Based on: soil tests, manure tests, yield goals and crop nutrient needs. Also documents other conservation practices! Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

9. Benefits Beyond Compliance NMP or similar environmental plan can: Allow for better use of on-site manure nutrients; save on fertilizer purchases & improve soil Reduce liability of spills/water pollution Document/defend against environmental accusation Improve access to credit and insurance Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

10. Pasture and Range Little regulation exists Many options for voluntary conservation and stewardship Poor management could attract unwanted attention Clean Water Act can still apply Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

11. On the Horizon: Air and Emmissions Green House Gasses (CH4, CO2, N2O…) Particulate Matter (dust) Odor and nuisance – least regulation/most citizen complaints Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

12. Value of Being a Good Neighbor Obtain the support of neighbors in face of other potential complaints Direct complaints to you, the producer, instead of a regulatory agency or local gov. Ideas: allow fishing in pond, seasonal gifts, newsletter, community involvement & charity Get to know ag and non-ag neighbors! Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

13. Is agriculture being singled out? The clean water act is over 30 years old. Addressed human waste and POTWs early Addressed industries heavily in the 80’s Addressing urban storm water Agriculture is now experiencing more specific regulation and monitoring, similar to what other industries have already been under Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

14. Environmental Opportunity Conventional agriculture with appropriate environmental management Diversified production, value added products, and niche markets Regional or local production, processing and distribution Special certifications: organic, free range, grass fed… Energy and new technology Courtesy of: Missouri Beef Council Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

15. Overwhelmed? Help is available…. Extension Young Farmer/Rancher Advisors USDA-NRCS Conservation Districts Fellow Producers Consultants Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

16. Resources and Opportunities Local programs and events Publications from land-grant universities, agencies, associations and NGOs Valid online resources! National events and conferences Farmer-to-Farmer Specials programs (BELLA) Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

17. Tools for a New Generation Technology offers new tools and enhances traditional communication and learning 90% of young farmers and ranchers use a computer for communication and learning 73% participate in social networking online 70% use online record keeping tools 85% access agriculture news online (2010 – Young Farmer Rancher Survey – American Farm Bureau) Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

18. BELAA Project Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture Funding: 3 yrs – USDA-NIFA Partners: Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

19. BELAA Project New and Beginning Producer Specific… Educational materials (publications & presentations) Online tools Webcasts and online social networking Access to expertise Live seminars at NYFEA events Curriculum support for HS Ag Teachers Environmental Leaders Program Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

20. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Connect national experts with those advising producers On-demand access to our best science Build on existing partner resources Utilize emerging technologies to enhance information transfer Customer-driven approach Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

22. Feed Management

23. Manure Nutrient Management

24. Manure Treatment Technologies

25. Pathogens

26. Regulations

27. Small Farms

28. Manure Storage, Handling & Mortality

31. Archives web seminars

32. National manure management resources at one location

33. Research summaries

34. Ask the Expert

37. 62% rated LPE quality better than other sources of environmental policy and management information sources, plus…

38. 37% rated quality equally as good as other sources

39. Audience segments have reported use and real impact on education and practiceBuilding Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

40. LPE Reaching a New Generation Online learning lessons (virtual classroom) Very high interest level among audience Networking User generated content Virtual tours Research summaries Enhanced direct to producer information, especially new and beginning, or young farmers and ranchers Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

41. How can BELAA Serve You? Producer needs: specific topics within environmental management of animal agriculture? Methods of delivery: preferences? Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

42. Becoming a Leader NYFEA Environmental Leaders Program Sign up now; 2.5 year pilot project Participate in education Set a good example/implement practices Share knowledge and experience or practice advocacy Associations and political office Receive recognition and reward Become a voice for the future of agriculture Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

43. Becoming a Leader Animal agriculture can be profitable; environmental issues should not scare anyone from the business! You can develop and protect natural resources while providing food, fiber and other services to the world. Join a commodity group, chamber of commerce, get involved in local politics, state and beyond… You must become your own advocate! Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

44. Conclusion and Questions Thank you for your time and your commitment to agriculture’s future! Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010

45. Contact Information Jill Heemstra: jheemstra@unl.edu Tommy Bass: tmbass@montana.edu Building Environmental Leaders in Animal Agriculture (BELAA) Agriculture’s Promise - Washington D.C. April 2010