Anitnal Waste Managetnent Planning

Anitnal Waste Managetnent Planning A labama farmers have always valued good land and clean water. When they are informed, responsible citizen farmers take the necessary steps within their economic means to care for these important natural resources. This is true with today's situation concerning water quality and animal waste management. As farmers understand how to protect Alabama's waters from animal waste, they will do so. They will also appreciate the benefits of applying animal waste to improve cropland. This publication will describe the basic elements of a complete animal waste management program. Today, every operator needs to plan for the appropriate use of animal waste. By carrying out an effective waste management plan, the farmer will continue to be seen as one who cares about the land, environment, and people of Alabama. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) is responsible for helping farmers understand the importance of animal waste management, the components of an animal waste management plan, and the procedures for putting an animal waste management plan in action. At the end of this publication is a list of Auburn University Extension Specialists who can be contacted for more information. These individuals are serving on a team dedicated to helping all livestock and poultry farmers in Alabama to plan and carry out a waste management program. An effective waste management program includes the following: • A well-thought-out plan, which considers individual farming operations. • Financial resources needed to put this plan into action. • Time and labor for continuous attention and maintenance. Producers should not avoid environmental issues or ignore the value of animal waste. Animal waste management addresses all aspects of production. An animal waste management plan considers the amount of waste generated, the storage facilities needed, and the nutrient content and available uses of manure. A critical phase of management is nutrient management which involves land application or conversion to feed. Producers should not ignore public reaction to animal production. By carefully planning and successfully carrying out a complete animal waste management program, producers can continue operating successfully without complaints from neighboring landowners.