ABSTRACT A greater focus on manure nutrient disposition from concentrated animal-feeding operations has developed from environmentalists, concerned citizens, and regulatory agencies. The establishment and enforcement of manure nutrient regulations will alter the future of livestock production. Proposed legislation and strategies may provide a false sense of security regarding environmental preservation or restoration and may impose monitoring and record keeping on the livestock operators. Existing regulations and proposed regulations and strategies are presented. Implications of legislation and proposed strategies, policies, and regulations are discussed. Livestock operations will need to comply with regulations to remain in business and to minimize environmental liability.
Implications Legislative changes are occurring faster than research priorities can be identified and before thoughtful analyses can occur. There is no doubt that costs associated for compliance will be another cost of operation and that the inability of most livestock industries to recover such costs of production in product price is irrelevant to agencies responsible for carrying out AFO guidelines and regulations.
Clearly, one "size" will not fit all livestock operations. The challenge is to create a policy that will allow flexibility for regions and states and still provide reasonable backbone to minimize contamination and "level the playing field." Assuming this is the overall goal of proposed legislation and strategies, a few questions must be asked. Why isn't emphasis placed on manure storage structures since much of the concern has come from media attention to accidents associated with such structures? Why propose increasing the number of permitted facilities when previous enforcement history has been limited? Why has there been only limited dialogue with the regulated community throughout the draft AFO strategy development? Will staff at regulatory agencies be obligated to spend time with the regulated community and educators to develop adequate educational materials?
Key Words: Livestock Manure, Nutrient Application, Regulations, Water Quality, Environmental Impact
© 1999, by the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.
AM Symp. 51-62