Best Management Practices
Agricultural best management practices help minimize air, soil and water pollution. Plant nutrients, bacteria, sediment and crop chemicals can be mitigated so that pollution of ground and surface water is curtailed. Livestock odors can also be minimized. A goal of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is to help farmers implement sustainable farming practices that assist Iowa farm families in raising livestock responsibly and successfully.
Before construction of any new livestock farm can begin, check to see if a Manure Management Plan (MMP) needs to be filed and approved. There are many resources to help farmers implement best management practices.
General Resources
- AgSTAR – a collaborative program sponsored by EPA and USDA that promotes the use of biogas recovery systems to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste.
- Animal Feeding Operations, Best Management Practices
- Commercial Manure Applicators – In 2003, House File 644 was passed and required commercial manure businesses to have licenses. This law also allows for the substitution of employees and for annual education fees.
- Iowa Manure Management Action Group – manure and nutrient plans, permits, and regulations
- Soil Manure Testing Labs
- Field Office Technical Guide (Iowa) – Technical guides are the primary scientific references for NRCS. They contain technical information about the conservation of soil, water, air, and related plant and animal resources.
- Information for Iowa Farmers
- Iowa DNR Manure Application, Stockpiling, and Applicators Certification Information
