CSIF Tips of the Month – November 2013

11-01-2013 in Through The Gate

Rules and Regs Highlight

Changes to NRCS Nutrient Management Practice Standard

The Iowa NRCS has updated its nutrient management standard, called the 590 standard, which is generally required for participating in federal conservation cost-share programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

The revised standard treats commercial fertilizer and manure more similarly than it had previously and calls for delaying fall applications until soil temperatures are 50 degrees and trending lower. It adds tile inlets to the list of sensitive areas and requires a 200-foot setback for nutrient application or a 50-foot buffer around the inlet. (Editor’s note: manure can still be applied within 200-feet of a tile inlet IF it is incorporated within 24 hours.)

For a more detailed explanation, read a summary of the changes to the 590 standard and this Spokesman article.

Quote of the Month

“I contacted the Coalition when my cattle and hog farm was inspected and wanted advice to make sure we understood the rules. You can trust the Coalition. They provide you with factual information and know what’s going on.” – Steve Rehder, Sioux County cattleman

Recommended News