COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANS: MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL AND PRODUCTION OBJECTIVES

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1 COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANS: MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL AND PRODUCTION OBJECTIVES Thomas W. Christensen Director Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs Division U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service INTRODUCTION American consumers expect a great deal of the food and agriculture system. And there is no doubt that it delivers more nutritious food with wider variety; improved safety with fewer adverse environmental impacts; and greater convenience than at any time in our Nation s history. The largely commodity focused agriculture of the 20 th century has evolved into the consumeroriented agriculture of today. Part of this new consumer-oriented focus means addressing environmental quality, from maintaining water quality in rivers, streams, and lakes to improving air quality and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. We can't regulate our way to sound conservation. A one-size-fits all approach cannot meet the needs of specific problems on specific farms. But we can make the policy choices and effect the changes that will help the nation's private landowners protect the environment and sustain the nation's resources. Forthcoming Federal and State regulations on animal feeding operations and water quality will increase the demand for educational, technical, and financial assistance for manure management practices, and for development of alternative uses of manure, new storage and management technologies, and improved feed management strategies. Compliance with regulations that protect the environment such as the rule governing concentrated animal feeding operations must be consistent with farmers own production and environmental objectives. Meeting water and air quality standards for example, can increase costs when production practices are altered to reduce nutrient loss or control erosion. Regulations that recognize the valuable role that agriculture plays and incorporate agricultural systems perspectives can help to minimize the cost of adopting environmentally friendly practices. Assistance in meeting these added costs can help protect U.S. producers competitive edge in international markets. We see animal agriculture responding to distinct environmental and public health concerns, and as we enter the 21 st century the Nation s farm and food system as a whole is experiencing challenges created by an increasingly global economy overlain with unprecedented rapid technological change. IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL AGRICULTURE TO THE NATION Livestock and poultry are produced in every state across this Nation, and are part of the production mix on nearly 1.2 million farms. In 2000, animal agriculture generated about $100

2 billion in farm revenue; accounting for about 52 percent of the value of all agricultural products marketed. Today, exports of consumer-oriented, high-value products, such as meats, poultry, and processed products, are growing even more rapidly than exports of basic commodities. In a sense we are exporting more corn and soybeans, but now in the form meat and poultry. In 1990, only 1.4 percent of the total value of our grain output and 1.8 percent of the value of our soybean output was exported as livestock products. In 2000, those numbers had grown to 4.3 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. In the past 15 years, U.S. export sales of the three major meats beef, pork, and poultry have grown faster than our competitors meat exports and the U.S. has moved from primarily a meat importer to a major exporter $6.2 billion in exports in 2000 compared to $3.7 in imports. Livestock operations are among the most profitable in our nation s agricultural sector. Nearly 70 percent of the nation s farms with sales of greater than $250,000 per year have livestock as part of their operation. But there is another side of animal agriculture as well the majority of farms and ranches where livestock is also part of the production mix and with receipts below $250,000 per year. Two very different client bases with different needs, but both responding to the same environmental and public health and safety desires articulated by society environmentally friendly, healthful, and safe supply of livestock products for the market place. Clearly, the Nation's livestock and poultry production is an important part of our economy and food supply, and the envy of much of the world. However, along with the many benefits that animal agriculture provides, it also produces by-products, such as manure, litter, and wastewater. And it is because of these by-products, and their potential to affect environmental and human health, that animal feeding operations (AFOs) have emerged as a major public policy issue. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ANIMAL AGRICULTURE The structure of animal agriculture changed dramatically between 1982 and Total numbers of operations declined by more than 60,000 (27 120,000 percent), most notably in the swine and 100,000 dairy sectors, while the number of animals produced in confinement 80,000 increased slightly. The consolidation 60,000 trend in the number of operations was 40,000 greatest in the swine sector in 1982, 14 percent of swine were on operations of 20,000 greater than 300 AUs and by 1997 this - had increased to 60 percent. Number of Animal Feeding Operations Comparison of 1992 and 1997 Animal Feeding Operations Greater than 25 Animal Units Based on Agricultural Census Data and NRCS Algorithms for Estimating Animal Units Beef Dairy Swine Poultry Sector

3 As public interest and concern have heightened, the array of potential environmental issues has grown. Today, concerns are as varied as the sector itself. These concerns include: Nonpoint source pollution of water resources Inadequacy of traditional land-based manure nutrient management strategies in some geographic areas Greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., methane, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide) Air quality (odors) Non-nutrient animal waste issues (e.g., transport and fate of pathogens and pharmaceutically active compounds in manure) As a result of consolidation, manure nutrients have become concentrated in specific geographic areas. The largest of these operations can contribute disproportionately to nutrient-based water quality problems; just 5 percent of farms with confined livestock account for more than 60 percent of the county-level excess nitrogen and phosphorus from manure produced nationwide. If it is assumed that all cropland and pastureland is available for land application of manure, an estimated 160 counties nationwide have manure nutrients in excess of what can be assimilated by crops and pasture grown within the county. Number of Counties With Excess Manure Nutrients, 1997 All Cropland and Pastureland Available One-half Cropland and Pasture Available Phosphorus Nitrogen Note: Numbers are not additive, some counties may have both excess phosphorus and nitrogen. Source: Kellogg, R.L., et.al, Manure Nutrients Relative to the Capacity of Cropland and Pastureland to Assimilate Nutrients: Spatial and Temporal Trends for the U.S. (USDA, December 2000).

4 Also, the aggregate effect of odors and gaseous emissions from land application of manure, manure handling, decomposition of dead animals, and to some extent from wet feed, can pose nuisance and public health concerns. Current science and technology offer approaches to minimize these concerns, but not entirely eliminate them. VOLUNTARY, LOCALLY LED APPROACH The foundation of USDA s conservation programs is landowners taking the lead. Our voluntary programs have a solid track record. The partnership between USDA, state conservation and agriculture agencies, and local soil and water conservation districts stands ready to assist private landowners and managers to develop and implement effective conservation plans that work for them in their communities and in their watersheds. NRCS is a proponent of the voluntary, incentive-based approach as the principal means to help producers reduce potential adverse environmental impacts of AFOs. The agency is working with other Federal, tribal, State, and local public entities, along with the private sector, to help the owners and operators of AFOs to voluntarily address the environmental challenges they face. NRCS supports the science-based, site-specific solutions that work well for the unique needs of the livestock and poultry sectors, and recognizes the financial constraints that animal producers face. NRCS conservation programs work in partnership with locally led processes to deliver support for individual, group, and community efforts through research and technology transfer, information, education, technical and financial assistance, and innovative pilot and policy approaches. For example, NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance and Environmental Quality Incentives Programs are two principal vehicles used by the agency to assist AFOs in meeting environmental objectives in a voluntary manner, while maintaining production. It is also important to note that NRCS conservation programs are used by many agricultural producers as the technical and financial assistance tools to help them comply with local, State, tribal, and Federal regulations. COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING TECHNICAL GUIDANCE USDA in recent years has identified the environmental needs of animal feeding operations as a top conservation priority by focusing the energy and identifying the resources needed to carry out: Effective information and education of AFO owners and operators, Research and technology transfer, Direct technical assistance, and Financial assistance. USDA s Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Technical Guidance offers a flexible tool that can be crafted to fit livestock and poultry operations of all sizes. The Technical Guidance provides a framework for helping animal feeding operation (AFO) owners and operators to develop their site-specific, technically sound CNMPs based on USDA technical handbooks, policies, processes, and planning procedures.

5 The CNMP Technical Guidance establishes criteria to address nutrient management, land treatment, manure and wastewater storage and handling, and includes considerations for recordkeeping, feed management, and alternative utilization strategies. Many issues related to air quality, odors, pests, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals are not fully understood. As a result, the CNMP Technical Guidance document will evolve over time to address all environmental and public health concerns associated with manure and byproducts from animal feeding operations as research and technology transfer progress. An estimated 270,000 AFO owners and operators will need and request assistance to develop and implement CNMPs that bring together their environmental and production objectives. The majority of these AFOs will develop CNMPs voluntarily, while others may develop CNMPs to meet the requirements of Federal or State driven regulation. A comprehensive nutrient management plan addresses all aspects of an animal feeding operation where manure is handled, stored, and/or land applied. The six elements of a CNMP are: 1. Feed Management Modification of animal diets to reduce the amount of nutrients in manure. 2. Manure and Wastewater Handling and Storage Planning, design, and construction of clean water diversions, pond and lagoon storage liners, storage structures, manure and organic by-products treatment facilities, and methods to manage animal mortality. 3. Nutrient Management Development of nutrient budgets for all sources of nutrients used on farm based on crop needs and existing soil nutrient loading, as well as the use of phosphorus indices, soil nutrient thresholds, etc. 4. Land Treatment Practices Development of conservation and management practices necessary to minimize the movement of nutrients on the landscape and conserve the nutrient value for crop production. 5. Record Keeping Keeping the necessary records to support management decisions and document actions associated with the animal feeding operation. Records that should be kept by the producer include the amount of manure produced, how the manure is utilized, and current soil, plant, water, and manure analyses. 6. Other Manure and Wastewater Utilization Options Addressing alternative uses of manure, such as sale of manure or compost off-site, power generation, feed stock, and other innovative solutions needed when land application opportunities are limited and/or livestock and poultry producers desire alternative valueadded approaches to manure and wastewater use.

6 Nutrient management is a required element of a CNMP when manure and other organic nutrients, along with other sources nutrients, are land-applied for the production of food, fiber, and forage. Planning for proper nutrient management entails addressing the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of the application of both organic and synthetic to the land. Nutrient management alone, however, does not achieve the goals of a CNMP nor its full benefits. Other CNMP components, including manure and wastewater handling and storage and land treatment practices will be needed. RESEARCH ADVANCES AND DIRECTIONS Investments in agricultural research and technology development have driven remarkable advances in solving environmental problems, as well as impressive increases in agricultural productivity, over the past 50 years outdistancing most other industrial sectors of the economy, with an estimated 40 to 60 percent return on public sector investment. Since the mid-1980s, the level of public funding for agricultural research and development has leveled off in real terms. Changing conditions and emerging problems have created pressing needs for new and improved knowledge in areas of environmental quality, food safety, and pest and disease management, among others. The potential for accomplishing public research goals has never been greater because of developments in genomics and gene mapping, information technology, and improved understanding of environmental systems. The expansion of private research incentives allows public research to focus on areas of benefit to society that in and of themselves are unlikely to be a focus for private endeavors. These needs include fundamental science and applied work in environmental quality such as managing livestock waste and seeking alternatives to traditional agronomic uses of these materials. Research alliances and new forms of collaboration are increasingly needed to support cooperative research projects with multiple complementary outcomes for public and private participants. North Carolina State University s Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center, which brings together university, private sector, government, and non-profit entities, is a prime example of this approach to public-private research partnership. USDA directs millions of dollars to research in animal waste management each year. In 1999, through Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service formula funds and grants, over $7 million was distributed to universities. Another $24 million in funds were provided by other federal and state agencies and non-federal research partners. ARS invested another $10 million in research related to improving the management and utilization of manure and manure by-products. Because the challenges facing animal agriculture cut across disciplinary and institutional boundaries, USDA has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to all phases of research. Stakeholders throughout agriculture and industry have advised USDA to focus research on three major problems nutrient issues, pathogens, and air quality. As a result of this inclusive process, the Agricultural Research Service s (ARS) Manure and Byproduct Utilization National Program is now on a fast track. In April 2000, seven areas for

7 cooperation were identified by ARS scientists and their cooperators, including: (1) managing livestock and poultry diet, (2) manure chemistry, (3) predicting manure nitrogen mineralization, (4) manure treatment technologies, (5) national phosphorus program, (6) managing odor and other emissions, and (7) pathogens. More than 20 projects are underway in these and related areas. This is a fine example of the new way USDA s research agencies are doing business. We're tapping stakeholders right from the start. They are listening and talking with EPA, technology folks, and many others. USDA is working toward a balanced approach to research, and putting the results before a group of peers for evaluation. Research not only makes high-tech advances possible, but practical and workable advances like adding phytase to the diets of swine and poultry to increase the use of grain phosphorus and the new variety of corn with phosphorus in a more digestible form that, when fed to pigs and chickens, reduces phosphorus excretion by almost 50 percent. This is good for farmers, too, because they get to spend less on dietary supplements because the animals more readily absorb the phosphorus in this corn advances in rapid solid/liquid separation of the waste stream using polyacrylamide polymers has reduced suspended solids and captured over 80 percent of the organic nutrients in the solid phase where they can be more readily used another treatment technology processes swine wastewater through permeable polyvinyl beads containing nitrifying bacteria, which effectively removes ammonia that would otherwise volatilize into the atmosphere. advances in risk assessment tools such as the phosphorus index and phosphorus threshold that help improve the environmental performance of agronomic uses of manure. and, advances such as site specific manure application in Nebraska, precision application increased corn yields by 16 bushels per acre and soil organic carbon by 2400 pounds per acre relative to commercial fertilizer use a benefit to the bottom line as well as for global change. And the research agenda continues to expand. To help AFO owners and operators meet continuing environmental challenges, efforts are needed on many fronts: Feed management needs include defining animal nutritional requirements, diet formulation, modified crops, addition of enzymes, and alteration of intestinal microflora. Manure handling and storage needs include: understanding the ecology of microbial populations present in swine manure and storage pits to develop management practices that control odor emissions; determining the potential pathways and form of movement of ammonia and volatile organic compounds from production facilities; characterizing survival, transport, and dissemination of manure pathogens and pharmaceutically active compounds in the environment to assess risks to human and animal health. Land application needs include: analytical methods so producers can get quick, reliable estimates of nutrient contents in manure; information on the conversion of manure nutrients to forms usable by crops over a range of soil and climate conditions

8 But, even with the most advanced treatment, risk assessment, and application methods many areas will still have manure nutrients beyond that which can be used in an environmentally sound agronomic manner. We need to optimize the use of manure for energy production, develop methods to improve the marketability of manure nutrient products such as compost, and explore potential for separating valuable constituents from manure. The AgStar Program is one example of a partnership effort to promote alternative uses and enhance profitability. AgStar is jointly sponsored by USDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy, and encourages widespread use of methane recovery technologies to increase livestock production profits. Just as critical to investing in basic research is investing in the applications of that research. Without the educational reach of the land-grant universities through Extension, research doesn't reach the farmer it does no good. That's why USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service helped spearhead an Alliance for Environmental Stewardship, which called for a comprehensive approach to nutrient pollution and management, and urged a level playing field for all sectors. North Carolina State and Iowa State have joined other U.S. universities, government, and industry in a public-private partnership with Taiwan and other countries Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The Environmental Center for Livestock Waste Management, based at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, is a unique effort to create a clean revolution for the 21st century. USDA joins the U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership, led by the Agency for International Development, as a major participant. The Center opened in 2000, and today, researchers are gathering data from its operations, which will be presented in May 2002 at the 4 th International Livestock and Waste Management Symposium being held in Malaysia. This is more than just a hardware exchange. It's a knowledge exchange that includes faculty, students, and industry collaborating on research. This could become a global model for tackling a 21st century challenge that clearly knows no borders. POLICY TOOLS, INCENTIVES, AND PARTNERSHIPS The environmental and economic challenges faced by animal agriculture calls for a greater mix of policy instruments, innovative approaches, and alternative incentives. Some broad areas for consideration include: Economically Profitable Conservation Technologies On-farm conservation technologies that are good for the environment and good for business. Public/Private Collaboration to Enhance Technical Assistance Capacity More and stronger public/private collaboration to supply AFO owners and operators with essential technical assistance for conservation technology adoption. Improved Economic Training and Tools for Field Staff Public and private sector technical field staff need a better understanding and more intense training in the economics of conservation technologies, and how to apply it in the comprehensive nutrient management planning process.

9 Policies to Stimulate Conservation Technology Innovation While technological innovation is occurring in agriculture, the opportunity for more and greater technology advances in the animal residuals management arena is essential. New Risk Management Tools Risk reduction opportunities are needed to smooth transitions for risk averse operators in adopting environmentally friendly production practices, such as nutrient management, feed management, odor controls, or methane recovery technologies. Expanded and Enhanced Partnerships Strong local, State, tribal and Federal agencies, farmers/ranchers, researchers, educators, private sector enterprises, interest groups, and communities partnerships are essential to deploy on-farm conservation technologies while maintaining viable operations. Targeting Incentives Coordinated targeting of incentives from local, State, tribal, Federal, and private sources on vulnerable farming operations and/or at a geographic scale offers an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of the limited incentives available. Alternative Uses for Animal Residuals USDA and others in the research community must actively pursue research that results in practical, cost-effective application of alternative uses for animal residuals such as: energy production; composting and pelletizing; mixing or blending with industrial or municipal by-products to produce value-added materials for specialized uses; and, using residuals as animal feed. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CAPACITY BUILDING Collaboration among USDA, other federal agencies, local and state government, and the private sector will build the capacity to ensure sustained support to producers and operators in the years ahead. USDA s employees, our delivery system in the field working with local soil and water conservation districts, state conservation agencies, and the private sector will help to make this work happen... and will guide producers as they get their CNMPs in place to tackle one of the biggest conservation issues facing agriculture. Given the magnitude and complexity of the CNMP workload, there is no question that the public and private sectors will need to collaborate closely if we are to succeed in meeting the needs of AFO owners and operators. To build additional technical service capacity for comprehensive nutrient management planning assistance in the private sector, USDA has established a process for recognizing approved sources of assistance. This may include private consultants, employees of agribusiness, and others who hold appropriate certifications through an approved independent certification organization or state licensing agency. During July 2001, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), conducted six public forums whereby interested individuals could provide comments and ideas regarding the role, capacity, and capability of private sector vendors in providing technical services related to assisting animal feeding operation (AFO) owners and operators with the development and implementation CNMPs. The public was invited to attend and comment. They were also encouraged to provide detailed written answers and comments in response to the following questions: 1. What do you believe the role of private sector vendors should be in providing technical services to AFO/CAFO owners and operators with the development and implementation of

10 their CNMPs? Is there a distinction in this role as regards to regulated versus non-regulated AFOs? 2. What are the technical capabilities and capacities of private sector vendors in relation to the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to provide technical services associated with the development and/or implementation of CNMPs? 3. How do you see the capabilities and capacities of the private sector vendor community changing over the next few years? Over the next decade? 4. What is needed for a successful public/private partnership that will facilitate AFO/CAFO owners and operators development and/or implementation of CNMPs? The public forums were held in Woodland, California, Austin, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Raleigh, North Carolina, Frederick, Maryland, and Indianapolis, Indiana Approximately 250 people attended these six forums, with 69 individuals making statements. Private sector respondents included representatives from the Certified Crop Advisors, contractors, farm suppliers, engineering consultants, and farm cooperatives. Public sector respondents included conservation districts, state agencies, and county agencies. Initial review of written comments indicate that private sector vendors generally are favorable to the concept of expanding the role of the private sector in providing technical services to the agricultural community assuming there is a reasonable opportunity for these services to be profitable. Also, the respondents maintained that any form of public/private partnership should be facilitated and led by NRCS. Specifically, NRCS needs to set consistent standards, training, and administrative procedures for a public/private partnership to succeed. CNMP training and certification opportunities for private entities are increasing. The National Pork Board has been involved over the past 10 years in the development of educational modules for their Environmental Assurance Program. These educational modules assure that timely and accurate information is delivered to producers so they are aware of their environmental responsibilities and be prepared to take corrective action. This has proven to be very successful. From the beginning, NRCS has always been a key contributor in the development and delivery of the EAP program. The current module being developed is Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans ; by far the most complicated, technically challenging, and economically demanding and/or beneficial for producers. SUMMARY USDA is using every tool available to us from research, to technical and financial assistance and educational initiatives to tackle the job of helping livestock and poultry producers voluntarily balance production with environmental quality. USDA is committed to: Working to ensure that flexible, innovative, and credible technical tools and approaches are being prepared for CNMP development and implementation. Working to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and support are in place for NRCS and partner field staff to provide quality technical assistance. Working to enhance the financial tools available to assist with CNMP implementation. Working with the private sector to ensure that third-party vendors have access to training, technical information and tools, and certification processes. Developing a more integrated approach with partner USDA agencies for addressing AFO needs, especially with USDA s principal research agencies - - the Agricultural Research

11 Service, the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, and the Economic Research Service. Working to build an outcome reporting capacity in order to quantify the economic, environmental, and other major benefits and effects from CNMP implementation. The aggressive, proactive steps being taken by America s pork producers and other animal agriculture sectors to consumer concerns about environmental performance, food safety, and human health are models for producer-led agricultural conservation. Partnerships will be fundamental to reaching and sharing science-based solutions to today s tough environmental challenges.