Nutrient Management on Horse Operations

Doug GoodlanderPA State Conservation Commission

Lebanon Valley Ag CenterOctober 15, 2008

Animal Operations in PA

CAFOs (300+)

All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure

Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)

Based on animal density

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Based on animal numbers and/or animal density

CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)

AOs (23,000+)

Animal Operations in PA

CAFOs (300+)

All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure

Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)

Based on animal density

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Based on animal numbers and/or animal density

CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)

AOs (23,000+)

Pa’s Clean Streams LawAll farms producing or using manure

(including horse farms) need the following: Manure (nutrient) management plans

Addresses: Manure application: cannot apply more than the crop can

use Nitrogen and phosphorus concerns Nutrient balance sheet can help with this assessment

Manure storage and exercise areas: cannot allow these areas to run polluted water into streams, wells, etc.

No need for review or approval

Conservation plan required for plowing or tilling More emphasis on these smaller farms

Especially horse farms, and cattle farms next to streams

AOs

Animal Operations in PA

CAFOs (300+)

All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure

Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)

Based on animal density

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Based on animal numbers and/or animal density

CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)

AOs (23,000+)

Major Regulatory Provisions

Who is regulated under Act 38? Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)

High density livestock operations, including pleasure & recreation (horse boarding)

> 2,000 lbs animal live weight per acre Excludes any operation < 8 AEUs

8 horses (non-draft breeds)

Volunteer participation is encouraged

How does this CAO calculation work out for the small operation?

CAOsCAOs

Regulated Equine Operations

Examples:5 horses on 2 acres (5,000 lbs/2 acres = 2,500 lbs per acre)

High density, but not > 8,000 lbs - not a regulated CAO

9 horses on 5 acres (9,000 lbs/5 acres = 1,800 lbs per acre) > 8,000 lbs, but not high density - not a regulated CAO

10 horses on 4 acres (10,000 lbs/4 acres= 2,500 lbs per acre) > 8,000 lbs and high density - this is a regulated CAO

(Must be both > 8,000 lbs and > 2,000 lbs/acre)

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory ProvisionsWho is regulated? Concentrated Animal

Operations (CAOs) High density livestock operations, including

pleasure & recreation (horse boarding) > 2,000 lbs animal live weight per acre Excludes any operation < 8 AEUs

7 horses (non-draft breeds)

Volunteer (VAO) participation is encouraged

CAOsCAOs

What are these operations required to have?

Standard format, Nutrient Management Plan Developed by certified planners Reviewed and approved by conservation district

Major Regulatory Provisions

Nutrients included in NMPs: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) N and P are the only regulated nutrients

N application: N may be tied up in excessive bedding

P application: P Index analysis (not a big issue) Near streams for pastures (BAD) Fields are generally grass based (GOOD) N/P ratio of manure (GOOD)

12/5 horse, 10/4 diary, 50/55 pig, 66/63 broiler, 37/55 layer

K included for operator’s information General fertility Animal health

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory Provisions

Year-round manure application setbacks: Applies to mechanical application only

100’ setback or 35’ setback 35’ setback only applies if a permanent vegetated buffer

exists or is established adjacent to (good pasture counts as buffer):

perennial and intermittent streams lakes and ponds existing open sinkholes

100’ setback for private and public drinking water wells/springs

No 35’ setback/buffer option

Much horse manure is animal applied, therefore not terribly relevant

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory Provisions

Winter manure application restrictions: Winter manure application fields and conditions

must be listed and approved in the NM plan

Winter application fields must have at least 25% cover (residue or live plants)

Must follow additional winter application setbacks: 100’ from intakes to ag drainage systems and EV

wetlands

Most manure applied by animals so not a big issue, but then again not many with storage over winter

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory Provisions

Manure exporting requirements: Signed Agreements (standard form)

Exporter/Importer or Exporter/Broker Nutrient Balance Sheets addressing N and P (map)

Nitrogen applications limited to crop uptake 3 options to address Phosphorus management

Commercial haulers/brokers must be certified under Act 49 Commercial Hauler statement required in NMP

Small quantity exclusion from export requirements 25 tons solid non-poultry manure 5 tons solid poultry manure 10,000 gallons liquid manure

Marketable manure, brokers are normal, and for many operations export can fall under low quantity exclusion

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory Provisions

Manure stacking restrictions: Big for horse operations, their manure is “stackable” Traditional vs. In-field stacking

Traditional stacking Storage – awaiting disposal or land application Adjacent to facility – proper location extremely important

In-field stacking must address the following: Maximum of 120 days without covering

14 days for CAFOs Cone or windrow shaped Location identified on the NMP or NBS maps Not within 150’ of streams, lakes, ponds, wells, sinkholes Not on excessively drained soils, or high water table Not on slopes > 8% Not in water concentration areas Stacking area rotated annually

Unless using an “improved” stacking area

CAOsCAOs

Major Regulatory Provisions

Pastures vs. Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs)

This is a biggie for horse operations

Pasture: A livestock area managed primarily for forage production Stocking rate must address N balance and P-index

ACA: Will not maintain a growing crop, or where nutrients are deposited in excess of crop N needs Adjust stocking rate to meet “pasture” definition, or Implement BMPs to protect water quality

Collect and land-apply manure Implement upslope surface water and roof runoff BMPs Implement runoff collection/treatment BMPs Restrict livestock access to surface water

CAOsCAOs

Act 38 Summary

New Act 38 regulations went into effect on Oct 1, 2006

Existing horse CAOs must submit their plan now, volunteers can submit at any time.

Need to hire a planner, Get soil tests Get a conservation plan Submit the plan to the conservation district

An approved plan may make you eligible for funding to implement the plan

CAOsCAOs

Animal Operations in PA

CAFOs (300+)

All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure

Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)

Based on animal density

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Based on animal numbers and/or animal density

CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)

AOs (23,000+)

Pa’s CAFO ProgramFederal program delegated to DEP to administer

Regulates larger animal operations (CAFOs) > 300 and a CAO (300 horses, etc.), or Meet EPA animal numbers

500 horses

Requires operation permit (NPDES) from DEP Individual or general

Generally, same Nutrient Management Plan as CAOs: application rates, setbacks, fall/winter restrictions, exported

manure requirements, field stacking requirements, etc

But, additional restrictions on CAFOs relating to: Setbacks required on more than just flowing streams, etc

14 day in-field stacking limitation without covering or improved area

CAFOs

In conclusion…

All animal farms Manure Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan

Application, storage and barnyard No formal plan approvals required

High density animal farms (CAOs) Nutrient Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan

Plan approval required Manure application setback restrictions Exported manure requirements

Large animal farms (CAFOs) Nutrient Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan, DEP

Permit Same plan requirements as CAOs Additional setback requirements

CAFOs AOs

CAOsCAOs

Is that all I need to worry about

No, neighbor relations is key to longevity:

Flies and odors: Clean up after your horses Keep manure dry (bedding, keep water from the

manure) Compost your manure Keep a buffer from your neighbors Cover the manure pile Fly control products (strips, traps) Frequent application (7 day life cycle)

The wrap up

The bottom line is, horse operations need to be good neighbors

1. Address water quality• Nutrient or manure mgmt plan

Storage, application and barnyards• Conservation plan for row crop fields• Approved plans or permits where necessary

2. Address flies and other vectors• Housekeeping and general water mgmt is key

3. Odor management is important

You need to make sure you are a good neighbor… for your own good and for the good of the industry

The End

Any Questions or Comments?