Overview The
potential for transport of nutrients and pathogens from livestock
and dairy production operations to the environment exists with commercial
and non-commercial operations. In order to stay economically competitive,
most commercial livestock and dairy production operations have increased
the number of animals utilizing the same land base. In Alaska, dog-mushing
operations are a potential source for nutrient and pathogen transport.
Adoption of animal waste best management practices can reduce the
transport of nutrients and pathogens from farms/non-commercial operations
and contribute to improved water quality. Improved management and
utilization of animal wastes can occur through proper collection,
storage, proper land application and composting. Such strategies
can
benefit farmers by reducing disposal problems and reliance on commercial
fertilizers, as well as improving water retention and fertility
of soils. The Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Program provides
a broad range of research-based educational materials devoted to
animal waste management and utilization. Cooperative Extension regularly
conducts outreach programs with livestock producers on a wide range
of best management practices.
Desired Outcomes
Groundwater and surface water is better protected from contamination
by animal wastes
Livestock production economics are improved by implementation
of whole farm nutrient management strategies
Producers have a greater knowledge of nutrient cycles and environmental
concerns
Livestock producers are considered good stewards of the environment
ALASKA Contacts Fred Sorensen, Water Quality Coordinator, Anchorage, (907)
786-6311, dffes@uaa.alaska.edu Milan Shipka, Extension Livestock Specialist, Fairbanks,
(907) 474-7429, ffmps@uaf.edu
Alaska Publications GWQ-00548 Protecting Alaska’s Water Resources GWQ-00947 How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated LPM-00340 Animal Manure as Fertilizer PNW 552 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowners Guide PNW 558 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Landowner’s Guide to Riparian
Areas PNW 560 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands PNW 561 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas PNW 562 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Developer’s Guide to Riparian Areas
The
potential for transport of nutrients and pathogens from livestock
and dairy production operations to the environment exists with commercial
and non-commercial operations. In order to stay economically competitive,
most commercial livestock and dairy production operations have increased
the number of animals utilizing the same land base. In Alaska, dog-mushing
operations are a potential source for nutrient and pathogen transport.
Adoption of animal waste best management practices can reduce the
transport of nutrients and pathogens from farms/non-commercial operations
and contribute to improved water quality. Improved management and
utilization of animal wastes can occur through proper collection,
storage, proper land application and composting. Such strategies
can
benefit farmers by reducing disposal problems and reliance on commercial
fertilizers, as well as improving water retention and fertility
of soils. The Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Program provides
a broad range of research-based educational materials devoted to
animal waste management and utilization. Cooperative Extension regularly
conducts outreach programs with livestock producers on a wide range
of best management practices.