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

Environmental Protection Agency

• AgSTAR Program
• Animal Feeding Operations, Best Management Practices
• Iowa Commercial Nutrient Applicators Association

Iowa State University Extension

• Manure Management and Odor Publications
• Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production
  

Iowa State University/Iowa Manure Management Action Group

• Commercial Manure Applicators
• Manure and Nutrient Plans, Permits, Regulations
• Manure Management and Testing Service Providers

Natural Resources Conservation Services

• Animal Feeding Operations and Confined Animal Feeding Operation Information
• Electronic Field Office Technical Guides
• Information for Farmers

United States Department of Agriculture

• Animal Production Information