AMES, Iowa--Small to medium-sized dairies and open feedlots are receiving increasing attention for regulatory compliance that addresses water quality issues.  A field day has been scheduled for Friday, July 23 from 1-3 p.m. at Fick’s Swiss Farm near Boyden to help producers understand these issues. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff and Iowa State University Extension specialists will help producers understand regulatory requirements, best management practices to employ and available technical assistance and cost-share opportunities. Manure application equipment options also will be reviewed.

For many years, small and medium size farms have been “off the radar” when it comes to manure management issues.  Recent state and federal inspections in Iowa have increased the awareness of manure-runoff issues and led to actions against livestock producers as a way to better manage manure. 

Agency staff at the field day will provide an explanation of regulatory requirements that impact small dairies and feedlots. ISU Extension specialists will discuss and demonstrate best management practices for nutrient management, including how to calibrate manure application equipment.  Local companies will also showcase manure application equipment to demonstrate technological advances in application.

The field day will be held at Fick’s Swiss Farm, 2817 Jackson Avenue, north of Boyden.  From Boyden take L14 north three miles; turn left on B14 (280th Street) and go three miles west; turn left on K64 (Jackson Avenue) for 0.2 miles. This event is being sponsored by the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG); Fick’s Swiss Farm; Iowa State University Extension; Van’s Implement, Ltd., Hull, Iowa; and Sioux Automation Center, Sioux Center, Iowa. 

Contact the ISU Extension Office in Sioux County at 712-737-4230 with questions. 

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