Extension Communications 3614 Administrative Services Building Ames, Iowa 50011-3614 (515) 294-9915
4/2/01 Contacts: John Lawrence, Iowa Beef Center, 515-294-6290, jdlaw@iastate.edu Carol Balvanz, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266, carol@iabeef.org David Petty, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 641-486-2220 Barbara Lynch, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 712-262-4177, barbara.lynch@dnr.state.ia.us New Web Site Offers Open Feedlot Operators Valuable Information AMES, Iowa -- Iowa's open feedlot operators, concerned about increased enforcement of state and federal water quality regulations, have a new resource to answer many of their questions. "The Iowa Feedlot Plan, a joint effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and several other groups, recently launched a new Internet site," said John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center, which is also a cooperator on the Iowa Feedlot Plan. "This site is focused on some of the important issues Iowa's producers currently face and answers the question, 'How do I come into compliance with water quality regulations?'" The Iowa Feedlot Plan Web site, located on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group's (IMMAG) web site at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag, offers producers links to information about the Iowa Feedlot Plan, fact sheets and contacts. "Producers may have heard that the DNR is offering a form of amnesty to 'registered' producers," Lawrence continued. "Many feedlot managers have questions about the registration process and amnesty. All these questions and more are answered with the click of a mouse." According to Carol Balvanz of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, amnesty documents were finalized on March 22, and provide feedlot operators with a process that buys them both time to come into compliance and some protection while they make those changes. While the first round of assessments will focus on feedlots 1,000 head and over, Balvanz emphasizes that there are benefits for smaller feedlots within the amnesty and assessment program. "Feedlots of all sizes need to become more conscious of their efforts toward water quality, because both DNR and EPA will be applying more stringent enforcement in the future. Producers need to be sure they have correct information," Balvanz stated. The Iowa Feedlot Plan isn't the only valuable resource the IMMAG Web site offers. The site also hosts a variety of resource options on all aspects of manure management, including ISU Extension publications, new research results, current and new state and federal rules and regulations governing manure management and water quality. IMMAG also maintains a list of service providers who write manure plans, crop consult and provide engineering services. Links currently active on the site include: The registration form. Producers can download this document, complete it and mail it to DNR to initiate the registration and amnesty process. DNR Construction and Operations Permits. An introduction to the Iowa Feedlot Plan and the associations and agencies involved. News and events. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DNR fact sheets. A comprehensive list of people to contact with questions. Links that will soon appear are: Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet, prepared by all members of the Iowa Feedlot Plan. Amnesty documents and explanation. Producers will be able to download the amnesty documentation for their records. "It is very important that producers use this Web site, especially as planting season gets under way," Lawrence emphasized. "All the information open feedlot operators need to know will be included on this site that can be accessed night or day." "Field staff from the DNR have practical knowledge of agriculture as well as knowledge of the regulations and they are open to any questions or discussions from producers," said Barb Lynch, DNR field office supervisor in Spencer. "We would prefer to discuss regulations with producers and steer them towards compliance, rather than respond to complaints." For more information, please contact the Iowa DNR at (515) 281-8941, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association at (515) 296-2266 or the Iowa Beef Center at (515) 294-BEEF. Links to the new Iowa Feedlot Plan Web site are also offered on the Iowa Cattlemen's Association Web site, http://www.iacattlemen.org, the Iowa DNR Web site http://www.state.ia.us/dnr/organiza/epd/wtrq/wtrqbur.htm and the Iowa Beef Center's Web site at http://www.iowabeefcenter.org. -30- ml: isufarm
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