Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/27/01
- Contacts: Dennis DeWitt, Iowa Beef Center, (712) 336-3488, dewitt@iastate.edu
- Wendy Miller, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, wmiller@iastate.edu
Feedlot Meeting Focuses on Environment
CARROLL, Iowa -- As Iowa's beef feedlots come under greater regulatory scrutiny, producers are wrestling with the questions that accompany major investments. How do I know if my feedlot is compliant with state rules? What changes will I be required to make? How do I find an engineer who can help me?
These questions and many more will be answered through a series of meetings sponsored by the Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The meetings will be held March 13 at the Carroll Inn in Carroll; March 14 at Iowa Lakes Community College in Spencer; and March 15 at the Starlight Village motel in Fort Dodge.
"2001 definitely will not be a year of 'business as usual' for open beef feedlots in Iowa," said Dennis DeWitt, ISU Extension livestock field specialist and cooperator with the Iowa Beef Center. "Increasing pressure from citizen groups has caused both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and IDNR to increase efforts to enforce clean water laws.
"The Iowa Beef Center, Iowa Cattlemen's Association and IDNR recently forged a cooperative agreement to help the state's producers with this process," DeWitt continued. "Through that agreement, we're holding these educational meetings that beef producers, regardless of size, should attend to learn their rights and responsibilities under state law."
Topics on the agenda are:
- What's All the Fuss With Iowa Open Beef Feedlots &endash; Jeff Lorimor, Iowa State University
- Rules, Regulations, Site Visits and the Iowa Feedlot Plan &endash; Barb Lynch, IDNR
- Web Site and Comment Opportunity &endash; Dennis DeWitt and Pete Olson, Iowa State University Extension
- How Will the Iowa Feedlot Plan Affect Your Operation &endash; Lorimor
- Feedlot Design for Animal Performance - DeWitt and Olson
- Feedlot Design for Environmental Compliance &endash; Kris Kohl, Iowa State University Extension
- Our Experience with the DNR Permitting Process &endash; Greig & Co., Estherville, Iowa
There is a $15 registration fee which covers refreshments, noon lunch and conference materials.
For more information, contact DeWitt at (712) 336-3488 or dewitt@iastate.edu
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.