Dairying and the Environment

¹ Department of Animal Science, Davis, CA 95616

Increases in average herd size have resulted in increased concentrations of manure at dairies. Inadequate or insufficient manure management practices and greater focus on agricultural pollution from environmental groups have increased the need for scrutiny from regulatory agencies. An overview of the sequence of activities that led to the development and final approval of the National Animal Feeding Operation Strategy is presented. The Strategy and associated policy changes serve as the foundation for new enforcement and compliance goals and probable alterations to existing permit requirements. Lastly, identified research needs and educational opportunities are presented.

Key Words: manure • environment • regulations

Submitted on September 20, 1999
Accepted on January 27, 2000