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With animals being raised on Indiana farms, farmers understand that, if
not managed properly, livestock operations could have an impact on
Indiana’s natural resources, particularly its waterways.
In
the past, waste from farm operations could run off into rivers and
streams, causing contamination of natural resources. Concern
remains throughout the state about the safety of Indiana’s water
sources, particularly in areas that are rich with livestock
production. Indiana’s livestock producers share these
concerns. Natural resources like clean water are crucial to the
future success of Indiana’s livestock producers. Today, livestock
producers go to great lengths to ensure that Indiana’s rivers, streams
and other waterways are protected.
Why Raise Livestock?
Because the average American eats nearly 200
pounds of meat and poultry, 255 eggs, and 29 pounds of cheese each
year. Every day, Indiana’s livestock producers must balance the
demand for high-quality meat and poultry products with the need to
produce these products in a manner that is environmentally responsible.
In 1972, the Clean Water Act was created, which established the basic
structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into U.S.
waters. New regulations have been added over the years that
mandate the means in which animal waste is disposed. Livestock
operations, for example, are prohibited from discharging manure into
streams and must follow strict guidelines on how manure is stored and
used on farms.
Not only do our livestock producers follow mandated guidelines
stringently, but they also proactively develop new ways to protect our
resources. Indiana’s livestock producers work with organizations
like the National Resource Conservation Service to discover new
technology for the storage and disposal of animal waste.
Many
modern livestock operations implement procedures such as manure and
soil testing, careful planning of manure application, inspection of
waste storage structures, and thorough well monitoring to maintain
water quality.
From managing animals’ access
to waterways to implementing nutrient management plans to ensure manure
is utilized in a way that benefits Indiana’s farmland, livestock
producers take every step necessary to ensure the continued protection
of our natural resources.
Indiana’s livestock producers are stewards of our environment and rely
on Indiana’s natural resources for their business success.
Farmers understand that they must continue to work to make sure future
generations of livestock producers, as well as all other Indiana
residents, can continue to enjoy our state’s rich resources.
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