Beef Production Best Management Practices (BMPs )

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Beef Production Best Management Practices (BMPs )

Transcript of Beef Production Best Management Practices (BMPs )

Page 1: Beef Production Best Management Practices (BMPs )

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

WHY BMPS ARE

IMPORTANT TO LOUISIANA

In Louisiana we are blessed with beautiful and abun-

dant waters to enjoy fishing, hunting, boating or just relaxingon the shore of a lake, river or bayou. Most of the water inLouisiana’s rivers and lakes comes from rainfall runoff. As thisrunoff travels across the soil surface, it carries with it soilparticles, organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen andphosphorus. Agricultural activities contribute to the amountof these materials entering streams, lakes, estuaries andgroundwater. In addition to assuring an abundant, affordablefood supply, Louisiana farmers must strive to protect theenvironment.

Research and educational programs on environmen-tal issues related to the use and management of naturalresources have always been an important part of the LSUAgCenter’s mission. Working with representatives from theagricultural commodity groups, the Louuisiana Cattelman’sAssociation (LCA), the Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS), the Louisiana Department of Environmen-tal Quality (LDEQ), the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation(LFBF) and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture andForestry (LDAF), the LSU AgCenter has taken the lead inassembling a group of Best Management Practices (BMPs)for each agricultural commodity in Louisiana.

BMPs are practices used by agricultural producersto control the generation and delivery of pollutants fromagricultural activities to water resources of the state andthereby reduce the amount of agricultural pollutants enter-ing surface and ground waters. Each BMP is a culmination ofyears of research and demonstrations conducted by agricul-tural research scientists and soil engineers. BMPs and accom-panying standards and specifications are published by theNRCS in its Field Office Technical Guide.

Introduction ......................... 3

Soil and WaterManagement ......................... 4

Nutrient Management ..... 11

Pesticide Management andPesticides ............................ 20

General Farm BMPs ......... 25

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INTRODUCTION

The beef cattle industrycontinues to be the second largestanimal production industry in thestate. Beef cattle producers num-bered 12,729 in 2001, generatinga gross farm income from beefcattle of $283 million. Beefproduction is virtually statewidewith 63 of 64 parishes generatingincome from beef production. Inaddition, in approximately 35parishes, beef production ranksamong the top three commoditieswith economic impact.

Best Management Practices(BMPs) have been determined tobe an effective and practicalmeans of reducing point andnonpoint-source water pollutantsat levels compatible with envi-ronmental quality goals. Theprimary purpose for implementa-tion of BMPs is to conserve andprotect soil, water and air re-

sources. BMPs for beef cattle area specific set of practices used byfarmers to reduce the amount ofsoil, nutrients, pesticides andmicrobial contaminants enteringsurface and groundwater whilemaintaining or improving theproductivity of agricultural land.This list of BMPs is a guide forthe selection and implementationof those practices that will helpbeef producers to conserve soiland protect water and air re-sources by reducing pollutantsfrom reaching both surface andgroundwater.

The BMPs that apply mostdirectly to the beef industry areincluded in this publication. Abrief description, purpose andconditions to which the practiceapplies are given for each of thedairy BMPs listed.

References are made tospecific Natural Resources Con-servation Service (NRCS) produc-tion codes, which are explained inthe text of this document. Moredetailed information about thesepractices can be found in theNRCS Field Office TechnicalGuide (FOTG). The FOTG can befound in all Soil and Water Con-servation district offices and allNRCS field offices or on theNRCS web page. Additionally,under voluntary participation bythe producer, technical assistanceto develop and implement a farm-specific conservation plan isavailable through the ConservationDistricts, NRCS field offices andthe LSU AgCenter parish offices.

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Sediment is the largestpollutant by volume of surfacewater in the Nation. Sedimentcomes from agricultural sources,construction sites and other soil-disturbing activities in urbansettings that leave the soil exposedto rainfall. Sediment increases theturbidity of water, thereby reduc-ing light penetration, impairingphotosynthesis, altering oxygenrelationships and may reduce theavailable food supply for certainaquatic organisms. It can affectfish populations adversely in areaswhere sediment deposits coverspawning beds. Increased sedi-ment also fills lakes and reser-voirs.

SOIL AND WATER

MANAGEMENTSediment directly damages

water quality and reduces theusefulness of streams and lakes inmany ways. These include:

Damaged fish spawningareas

Reduced light penetrationfor aquatic life

Increased water purificationcosts

Lower recreational value

Clogged channels andincreased flooding

Increased dredging to main-tain shipping channels

Reduced storage capacityfor reservoirs

In addition, sediment is oftenrich in organic matter. Nutrientssuch as nitrogen and phosphorusand certain pesticides may enterstreams with sediment. The detri-mental effects of these substancesaccompanying the sediment mayinclude:

Rapid algae growth

Oxygen depletion as organicmatter and algae decomposi-tion

Fish kills from oxygendepletion

Toxic effects of pesticides onaquatic life

Unsafe drinking water causedby nitrate or pesticide content

The following are production practices and the NRCSproduction code associated with each practice that applies tobeef production.

Field Borders (NRCS Code 386) andFilter Strips (NRCS Code 393)

These are strips of grasses or other close-growing vegetationplanted around fields and along drainageways, streams and otherbodies of water. They are designed to reduce sediment, organicmaterial, nutrients and chemicals carried in runoff.

In a properly designed filter strip, water flows evenly throughthe strip, slowing the runoff velocity and allowing contaminants tosettle from the water. In addition, where filter strips are seeded,fertilizers and herbicides no longer need to be applied right next tosusceptible water sources. Filter strips also increase wildlife habitat.

Soil particles (sediment) settle from runoff water when flow isslowed by passing through a filter strip. The largest particles (sandand silt) settle within the shortest distance. Finer particles (clay) arecarried the farthest before settling from runoff water, and they may

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remain suspended when runoffvelocity is high. Farming prac-tices upslope from filter stripsaffect the ability of strips to filtersediment. Fields with steepslopes or little crop residue willdeliver more sediment to filterstrips than more gently slopingfields and those with goodresidue cover. Large amounts ofsediment entering the filter stripmay overload the filtering capac-ity of the vegetation, and somemay pass on through.

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4. Uniformity of water flowthrough the filter strip

Shallow depressions or rills needto be graded to allow uniformflow of water into the filter stripalong its length. Waterconcentrated in low points or rillswill flow at high volume, so littlefiltering will take place.

5. Maintenance of the filterstrip

When heavy sediment loads aredeposited, soil tends to build upacross the strip, forming a miniatureterrace. If this becomes largeenough to impound water, waterwill eventually break over the topand flow will become concentratedin that area. Strips should beinspected regularly for damage.Maintenance may include minorgrading or re-seeding to keep filterstrips effective.

In summary:Vegetative filter strips can reduce

sediment effectively if water flow is evenand shallow.

Filter strips must be properly designedand constructed to be effective.

Filter strips become less effective assediment accumulates. With slowaccumulation, grass regrowth betweenrains often restores the filtering capacity.

Filter strips remove larger sedimentparticles of sand and silt first. Smaller clay-sized particles settle most slowly and maybe only partially removed, depending onthe strip width and water flow rate.

Because soil-bound nutrients andpesticides are largely bound to clayparticles, filter strips may be only partiallyeffective in removing them.

Fewer dissolved nutrients andpesticides will be removed than thosebound to soil particles.

Filter strips are a complementaryconservation practice that should be usedwith in-field conservation practices such asconservation tillage, contour buffer strips,strip cropping and waterways.

Filter strip effectiveness depends on five factors:

1. The amount of sediment reaching the filter strip. This isinfluenced by:

type and frequency of tillage in cropland above the filter strip. The moreaggressive and frequent tillage is above filter strips the more likely soil is toerode.

time between tillage and a rain. The sooner it rains after a tillageoperation, the more likely soil is to erode.

rain intensity and duration. The longer it rains, and thus the moresediment deposited, the less effective filter strips become as they fill withsoil.

steepness and the length above the filter strip. Water flows faster downsteeper slopes. Filter strips below steep slopes need to be wider in relationto the cropland drained above to slow water and sediment movementadequately.

In general, a wider, uniformly shaped strip is more effective at stopping orslowing pollutants than a narrow strip. As a field’s slope or watershed sizeincreases, wider strips are required for effective filtering. The table gives thesuggested filter strip width based on slope. For a more accuratedetermination of the size of filter strip you will need for your individualfields, consult your local NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation Districtoffice.

Suggested Vegetated Filter Strip Widths on Percent Slope

Land Slope, % Strip Width, Feet

0 - 5 20

5 - 6 30

6 - 9 40

9-13 50

13-18 60*Widths are for grass and legume species only and are not intended for shrub and tree species. Adaptedfrom the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, 1990.

2. The amount of time that water is retained in the filter strip.This is influenced by:

width of the filter area. Filter strips will vary in width, depending on thepercent slope, length of slope and total drainage area above the strip.type of vegetation and quality of stand. Tall, erect grass can trap moresediment than can short flexible grass. The best species for filter strips aretall perennial grasses. Filter strips may include more than one type of plantand may include parallel strips of trees and shrubs, as well as perennialgrasses. In addition to potential for improving water quality, these stripsincrease diversity of wildlife habitat.

3. Infiltration rate of the soilSoils with higher infiltration rates will absorb water and the

accompanying dissolved nutrients and pesticides faster than soils with lowinfiltration rates. Parish soil survey reports include a table listing theinfiltration rate group for the soils identified in each parish.

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Grassed Waterways (NRCS Code 412):These are natural or constructed channels that are shaped or

graded to required dimensions and planted in suitable vegetation tocarry water runoff. They are designed to carry this runoff withoutcausing erosion or flooding and to improve water quality by filteringout some of the suspended sediment.

Fence (NRCS Code 382):This practice may be applied as part of a conservation manage-

ment system to treat the soil, water, air, plant, animal and humanresources concern. This practice may be applied on any area wherelivestock or wildlife control is needed or where human access is to beregulated. It is used with BMPs such as Livestock Exclusion. Plansfor fencing along waterways to exclude livestock need to includecrossings over the waterways and provisions for drinking watersources.

Heavy Use Area Protection(NRCS Code 561):

This practice addresses the need to stabilize areas frequently andintensely used by animals or vehicles. Suggested practices includeestablishing vegetative cover, installing suitable surface materials andconstructing needed structures.

Prescribed Grazing (NRCS Code 528A):. Prescribed grazing is the controlled harvest of vegetation withgrazing or browsing animals. The Prescribed Grazing Practice helpsensure that forage use does not exceed the production limitations of theforage being grazed to the extent that forage health, soil erosion/condition, water quality and animal health are affected negatively.Grazing systems are used to accomplish this goal and may be used tocontrol the forage, the animals or both. Successful implementation of agrazing system requires periodic monitoring and adjustments of forageor livestock to ensure that goal is met.

Grazing systems range from continuous grazing to rotational grazing,with several intermediate levels of intensity. All grazing systems haveadvantages and disadvantages. The requirements of a grazing systemand the goals of the manager can be matched to provid environmentallyand economically sound options for specific situations.

Continuous grazing - Unrestricted grazing of one pasture by livestockthroughout a certain season or during the entire year.

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Advantages:•Requires the least time and labor•Initial capital expenditures are relatively low•Animals are allowed to graze selectively and, when stocking

rates are appropriate, this method can result in high levels ofindividual animal performance.

Disadvantages:•Limits options for managing through inclement environmental

conditions•Reduces potential for effectively utilizing species with

different growing seasons (warm-season vs. cool-season)•Reduces the potential to harvest excess forage production as hay•Selective grazing allows for uneven pasture use; both overgrazing

and undergrazing can occur in the same pasture. In mixedspecies stands, the most palatable species can be overgrazed andreplaced by less palatable species.

Rotational grazing - Grazing more than one paddock in sequencefollowed by a rest period for recovery and regrowth of the grazedforage. Rotational grazing can be used whenever two or morepastures are available. The intensity of a rotational grazing systemgenerally increases as more pastures are created.

Advantages:•Flexibility or management control increases as the pastures

increase in number. Excess forage production can be harvestedor more easily stockpiled (sometimes called dormant seasongrazing) for later use. Increased potential for using species withdifferent growing seasons.

•Forage harvest efficiency increases as intensity increases. Thismay allow for higher livestock carrying capacity under someconditions.

•Allows the forage species to rest and regrow.•Gives concentration areas a chance to heal between uses, and

results in more even manure distribution across the pasture.•Has the potential to increase pounds of meat produced per acre

Disadvantages:•As grazing intensity increases, the initial capital and labor

expenditures increase.•Increased investment risk.•Increased management input as intensity increases.•If pastures are not grazed or harvested within a certain time, the

quality of available forage may drop during an extended restperiod, which could affect animal performance adversely.

•Individual animal performance is lower than that of continuousgrazing.

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It should be specifically noted that there is no inherently superior grazing system among the approachesavailable. Requirements of the various grazing approaches and goals of the manager can be matched toprovide environmentally and economically sound options for specific grazing situations that may includeany of these grazing approaches or stocking methods.

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Trough or Tank (NRCS Code 614):This is a trough or tank installed to provide drinking water for

livestock. This practice provides water for livestock at selected loca-tions that will protect vegetative cover. It also reduces or eliminates theneed for livestock to be in streams. This practice applies where there isa need for new or improved watering places that permit the desiredlevel of grassland management. It also reduces health hazards forlivestock and reduces livestock waste in streams.

Cover and Green Manure Crop(NRCS Code 340):

This is a crop of close-growing grasses, legumes or small graingrown primarily for seasonal soil protection and improvement. It isusually grown for one year or less, except where there is permanentcover. It is designed to control erosion during periods when the majorcrops do not furnish enough cover. It also adds organic material to thesoil and improves infiltration capacity, aeration and tilth.

Critical Area Planting (NRCS Code 342):This involves the planting of vegetation, such as trees, shrubs,

vines, grasses or legumes, on highly erodible or critically eroding areas.This practice does not include planting trees for wood products. Theprimary purposes are to stabilize the soil, reduce damage from sedimentand runoff to downstream areas, and improve wildlife habitat andaesthetics. Examples of applicable areas are dams, dikes, levees, cuts,fills and denuded or gullied areas where vegetation is difficult to estab-lish by usual planting methods.

Regulating Water in Drainage System(NRCS Code 554)

Controlling the removal of surface runoff, primarily through theoperation of water control structures. It is designed to conserve surfacewater by controlling the outflow from drainage systems.

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Riparian Forest Buffer (NRCS Code 391):This is an area of trees, shrubs and other vegetation located

adjacent to and uphill from water bodies. This practice may be appliedin a conservation management system to supplement one or more ofthe following:

• To create shade to lower water temperature, which wouldimprove habitat for aquatic organisms.

• To remove, reduce or buffer the effects of nutrients, sediment,organic material and other pollutants before entry into surface waterand groundwater recharge systems.

This practice applies on cropland, hayland, rangeland, forestlandand pastureland areas adjacent to permanent or intermittent streams,lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands and areas with groundwater rechargewhere water quality is impaired or where there is a high potential ofwater quality impairment.

Streambank and Shoreline Protection(NRCS Code 580):

This practice involves using vegetation or structures to stabilizeand protect banks of streams, lakes, estuaries or excavated channelsagainst erosion. Its purpose is to stabilize or protect banks of streams,lakes, estuaries or excavated channels for one or more of the followingpurposes:

• To prevent the loss of land or damage to utilities, roads, build-ings or other facilities adjacent to the banks.

• To maintain the capacity of the channel.

• To control channel meander that would affect downstreamfacilities negatively.

• To reduce sediment loads causing downstream damages andpollution.

• To improve the stream for recreation or as a habitat for fish andwildlife.

This practice applies to natural or excavated channels where thestreambanks are likely to be eroded from the action of water, debris ordamage from livestock or vehicular traffic. It also applies to controllingerosion on shorelines where the problem can be solved with relativelysimple structural measures, vegetation or upland erosion practices andwhere failure of structural measures will not create a hazard to life orresult in serious damage to property.

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Livestock Exclusion (NRCS Code 472)

The purpose of Use Exclusion is to protect, maintain or improvethe quantity and quality of the natural resources in an area by excludinganimals, people or vehicles from an area. The purpose includes aes-thetic resources as well as human health and safety.

The practice is used in a conservation plan in areas where vegeta-tion establishment or maintenance is a concern. Protecting the vegeta-tion is often essential to conserving the other natural resources.

The barriers constructed must be adequate to prevent, restrict orcontrol use by target animals, vehicles or people. The barriers areusually fences, but they may be natural and artificial structures such aslogs, boulders, earth fill, gates, signs, etc.

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For more information on thesepractices and how to implementthem, contact your local NRCS orConservation District office.

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up in runoff, and practices thatensure the safe use of agriculturalchemicals also are consideredBMPs. In general, soil conserva-tion and water quality protectionare mutually beneficial; thereforethe BMPs described here are thebest means of reducing agricul-tural nonpoint-source pollutionresulting from fertilizer nutrients.

NitrogenNitrogen (N) is a part of all

plant and animal proteins. There-fore, human survival depends onan abundant supply of N innature. Approximately 80 percentof the atmosphere is nitrogen gas,but most plants cannot use thisform of nitrogen, and supplemen-tal nitrogen must be suppliedthrough the soil. A crop wellsupplied with N can producesubstantially higher yields, on thesame amount of water, than onedeficient for N. Furthermore,properly fertilized crops use bothN and water more efficiently, thusimproving environmental qualityand profitability.

Supplemental N is necessaryon almost all non-legume crops inLouisiana for maximum profits.Producers should follow N recom-mendations based on Louisianaresearch. These recommendationstake into account maximumeconomic yield potentials, cropvariety, soil texture and area of thestate. Nitrogen recommendationsfrom the LSU AgCenter areusually ample to provide optimumeconomic yields.

Decomposition of organicmatter results in simpler inorganicN forms such as ammonium(NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-). Theseare soluble in soil water andreadily available for plant uptake.The ammonium form is attractedto and held by soil particles, so itdoes not readily leach through thesoil with rainfall or irrigationwater. Nitrates, on the other hand,are not attached to soil particlesand do move downward with soilwater and can be leached intogroundwater or run off intosurface waters.

Excessive nitrate concentra-tions in water can accelerate algaeand plant growth in streams andlakes, resulting in oxygen deple-tion. Nitrate concentrations abovea certain level in drinking watermay injure young animals orhuman infants.

PhosphorusPhosphorus (P), like nitro-

gen, is essential for plant growth.Naturally occurring P exists in aphosphate form either as solubleinorganic phosphate, solublephosphate, particulate phosphateor mineral phosphate. The mineralforms of phosphorus (calcium,iron and aluminum phosphates) donot dissolve in water very easily.The amount of these elements(calcium, iron and aluminum)present in reactive forms varieswith different soils and soil condi-tions.

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IntroductionA sound soil fertility program

is the foundation upon which aprofitable farming business mustbe built. Agricultural fertilizers area necessity for producing abun-dant, high quality food, feed andfiber crops. Using fertilizer nutri-ents in the proper amounts andapplying them correctly are botheconomically and environmentallyimportant to the long-term profit-ability and sustainability of cropproduction. The fertilizer nutrientsthat have potential to becomegroundwater or surface waterpollutants are nitrogen and phos-phorus. In general, other com-monly used fertilizer nutrients donot cause concern as pollutants.

Because erosion and runoffare the two major ways nonpoint-source pollutants move intosurface water resources, practicesthat reduce erosion or runoff areconsidered Best ManagementPractices (BMPs). Similarly,practices that limit the buildup ofnutrients in the soil, which canleach to groundwater or be picked

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

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The immediate source ofphosphorus for plants is thatwhich is dissolved in the soilsolution. Phosphate is absorbedfrom the soil solution and used byplants. A soil solution containingonly a few parts per million ofphosphate is usually consideredadequate for plant growth. Phos-phate used by plants is replaced inthe soil solution by soil minerals,soil organic matter decompositionor applied fertilizers or animalwaste.

Most phosphate is not readilywater soluble. Most of the ions areeither used by living plants oradsorbed to sediment, so thepotential of their leaching togroundwater is low. That portionof phosphate bound to sedimentparticles is virtually unavailable to

living organisms, butbecomes available as itdetaches from sediment.Only a small part of thephosphate moved withsediment into surfacewater is immediatelyavailable to aquaticorganisms. Additionalphosphate can slowlybecome availablethrough biochemical reactions.The slow release of large amounts of phosphate from sediment layers inlakes and streams could cause excessive algae blooms and excessivegrowth of plants, thereby affecting water quality.

Nutrients will be used to obtain optimum crop yields while mini-mizing the movement of nutrients to surface and groundwater (NRCSProduction Code 590). A nutrient management plan should be devel-oped for the proposed crop by using soil analyses from approvedlaboratories.

Nutrient application rates willbe based on the results of a soilanalysis. Select only those materi-als recommended for use byqualified individuals from theLouisiana Cooperative ExtensionService, Louisiana AgriculturalExperiment Station, certified cropadvisors and certified agriculturalconsultants or published LSUAgCenter data.

Soil testing is the founda-tion of a sound nutrient man-agement program.

A soil test is a series ofchemical analyses that determinethe levels of essential plant nutri-ents in the soil. When not taken upby a crop, some nutrients, particu-larly nitrogen, can be lost from thesoil by leaching, runoff or mineral-ization. Others, like phosphorus,react with soil minerals over timeto form compounds that are notavailable for uptake by plants. Soiltesting can be used to estimatehow much loss has occurred andto predict which nutrient(s) andhow much of that nutrient(s)should be added to the soil to

produce a particular crop andyield. Take soil tests at least everythree years or at the beginning ofa different cropping rotation.

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algae bloom

Nutrient Application Rates

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1. Soil test for nutrient status andpH to:• determine the amounts of additional nutrientsneeded to reach designated yield goals, and theamount of lime needed to correct soil acidity (ph)problems

• optimize farm income by avoiding excessivefertilization and reducing nutrient losses by leach-ing and runoff; and identify other yield-limitingfactors such as high levels of salts or sodium thatmay affect soil structure, infiltration rates, surfacerunoff and, ultimately, groundwater quality.

2. Base fertilizer applications on:• soil test results• realistic yield goals and moisture prospects• crop nutrient requirements• past fertilization practices• previous cropping history

3. Manage low soil pH by limingaccording to the soil test to:• reduce soil acidity• improve fertilizer use efficiency• improve decomposition of crop residues• enhance the effectiveness of certain soil appliedherbicides

4. Time nitrogen applications to:• correspond closely with crop uptake patterns• increase nutrient use efficiency• minimize leaching and runoff losses

5. Inject fertilizers or incorporatesurface applications when possibleto:• increase accessibility of fertilizer nutrients toplant roots• reduce volatilization losses of ammonia Nsources• reduce nutrient losses from erosion and runoff

6. Use animal manures and organicmaterials:• when available and economically feasible• to improve soil tilth, water-holding capacity andsoil structures• to recycle nutrients and reduce the need forcommercial inorganic fertilizers

7. Rotate crops when feasible to:• improve total nutrient recovery with differentcrop rooting patterns• reduce erosion and runoff• reduce diseases, insects and weeds

8. Use legumes where adapted to:• replace part or all of crop needs for commercialN fertilizer• reduce erosion and nutrient losses• maintain residue cover on the soil surface

9. Control nutrient losses in erosionand runoff by:• using appropriate structural controls• adopting conservation tillage practices whereappropriate• properly managing crop residues• land leveling• implementing other soil and water conservationpractices where possible• using filter strips

10. Skillfully handle and applyfertilizer by:• properly calibrating and maintaining applicationequipment• properly cleaning equipment and disposing ofexcess fertilizers, containers and wash water• storing fertilizers in a safe place

Recommended Practices

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Comprehensive NutrientManagement Plans(CNMPs)

Developing a Comprehensive NutrientManagement Plan

A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is astrategy for making wise use of plant nutrients to enhance farm profitswhile protecting water resources. It is a plan that looks at every part ofyour farming operation and helps you make the best use of manures,fertilizers and other nutrient sources. Successful nutrient managementrequires thorough planning and recognizes that every farm is different.The type of farming you do and the specifics of your operation willaffect your CNMP. The best CNMP is one that is matched to thefarming operation and the needs of the person implementing the plan.

The Parts of a CNMPA CNMP takes into account how nutrients are used and managed

throughout the farm. It is more than a nutrient management plan thatlooks only at nutrient supply and needs for a particular field. Nutrientsare brought to the farm through feeds, fertilizers, animal manures andother off-farm inputs. These inputs are used, and some are recycled byplants and animals on the farm. Nutrients then leave the farm in har-vested crops and animal products. These are nutrient removals. Ideally,the amount of nutrient inputs and removals should be roughly the same.When nutrient inputs to the farm greatly exceed nutrient removals fromthe farm, the risk of nutrient losses to groundwater and surface water isincreased. When you compare nutrient inputs and nutrient removals,you are creating a mass balance. This nutrient mass balance is animportant part of a CNMP and important to understand for yourindividual farming operation.

BMPs also are important to a successful CNMP. BMPs, such assoil testing and manure analysis, help you select the right nutrient rateand application strategy so that crops use nutrients efficiently. This notonly reduces nutrient losses and protects the environment but alsoincreases farm profitability. BMPs may include managing the farm toreduce soil erosion and improve soil tilth through conservation tillage,planting cover crops to use excess nutrients or using filter strips andbuffers to protect water quality.

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Soil TestingComplete and accurate soil

tests are important for a successfulnutrient management plan. Youwill need soil tests at least everythree years to determine howmuch nutrient addition is needed.The needed nutrients can besupplied from commercial fertil-izer or organic sources. Be sure totake representative soil samplesand have them tested by a repu-table laboratory familiar withLouisiana soils and crop produc-tion. Your county agent can helpyou submit samples to the LSUSoil Testing Laboratory.

Determine NutrientsNeeded for Each Field

Once you have set realisticyield goals and you have your soiltest results, you can determine thenutrients your crops will need.The amount of nutrients neededshould be based on your localgrowing conditions. At a mini-mum, the amounts of lime, nitro-gen, phosphorus and potassiumshould be listed inthe plan for eachfield. Most soiland plantanalysis labswill give yourecom-mendedapplication ratesbased on the soil testresults. Your county agent canhelp you with this.

The Basic StepsCNMPs consist of five major parts: evaluation of nutrient

needs, inventory of nutrient supply, determination of nutrientbalance, preventive maintenance and inspection, and an emer-gency response plan.

Evaluation of Nutrient NeedsMaps and Field Information

You will need a detailed map of your farm. The map shouldinclude:

• farm property lines• your fields with the field identification• the location of all surface waters such as streams, rivers, ponds

or lakes• direction of surface flows• arrows showing the direction that streams or rivers flow• a soils map, if available

This map will serve as the basis for the entire plan, so each fieldshould have a unique identification. In addition to the map, prepare alist of the crops to be grown in each field with a realistic yield goal foreach crop. Most of this information is available at your local USDAFarm Service Center.

Locate Critical AreasCertain areas on your farm such as streams and rivers, wellheads

and lakes or ponds are sensitive to nutrient overload. You should createbuffer zones around these areas on your map where nutrient use will bereduced or eliminated. By buffering these areas, water quality problemsmay be decreased. Areas such as roads, off-site dwellings and areas ofpublic gatherings should be noted on your map. To reduce complaintsabout odors, you may want to limit the use of manures near these typesof areas.

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Inventory ofNutrient Supply

Many of the nutrientsneeded to grow your crops arealready present on your farm inthe soil, in animal manures or incrop residues. Knowing theamounts of nutrients alreadypresent in these sources isimportant so that you do not buyor apply more nutrients thanneeded.

DeterminingNutrient BalanceBalance BetweenSupply and Need

Once you have determinedboth the supply and need ofnutrients for each of your fields,a critical aspect of CNMPs isbalancing the two. This can bedone in several ways. MostCNMPs are developed based onnitrogen, but other factors suchas phosphorus or metals couldcontrol how much poultry litter

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or manure you can put out under certain conditions. A phosphorus indexhas been developed to help producers determine when nutrient manage-ment based on phosphorus would be advisable.

Where Can You Obtain Information Neededfor Your CNMP?

The LSU AgCenter, the USDA Natural Resources ConservationService, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, CertifiedCrop Advisors or other private consultants will be able to assist you indeveloping parts of a nutrient management plan.

A CNMP is a good tool to help you use your on- and off-farmresources more efficiently and to prevent future problems. A successfulCNMP will help you obtain the maximum profit while protecting theenvironment.

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Mortality Management

According to R.S. 3:2131, animal carcasses will be disposed of bycremation or burial. The statute reads: “In order to prevent, control, anderadicate anthrax or charbon, glanders, blackleg, hemorrahagic septice-mia, hog cholera and all other contagious or communicable diseases ofmules, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine throughout the state thecarcasses of all animals shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner bycremation or deep burial. Burial in this sense means that the animalcarcass shall be placed in a ;hole or pit not less than six feet deep in thedisposition of carcasses of cows, mules, and horses, and not less thanfour feet as applying to carcasses of sheep, goats, and swine. Theowners, agents, firms, or corporations, or persons in charge of any or alllive stock on ranges, pastures, or other premises shall be responsible fordisposition of all carcasses in those herds over which they have jurisdic-tion, with reference to complying to the provisions of this Part. Theprovisions of this Part shall not apply to animal carcasses within thelimits of a city or town which is provided with an incinerator or inwhich a rendering plant is operated, provided such incinerator orrendering plant is equipped with facilities to properly transport orhandle carcasses in a manner to prevent dissemination of infection.”

Some parishes have their own regulations dealing with animalmortality. Contact your local parish sanitarian to find out your parishregulations.

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PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

AND PESTICIDES

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To preserve the availablityof clean and environmentally safewater in Louisiana, contaminationof surface and groundwater by allagricultural and industrial chemi-cals must be reduced. Somesources of contamination areeasily recognizable from a single,specific location. Other sourcesare more difficult to pinpoint.Nonpoint-source pollution ofwater with pesticides is caused byrainfall runoff, particle drift orpercolation of water through thesoil. Pest management practiceswill be based on current researchand extension recommendations.By using these recommendations,pesticide usage will follow envi-ronmentally sound guidelines.

Pest Management Procedures All label statements and use

directions designed specifically toprotect groundwater will befollowed closely.

Specific Best ManagementPractices designed to protectsurface water will be followedclosely.

Erosion control practices(such as pipe drops, etc.) will beused to minimize runoff that couldcarry soil particles with adsorbedpesticides and/or dissolved pesti-cides into surface waters.

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Pesticides can directly entergroundwater by spills around poorlyconstructed or sealed wells, or wellswith improper casting, or by back-siphoning during spray tank filling.

Rainfall runoffwill also movepesticides acrossthe soil surface.

Rain or irrigationstarts pesticidesmoving into andthrough soil.

Soil-incorporatedsystemic pesticide

Pesticide is carriedinto and throughsoil. Movementthrough soil isaffected by soil andpesticideproperties andamount andtiming of water.Pesticide residueand by-productsnot absorbed arebroken down intothe groundwater.

WATER TABLE

Pesticide is taken upby plants, brokendown by organisms,sunlight or chemicalreactions.

Groundwater flow

Movement withgroundwater –additionalbreakdown generallyslowed, but dependson chemical natureand groundwater.

Pesticides can directly entergroundwater by spills around poorlyconstructed or sealed wells, or wellswith improper casting, or by back-siphoning during spray tank filling.

Introduction

Pesticides will be appliedonly when they are necessary toprotect the crop. The pesticide willbe chosen following guidelines toassure that the one chosen willgive the most effective pestcontrol with the least potentialadverse effects on the environ-ment.

Water quality, both surfaceand ground, will be protected byfollowing all label recommenda-tions and guidelines dealing withwater quality.

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Unsaturated zone

WATER TABLE

Rainfall runoff

The water tableseparates theunsaturated zonefrom the saturatedzone (groundwater)

PesticideApplication

Management practices suchas the pesticide selected, theapplication method, the pesticiderate used and the applicationtiming influence pesticide move-ment. Pesticides should be appliedonly when needed to preventeconomic loss of a crop.

In pesticide application, “thelabel is the law.” Using chemicalsat rates higher than specified bythe label is ILLEGAL as well asan environmental hazard becausemore pesticide is exposed toerosion, runoff or leaching. Poortiming of a pesticide application(application just before rain falls)can result in pesticide movementinto water sources, as well as givelittle control of the targeted pest.

Certain areas on your farmsuch as streams and rivers, well-heads and lakes or ponds aresensitive to pesticides. You shouldcreate buffer zones around theseareas where pesticide use will bereduced or eliminated. By buffer-ing these areas, you may reducewater quality problems. Areassuch as roads, off-site dwellingsand areas of public gatheringsshould be identified. You maywant to limit the use of pesticidesnear these types of areas, too.

These practices will befollowed:

Select the pesticide to givethe best results with the leastpotential environmental impactoutside the spray area.

Select application equip-ment with care and maintain itcarefully.

Carefully calibrate applicationequipment at the beginning of thespray season and periodically thereaf-ter. Spray according to recommenda-tions.

Minimize spray drift by follow-ing the label instructions and all rules and regulations developed tominimize spray drift (the physical movement of spray particles at thetime of or shortly after application).

Before applying a pesticide, make anassessment of all of the environmental factorsinvolved in all of the area surrounding theapplication site.

Carefully maintain all pesticide applica-tions, not just Restricted Use Pesticides.

Pesticide SelectionWhen selecting pesticides, consider chemical solubility,

adsorption, volatility and degradation characteristics. Chemi-cals that dissolve in water readily can leach through soil togroundwater or be carried to surface waters in rainfall orirrigation runoff. Some chemicals hold tightly to, or areadsorbed on, soil particles, and these chemicals do not leachas much. But even these chemicals can move with sedimentwhen soil erodes during heavy rainfall. Runoff enteringsurface waters may ultimately recharge groundwater reserves.Chemicals bound to soil particles and organic matter aresubject to the forces of leaching, erosion or runoff for a longerperiod, thus increasing the potential for water pollution.

19GroundwaterSaturated zone

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Selection will be based upon recommendations by qualifiedconsultants, crop advisors and upon the published recommendations ofthe LSU AgCenter, Cooperative Extension Service.

The selection of the pesticide to be used will be based upon itsregistered uses and its ability to give the quality of pest control required.

The selection also will be based upon its impact on beneficials,other non-target organisms and on the general environment.

Pesticide Storage andSafety

Pesticidestorage shed

Farmers and commercialpesticide applicators are subject topenalties if they fail to store ordispose of pesticides and pesticidecontainers properly. Each regis-tered pesticide product, whethergeneral or restricted use, containsinstructions for storage and dis-posal in its labeling. The Louisi-ana Pesticide Law addressesspecific requirements for storageand disposal. The applicator mustfollow these requirements care-fully and ensure that employeesfollow them as well.

The recommended proce-dures do not apply to the disposalof single containers of pesticidesregistered for use in the home andgarden. These containers may bedisposed of during municipalwaste collection if wrappedaccording to recommendations.

Storage sites should bechosen to minimize the chance ofpesticides escaping into theenvironment. Pesticides should not

be stored in an area susceptible toflooding or where the characteris-tics of the soil at the site wouldallow escaped chemicals topercolate into groundwater.Storage facilities should be dry,well ventilated and provided withfire protection equipment. Allstored pesticides should be care-fully labeled and segregated andstored off of the ground. Do notstore pesticides in the same area asanimal feed. The facility should bekept locked when not in use.Further precautions includeappropriate warning signs andregular inspection of containersfor corrosion or leakage. Protec-tive clothing should be storedclose by but not in the same roomas the pesticides because they maybecome contaminated. Decon-tamination equipment should bepresent where highly toxic pesti-cides are stored.

Exceptions forFarmers

Farmers disposing of usedpesticide containers for their ownuse are not required to complywith the requirements of thehazardous wasteregulationsprovided theytriple rinse orpressure washeach containerand dispose ofthe residues ontheir own farms in a mannerconsistent with the disposalinstructions on the pesticide label.Note that disposal of pesticideresidues into water or where theyare likely to reach surface orgroundwater may be considered asource of pollu-tion under theClean Water Actor the SafeDrinking WaterAct and thereforeillegal.

After the triple rinse proce-dure, the containers are then“empty” and the farmer candiscard them in a sanitary wastesite without further regard to thehazardous waste regulations. Theempty containers are still subjectto any disposal instructions con-tained within the labeling of theproduct, however. Disposal in amanner “inconsistent with thelabeling instructions” is a violationof EPA guidelines and could leadto contamination of water, soil orpersons and legal liability.

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regulations governing the use ofand exposure to pesticides. Theregulations set forth minimumstandards that must be followed toprotect farm workers and pesticidehandlers. The regulations includestandards requiring oral warningsand postingof areaswhere pesti-cides havebeen used,training for allhandlers andearly re-entry workers, personalprotective equipment, emergencytransportation and decontamina-tion equipment.

The EPA regulations holdthe producer of the agriculturalplant on a farm, forest, nursery orgreenhouse ultimately responsiblefor compliance with the workersafety standards. This means thelandowner must ensure compli-ance by all employees and by allindependent contractors workingon the property. Contractors andemployees also may be heldresponsible for failure to followthe regulations.

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Agricultural Chemicals and Worker Safety

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The OccupationalSafety and HealthAct (OSHA)

The federal governmentalso regulates farm employeesafety under the Occupa-tional Safety and Health Act(OSHA). OSHA applies toall persons (employers)engaged in business affect-ing interstate commerce. Thefederal courts have decidedthat all farming and ranchingoperations, regardless ofwhere goods produced areactually sold or consumed,affect interstate commerce insome respect, and thus aresubject to OSHA’s require-ments. In general, everyemployer has a duty toprovide employees with anenvironment free fromhazards that are causing orare likely to cause death orserious injury.

The EPA has generalauthority to regulate pesticideuse to minimize risks to humanhealth and to the environment.This authority extends to theprotection of farm workersexposed to pesticides. Allemployers must comply withALL instructions of theWorker Protection Standardconcerningworkersafety orbe subjectto penal-ties.Labels may include, for ex-ample, instructions requiringthe wearing of protectiveclothing, handling instructions

and instruc-tions setting aperiod of timebefore work-ers are al-lowed to re-enter fields

after the application of pesti-cides (Restricted Entry Inter-val).

Employers should readthe Worker Protection Standard

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In summary: All label directions will be

read, understood and followed.

The Louisiana Departmentof Agriculture and Forestry(LDAF) is responsible for thecertification of pesticide applica-tors. All commercial and privatepesticide applicators applyingrestricted use pesticides mustsuccessfully complete a certifica-tion test administered by theLDAF. The LSU AgCenter con-ducts training sessions and pub-lishes study guides in variouscategories covered by the test.Contact your county agent fordates and times of these sessions.

All requirements of theWorker Protection Standard (WPS)will be followed, including, but notlimited, to:

Notifying workers of apesticide application (either oral orposting of the field), abiding by therestricted entry interval (REI).

Maintaining a centralnotification area containing thesafety poster; the name, addressand telephone number of thenearest emergency medical facility;and a list of the pesticide applica-tions made within the last 30 daysthat have an REI.

Maintaining a decontamina-tion site for workers and handlers.

Furnishing the appropriatepersonal protective equipment(PPE) to all handlers and earlyentry workers, and ensuring thatthey understand how and why theyshould use it.

Assuring that all employeesrequired to be trained under theWorker Protection Standard haveundergone the required training.

Pesticides will be stored ina secure, locked enclosure and in

a container free of leaks, abidingby any specific recommendationson the label. The storage area mustbe maintained in good condition,without unnecessary debris. Thisenclosure will be at least 150 feetaway and down slope from anywater wells.

All uncontained pesticidespills of more than one gallonliquid or four pounds dry weightwill be reported to the director ofPesticide and EnvironmentalPrograms, Louisiana Departmentof Agriculture and Forestry within24 hours by telephone (225-925-3763) and by written notice withinthree days. Spills on public road-ways will be reported to theLouisiana Department of Transpor-tation and Development. Spills intonavigable waters will be reportedto LDEQ, Coast Guard, USEPA.

Empty metal, glass orplastic pesticide containers will beeither triple rinsed or pressurewashed, and the rinsate will beadded to the spray solution todilute the solution at the time orstored according to the LDAF rulesto be used later. Rinsed pesticidecontainers will be punctured,crushed or otherwise renderedunusable and disposed of in asanitary landfill. (Plastic containersmay be taken to specific pesticidecontainer recycling events. Con-tact your county agent for datesand locations in your area.)

All pesticides will beremoved from paper and plasticbags to the fullest extent possible.

The sides of the container will becut and opened fully, without foldsor crevices, on a flat surface; anypesticides remaining in the openedcontainer will be transferred intothe spray mix. After this procedure,the containers will be disposed ofin a sanitary landfill.

Application equipment willbe triple rinsed and the rinsateapplied to the original applicationsite or stored for later use to dilutea spray solution.

Mix/load or wash pads(NRCS production code Interim)will be located at least 150 feetaway and down slope from anywater wells and away from surfacewater sources such as ponds,streams, etc. The pads will beconstructed of an imperviousmaterial, and there will be asystem for collecting and storingthe runoff.

Empty containers will notbe kept for more than 90 daysafter the end of the spray season.

Air gaps will be maintainedwhile filling the spray tank toprevent back-siphoning.

Wash pad with collection pond

This...backflowprotection

...Not Thischemicalssiphonedback intowater supply

Air gap

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GENERAL FARM BMPS

Water well protectionFarm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst

should be used every three years todetermine potential threats to waterwells. Threats identified will beranked and measured to correct themost serious.

Fuel storage tanksAbove-ground fuel storage

tanks in Louisiana are regulatedby the State Fire Marshal and bythe EPA if surface water is at risk.Above-ground tanks containing660 gallons or more requiresecondary containment. The StateFire Marshal recommends thatsome sort of secondary contain-ment be used with all fuel storagetanks. This could include the useof double-walled tanks, dikingaround the tank for impoundmentor remote impoundment facilities.

These practices are to befollowed:

Any existing above-groundfuel storage tank of 660 gallons ormore (1,320 gallons if more thanone) must have a containmentwall surrounding the tank capableof holding 100 percent of thetank’s capacity (or the largest

Irrigation waterquality

Irrigation water (surfaceand/or well) should be tested inthe spring to determine thesalinity (salt) level before irrigat-ing a field or pasture. Takesamples to an approved labora-tory for analysis.

Used engine oil,grease, batteries,tires, etc.

• Used engine oil should bestored in a waste oil container(tank or drum) until recycled.

• Empty paint cans, anti-freeze containers, used tires, oldbatteries, etc., will be stored in asecure area until they can bedisposed of properly.

tank’s capacity if more than one)in case of spillage.

The tank and storage areashould be located at least 40 feetfrom any building. Fuel storagefrom surface water and waterwells.

It is recommended that thestorage tank be on a concrete slabto prevent any spillage fromentering surface and groundwater.

The storage area should bekept free of weeds and othercombustible materials.

The tank should be con-spicuously marked with the nameof the product that it contains and“FLAMMABLE-KEEP FIREAND FLAME AWAY.”

The bottom of the tankshould be supported by concreteblocks approximately 6 inches

above the ground surface toprotect the bottom of the tankfrom corrosion.

If a pumping device isused, it should be tightly andpermanently attached and meetNFPA approval. Gravity dis-charge tanks are acceptable, butthey must be equipped with avalve that will automatically closein the event of a fire.

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This tank would be classifiedas an underground fuel tank.

20 % of tank is belowground level

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Plans for the installation ofall storage tanks that will containmore than 60 gallons of liquidmust be submitted to the State FireMarshal for approval.

All tanks that catch on firemust be reported to the State FireMarshal within 72 hours of thefire.

Underground storage tanksare defined as containing morethan 10 percent of their totalvolume beneath the soil surface.Underground tanks represent moreof a problem than above-groundtanks, because leaks can often gofor long periods without being

detected. This poses a seriousthreat to groundwater sources inthe vicinity of the tank. If youhave an underground fuel storage

tank, you need to contact the StateFire Marshal’s Office for regula-tions affecting these storage tanks.

Visit our website:www.lsuagcenter.com

Produced by LSU AgCenter Communications

Visit our Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com

Louisiana State University Agricultural CenterWilliam B. Richardson, Chancellor

L. J. Guedry, Executive Vice ChancellorLouisiana Agricultural Experiment Station

William H. Brown, Vice Chancellor and DirectorLouisiana Cooperative Extension ServicePaul D. Coreil, Vice Chancellor and Director

Pub. 2884 Online Only 5/02 New

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with theUnited States Department of Agriculture. The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service provides equal opportunities in

programs and employment.

Information in this publication wascompiled by:

Fred S. Sanders, Ph.D., CallegariEnvironmental Center

Kenneth N. Wegenhoft, Ph.D., BeefBMP Technical Committee Chairman

Ron DelVecchio, Ph.D., Beef BMPTechnical Committee Co-Chairman

Other LSU AgCenter contributors were:Eddie Funderburg, Ph.D.Mary L. Grodner, Ph.D.Ed Twidwell, Ph.D.Dearl Sanders, Ph.D.

Beef BMP Technical Review Committee

Louisiana Cooperative Extension ServiceBeef Producers

Allen Hogan Burton PratherPaul Morris Ben LittlepagePaul Coreil A. D. LittleEd Twidwell Herman HogeeRon Adams Leo LeBlancDavid Neal Claude TricheHollis Chapman Ronald ShaissonKenny Sharp John Titton

Harry LawsLouisiana Agricultural Experiment Station

David MorrisonAllen Nipper

Louisiana Farm Bureau FederationRon Harrell

Natural Resources Conservation ServiceDouglas NealStuart Gardner

Louisiana Department of NaturalResources

Greg DucoteLouisiana Cattleman’s Association

Bob FelknorLouisiana Department of Agriculture andForestry

Brad SpicerLouisiana Department of EnvironmentalQuality

Jan Boydstun