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2008 Policy Book
First | Previous | Next | Last | 2008 Index | Policy Book Archive#8 ANIMAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Animal agriculture is an important contributor to Michigan's economy. The livestock industry has the potential to make an even larger contribution.
With the increase of livestock numbers, the potential for problems with urban neighbors resulting from odors, noise and dust expands. We support research for better methods to manage and utilize livestock manure.
The agriculture industry and land grant colleges need to recognize and treat animal manure as a primary source of plant nutrients. We recommend livestock producers test manure for an accurate assessment of its nutrient levels. Fertilizer recommendations should be based on sound agronomic principles and take into account any livestock manure used.
Odors are a normal part of agricultural operations and can be influenced by many factors, including management, weather, type of system and specie of animals. An aggressive research effort must be conducted to assist farmers in minimizing odor. Construction standards for manure storage, lagoons and storage ponds from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) must recognize economic considerations while protecting the environment. The standards should take into consideration costs so farmers can afford to implement these manure-handling systems. The Farm Service Agency and NRCS should provide cost-sharing, when available, to assist all farmers in improving manure handling systems. NRCS should provide technical assistance to producers on a more timely basis. In order to ease the problem of producers chasing ever-changing standards throughout the design and construction of a project, producers should be able to "lock in" the rules and standards that exist at the beginning of the project.
We will continue to work with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Quality, NRCS and Michigan State University to develop and promote voluntary, incentive-driven management practices.
We support the continued use of manure-management practices developed under the Right to Farm Act and urge all livestock, equine and poultry producers to adopt these practices.
The manure management practices will assist a farmer when dealing with complaints lodged against the farm. We encourage all producers to seek additional education as related to animal resource management.
