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Loose Creek Water Quality Initiative
The Loose Creek watershed consists of approximately 45,000 acres (12% of county acreage), 19,200 acres of woodlands, 16,700 acres of pasture and hay ground, 5,900 acres of row crops and small grains, and 3,200 acres in cities, communities and home lots. The 248 farms in the watershed consist of 25 poultry producers (1,000,000 one-time capacity), 35 swine producers (40,000 head), 2 dairy operations (200 head) and 112 beef farms (5,600 head). Over the past two decades, confinement livestock production has increased significantly in Osage County. Swine and poultry producers have also intensified their production. In 1975, 500 plus farmers produced 48,500 head of swine while in 1991 sightly less than 300 farmers produced 92,600 head. Poultry production has intensified much the same way. In 1987, 43 turkey producers had a one-time capacity of 585,000 birds; now 25 producers have a one-time capacity of 1,000,000 birds. These operations produce approximately 45% of the swine and 75% of the poultry produced in the county. A relatively small percentage of the county's acreage is used to produce a large percentage of the swine and poultry. This situation concentrates animal wastes in a small segment of the county.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Loose Creek Water Quality Initiative Project supports technical assistance, animal waste handling equipment and construction for the Osage County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to demonstrate, develop, and implement sound nutrient management practices in the watershed.
Animal waste management is a major resource concern in the Loose Creek watershed. More animal waste is generated on farms in the watershed than can be land applied under approved management plans utilizing current practices and technology. Topography, gently sloping to steep (2 - 35% slope), causes additional concern as the majority of the land available for a soil plant filter is greater than 10% slope, which has limited use for land application under current regulations. Currently, only two swine operations in the watershed have an approved animal waste management system.
PRODUCTS AND OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the project is to improve water quality through adoption by producers of sound nutrient management practices. This will be achieved primarily through the proper handling and usage of waste generated by poultry, swine, dairy and beef operations. The project coordinator will be the pivot point of all activities tied to this project. Assistance from other agencies includes: (1) University of Missouri Extension, livestock specialist that will provide expertise in livestock management; (2) An Extension ag engineer that will provide assistance with system analysis, farmstead planning and land application of animal/poultry waste; (3) The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will do the technical design of animal waste facilities; (4) An Extension farm management specialist will provide assistance to participating producers with economic analysis of proposed changes/systems prior to detailed design and construction; (5) An NRCS nutrient management specialist will work with a regional Extension agronomy specialist in advising producers on cropping systems related to animal waste and nutrient management; (6) An NRCS engineer will work closely with the Extension engineer in the overall planning of facilities and provide the technical designs for proposed animal waste management facilities as required by the MDNR for construction and acquisition of the necessary Letters of Approval. A technician will provide the necessary surveys and on-site work in support of the project. The project will last from August 1, 1995 to May 31, 2000.
PROJECT SPONSOR
Osage County Soil and Water Conservation District
COOPERATING AGENCIES
EPA/DNR
CONTACT
Osage County Soil and Water Conservation District
P. O. Box 588
Linn, MO 65051
Dominic Plassmeyer 573-897-3797
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