Beneficial Management Practices - Environmental Manual for Feedlot Producers in Alberta

These farm practices guidelines were developed for Alberta feedlot producers through the cooperation of industry, government and interested stakeholders to create greater awareness and understanding of beneficial environmental practices for Alberta feedlots. Information presented in this publication is based on the best available research data and years of experience. The guidelines presented are intended to provide a range of management options for feedlots of various sizes. This document is a living document and will be updated regularly to incorporate new proven technologies and information on environmental practices and regulations. Individuals not experienced in feedlot production practices should not extract portions of this publication, nor draw inference, without considering all aspects of the issue. These guidelines should not be adopted literally into legislation, in whole or in part, by any level of government.

Developed by:
Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association (ACFA)
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD)

Funded by:
Agriculture Initiatives
Alberta Environmental Sustainable Agriculture (AESA)
Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund (CARD)
Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA)

Acknowledgements:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Center
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD)
Alberta Association of Agricultural Fieldmen
Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association (ACFA)
Alberta Environment
Alberta Health and Wellness
Canadian Farm Business Management Council (CFBMC)
Environmental Law Center
Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG)
Meristem Information Resources Ltd.
Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB)
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Texas A and M University (Texas A & M)
The Wilson Law Office
University of Alberta

View/Print by Chapter

1.0 Introduction - 96K PDF - Approximate download time is 30 seconds.

• 1.1 Client and Objective
• 1.2 Background

• 2.1 Environmental Law Relating to Feedlots - Environmental Protection Standards
• 2.2 Regulatory Approvals for Feedlots

• 3.1 Site Selection
• 3.2 Siting Considerations
• 3.3 Water Quality
• 3.4 Site Plan Highlights
• 3.5 Managing Feedlot Shutdowns
• 3.6 General Farm Aesthetics
• 3.7 References

• 4.1 Manure: A Valuable Resource
• 4.2 Alternatives to Catch Basins
• 4.3 Feedlot Pen Surface Management
• 4.4 Short-term Solid Manure Storage
• 4.5 Composting
• 4.6 Transportation of Manure
• 4.7 Fly Management for Feedlots
• 4.8 Changing Manure Content
• 4.9 References

• 5.1 Nutrient Value of Manure
• 5.2 Manure and Soil Analysis
• 5.3 Crop Nutrient Requirements
• 5.4 Method of Manure Application
• 5.5 Time of Application
• 5.6 Calibration of Spreading Equipment
• 5.7 Record Keeping
• 5.8 Other Beneficial Management Practices
• 5.9 References
• 5.10 Appendix: Manure Spreader Calibration
• 5.11 Case Study

• 6.1 Site Selection and Facility Design
• 6.2 Corral Design
• 6.3 Feedlot Operation and Maintenance
• 6.4 Drainage Structures and Runoff Catch Basins
• 6.5 Mortality Management
• 6.6 Manure Stockpiles and Composting Operations
• 6.7 Feeding Strategies
• 6.8 References
• 6.9 Appendix: Health Effects of Odour from the Feedlot

• 7.1 Management and Design Key to Dust Control
• 7.2 Site Selection
• 7.3 Open Lots
• 7.4 Corral Design
• 7.5 Corral and Road Maintenance
• 7.6 Feeding Strategies
• 7.7 Other Technologies and Landscaping Options
• 7.8 References

• 8.1 Disposal of Dead Animals
• 8.2 Disposal of Veterinary Waste
• 8.3 Disposal of Chemical Farm Waste
• 8.4 Leaks and Spills
• 8.5 Options for Disposal of Contaminated Soils
• 8.6 Additional Resources

• 9.1 What is Conflict?
• 9.2 Preventing Conflict
• 9.3 Managing Conflict
• 9.4 Resolving Conflict
• 9.5 References

• 10.1 Why are Greenhouse Gas Emissions Important?
• 10.2 References
• 10.3 Appendix: Greenhouse Gases - What Producers Need to Know

Abbreviations:

• Phosphorus is elemental P.
• Phosphate is P₂O₅, which is a fertilizer unit.
• Potassium is elemental K.
• Potash is K₂O, which is a fertilizer unit.
• Nitrogen is N.
• Organic nitrogen is organic N = total N - inorganic N (or ammonium N).
• Total nitrogen is total N = organinc N + inorganic N.
• Inorganic N (also called mineral or plant-available N) is ammonium N and nitrate N.
  Most of the inorganic N in manure is in ammonium form.

• 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.205 lb = 35.28 ounces = 1000 milligrams (mg)
• 1 km = 1000 metres (m) = 3,281 feet = 39,370 inches = 0.6214 miles
• 1 m³ = 1000 litres (L) = 220 gallons (Imperial) = 264.2 gallons (US)
• 1 hectare (ha) = 10,000 m² = 107,639 ft.² = 2.471 acres
• 1 kg/ha = 1.12 lb./ac.
• 1 tonne = 1000 kg = 2205 lb. = 1.1025 tons (short)
• 1% = 10 kg/tonne = 10,000 mg/kg = 10,000 parts per million (ppm)
• 1 ppm = 1 mg/kg (solid) or 1 mg/L (liquid)
• 1 lb. (or kg) of P = 2.29 lb. (or kg) of P₂O₅
• 1 lb. (or kg) of K = 1.2 lb. (or kg) of K₂O
• 1 ppm N, P or K (in 6 inches or 15 cm soil depth) is approximately equal to 1.8 lb. of N, P or K/ac. = 2 kg of N, P or K/ha
• 1 ppm N, P or K (in 12 inches or 30 cm soil depth) is approximately equal to 3.6 lb. of N, P or K/ac. = 4 kg of N, P or K/ha

It is important to be aware that while the authors have taken every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the Manual, the Manual should not be considered the final word on the areas of the law and practice that it covers. Producers should seek the advice of appropriate professionals and experts as the facts of each situation may differ from those set out in the Manual.

All information (including descriptions of or references to products, persons, web sites, services or publications) is provided entirely "as is" and the authors make no representations, warranties or conditions, either expressed or implied, in connection with the use of or reliance upon this information. This information is provided to the recipient entirely at the risk of the recipient and, because the recipient assumes full responsiblity, the authors shall not be liable for any claims, damages or losses of any kind based on any theory of liability arising out of the use of or reliance upon this information (including omissions, inaccuracies, typographical errors and infringement of third party rights).

To obtain a copy of the manual, contact the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association at: 1-800-363-8598.