| | "Pork producers and cattle feeders are the first Alberta farmers to benefit from the recent release of a new series of manuals that create greater awareness and understanding of beneficial environmental practices," says veterinarian Joyce Van Donkersgoed, Environmental Coordinator for Alberta Pork (AP) and Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA), both of which had direct input into the manuals produced for their industries.
Known as beneficial management practices (BMP) manuals, these easy-to-read books cover a comprehensive list of topics ranging from legal issues and conflict prevention, to site selection and planning, manure storage and land application and disposal of farm waste (e.g.: chemical and veterinary waste). A collaborative effort of industry and government, the first two manuals are specific to pork producers and cattle feeders. New manuals for poultry, dairy, cropping and cow/calf producers will be released by the end of 2003.
"Most farmers who pick up a copy of these manuals will find they’re already following BMPs," predicts Dale Chrapko, Provincial Conservation Coordinator with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD). He likes how the manuals provide a quick reference to specific topics and gives farmers a sound selection of beneficial management options. "Let’s face it, there are always things we could be doing better and it’s helpful to have good ideas in one place," says Chrapko, himself a farmer.
"Early feedback on the manuals has been very positive," says Michelle Follensbee, AAFRD Branch Head for Pork, Poultry and Dairy. "The manuals are very practical and producers like the way the books document beneficial environmental practices and provide management options."
The manual will be an excellent tool for producers who are developing environmental farm plans, adds Ron Axelson, General Manager of ACFA. "Busy producers need a good way to access sound, up-to-date, technical information and the BMP manual for feedlot producers will be part of the reference material we use when we do our workshops to help feeders develop and implement their environmental farm plans."
All BMP manuals will be available through related commodity associations, says Tanya Moskal-Hebert, Environmental Program Specialist with AAFRD. Like others involved in the manuals’ design, Moskal-Hebert is convinced producers will appreciate how they balance practical and technical information to "assist producers with the implementation of environmentally sustainable management practices."
"I think farmers are going to like what they see," agrees Van Donkersgoed. "Pork producers and cattle feeders have long benefited from technical and practical information to protect herd health. Industry and government saw a need to develop similar resources about beneficial management practices related to environmental sustainability. We took a really collaborative approach to the manuals and the result is a user-friendly document that gives producers a single source of good information. We anticipate updating these manuals every two to three years with new proven technologies and information on environmental practices and regulations."
For a copy of the cattle feeders' manual Beneficial Management Practices - Environmental Manual for Feedlot Producers in Alberta call 1-800-363-8598.
For a copy of the pork manual Beneficial Management Practices - Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta call 780-491-3525.
Alberta Conservation Connection - Issue 18, Fall 2002 |
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