Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta

These farm practices guidelines were developed for Alberta pork producers through the cooperation of industry, government and interested stakeholders to create greater awareness and understanding of beneficial management practices for the environment for pork producers in Alberta. 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 hog producers of various sizes. This document is a living document and will be updated regularly to incorporate new proven technologies and information on environmental practices. Individuals not experienced in pork production practices should not extract portions of this publication, nor draw inference, without considering all aspects of production. These guidelines should not be adopted literally into legislation, in whole or in part, by any level of government.

Developed by:
Alberta Pork
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Funded by:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Initiatives
Western Economic Diversification Fund
Alberta Pork
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Alberta Environmental Sustainable Agriculture
Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund

Acknowledgements:
Alberta Pork
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Intensive Livestock Working Group
Texas A & M University
Landwise
The Wilson Law Office
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Center
Alberta Environment
Alberta Association of Agricultural Fieldmen
Natural Resources Conservation Board
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canadian Farm Business Management Council
Environmental Law Center
Alberta Health and Wellness
University of Alberta
Aherne Nutrition Consulting
Westpeake Consulting Ltd.
Agviro, Inc.
Prairie Swine Centre Inc.

View/Print Manual by Chapter

1.0 Introduction - 178K PDF - Approximate download time is 1 minute.

• 1.1 Client and Objective
• 1.2 Background

• 2.1 Air Quality
• 2.2 Odour
• 2.3 Dust
• 2.4 Gases
• 2.5 Pesticides
• 2.6 Pharmaceuticals
• 2.7 Pathogens
• 2.8 Soil Erosion and Compaction
• 2.9 Excess Nutrients
• 2.10 Groundwater and Pollution Concerns
• 2.11 Nuisance
• 2.12 References
• 2.13 Appendix: Disease Risks to Humans and Livestock from Hog Manure

• 3.1 Environmental Law Relating to Hog Production - Environmental Protection Standards
• 3.2 Regulatory Approvals for Hog Operations

• 4.1 What is Conflict?
• 4.2 Preventing Conflict
• 4.3 Managing Conflict
• 4.4 Resolving Conflict
• 4.5 References

• 5.1 Site Selection
• 5.2 Site Planning
• 5.3 Shutting Down Livestock Operations
• 5.4 References

• 6.1 Manure Collection
• 6.2 Liquid Manure Systems
• 6.3 Pen Design and Management
• 6.4 Solid Manure Systems
• 6.5 Feeder Management
• 6.6 Water Management
• 6.7 Ventilation
• 6.8 Dust Control
• 6.9 Safety Precautions for Managing Livestock Manure
• 6.10 Feeds and Nutrition
• 6.11 References

• 7.1 Design Considerations
• 7.2 Types of Storage
• 7.3 Runoff Control from Manure Storage
• 7.4 Manure Storage Capacity
• 7.5 Maintenance and Monitoring
• 7.6 Manure Transporation
• 7.7 Manure Treatment
• 7.8 References

• 8.1 Nutrient Value of Manure
• 8.2 Manure and Soil Analyses
• 8.3 Crop Nutrient Requirements
• 8.4 Method of Manure Application
• 8.5 Time of Application
• 8.6 Calibration of Spreading Equipment
• 8.7 Record Keeping
• 8.8 Other Beneficial Management Practices
• 8.9 Manure Management Planning Case Study
• 8.10 Appendix: Calibration of Manure Applicator

• 9.1 Disposal of Dead Animals
• 9.2 Disposal of Veterinary Waste
• 9.3 Disposal of Chemical Farm Waste
• 9.4 Leaks and Spills
• 9.5 Options for Disposing of Contaminated Soils

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

Disclaimer
The primary purpose of the Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta is to assist producers in implementing beneficial management practices.

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 law and practice that it covers. Producers should seek the advice of appropriate professionals and experts as the facts of individual situations 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 Alberta Pork at: 780-474-8288.