This research effort was directed toward the application of remote sensing techniques to the detection and monitoring of pollution from cattle feeding operations. Five livestock feeding operations were selected for the study along the James River from Huron to Redfield, South Dakota. Thirteen aerial missions were flown from January 1, 1971 through June 30, 1972, providing aerial photography and thermal infrared data under various weather conditions. Water samples were collected during nine of the aerial flights at fourteen river locations. Water samples were collected a minimum of every three weeks on a regular schedule to allow independent analysis of the water quality data. Data analysis consisted of visual interpretation of aerial photography and statistical analysis of film densities and water quality parameters. Film densities were read at the location of the fourteen water sampling sites and correlated with the water quality parameters. Analysis of variance and linear regression techniques were also utilized. Results indicated that remote sensing techniques utilizing low and high altitude aircraft photography can be used to locate potential feedlot pollution sources.