Abstract |
This document is a reference source for owners and operators of animal feeding operations (AFOs) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to learn about the federal financial and technical assistance programs available to address environmental concerns. This document includes summaries of information from various sources describing the federal programs that provide grants and loans available to AFOs and CAFOs. Because of the current trends in the livestock industry, more stringent regulations might require owners and operators of AFOs and CAFOs to develop nutrient management plans and to implement best management practices (BMPs) to address water quality concerns. This document presents a number of federal programs available for AFOs and CAFOs to obtain financial and technical assistance in developing nutrient management plans and BMPs to reduce impacts on water quality and public health. Financial cost-share and loan programs can help defray the costs to install structural BMPs, such as waste storage facilities, or to implement management practices, such as use of conservation buffers or rotational grazing systems, to protect water quality. |