Cracks in the concrete walls and floors; deterioration Seepage of silage liquid at seams in the walls Obvious surface conveyance to a drainage ditch or swale near feed storage structures Feed piled or sitting outside the bunker susceptible to encountering runoff Proper and Maintained Vegetation around Production Area It is very important to have good grass cover around the farm buildings. Well established grasses also prevent soil erosion which in severe cases could result in damage to the building pad or the footing and foundation of the barn, feed structure or manure structure. Grass also helps reduce reflected heat which in turn helps keep temperatures under control in hot weather. Grass should always be kept mowed and weeds should also be kept under control. Not only are un-mowed weeds and grass unsightly, but they can encourage rodents and can also reduce the effectiveness of natural ventilation. Tall weeds and grass provide rats and mice a place to hide that is close to the building. Most rodent control programs will stress the need to keep areas around buildings mowed frequently. Standing puddles of water encourage mosquitoes and kill vegetation, so low spots should be filled to prevent such problems. Also, drainage ditches, drainage ways, and swales should be properly mowed and maintained to give storm water an easy exit. Any trash and debris should be removed from ditches and grass and weeds kept short to encourage water flow. Other Concerns issues that may result in environmental concerns include, but are not limited to: Manure scattered around the production area on roads, along the edge of concrete pads or building foundations. Manure runoff visible. Roof runoff that is creating erosion or drainage problems. Lack of good vegetative cover for filtering storm runoff between waste storage structures, composters, or ends of the poultry houses, and drainage outlets. Overall farm appearance (a farm that good” is less likely to generate complaints from “looks neighbors). Potholes in travelways or standing water in swales. Maintenance of stormwater management structures or ponds. Beef Operations To provide environmental benefits, conservation practices must be operated and maintained as designed. The following list describes some common problems to look for in the production area of dairy operations. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the production area (manure storage, HUA pads, etc.) be kept clean and free from ANY manure that could come in contact with surface water. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Soil Conservation District are available to provide follow-up assistance if needed.
Cracks in the concrete walls and floors; deterioration Seepage of silage liquid at seams in the walls Obvious surface conveyance to a drainage ditch or swale near feed storage structures Feed piled or sitting outside the bunker susceptible to encountering runoff Proper and Maintained Vegetation around Production Area It is very important to have good grass cover around the farm buildings. Well established grasses also prevent soil erosion which in severe cases could result in damage to the building pad or the footing and foundation of the barn, feed structure or manure structure. Grass also helps reduce reflected heat which in turn helps keep temperatures under control in hot weather. Grass should always be kept mowed and weeds should also be kept under control. Not only are un-mowed weeds and grass unsightly, but they can encourage rodents and can also reduce the effectiveness of natural ventilation. Tall weeds and grass provide rats and mice a place to hide that is close to the building. Most rodent control programs will stress the need to keep areas around buildings mowed frequently. Standing puddles of water encourage mosquitoes and kill vegetation, so low spots should be filled to prevent such problems. Also, drainage ditches, drainage ways, and swales should be properly mowed and maintained to give storm water an easy exit. Any trash and debris should be removed from ditches and grass and weeds kept short to encourage water flow. Other Concerns issues that may result in environmental concerns include, but are not limited to: Manure scattered around the production area on roads, along the edge of concrete pads or building foundations. Manure runoff visible. Roof runoff that is creating erosion or drainage problems. Lack of good vegetative cover for filtering storm runoff between waste storage structures, composters, or ends of the poultry houses, and drainage outlets. Overall farm appearance (a farm that “looks good” is less likely to generate complaints from neighbors). Potholes in travelways or standing water in swales. Maintenance of stormwater management structures or ponds. Beef Operations To provide environmental benefits, conservation practices must be operated and maintained as designed. The following list describes some common problems to look for in the production area of dairy operations. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the production area (manure storage, HUA pads, etc.) be kept clean and free from ANY manure that could come in contact with surface water. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Soil Conservation District are available to provide follow-up assistance if needed.
nrcs144p2_025317.docx