The Turkey Talk Show

Is Your Shit Together & Are You in Compliance?

Episode Summary

This episode focuses on helping turkey farmers navigate environmental regulations and compliance requirements. They discuss the importance of reassessing farm operations, especially concerning manure management, water quality, and inspections by regulatory bodies like Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Key points include: Guest Speakers and Topics: Ben Slinger, Tye Rinner, and Brian Waddingham provide insights on compliance with environmental rules, manure management, and inspection preparation. Brian emphasizes the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) as a resource for free and confidential assessments to ensure farms meet DNR standards. Regulatory Focus: Increased DNR inspections across Iowa target manure management, water quality, and general farm operations, including compost piles, feedstuff storage, and structural integrity around buildings. Farmers are reminded to adhere to manure management plans if they exceed 500 animal units, while smaller farms are encouraged to adopt similar practices for environmental stewardship. Composting and Runoff Prevention: Livestock composting requires specific procedures, including adequate bulking agents and separation distances from wells and waterways. Outdoor composting is acceptable if runoff is controlled, often using berms or vegetation. Manure Management and Compliance: Farmers must calculate animal units to determine if a manure management plan is required. Guidance is available through resources like the CSIF website. Smaller farms not mandated to have manure plans are still encouraged to adopt best practices, such as soil testing and strategic application of manure to fields. Education and Support: The Iowa Turkey Federation and CSIF aim to educate farmers and provide confidential assistance to ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Farmers can seek clarification on rules through CSIF, which interprets DNR regulations objectively to help farms operate responsibly. Future of Regulations: While there is no immediate push for mandatory manure management plans for farms under 500 animal units, farmers are encouraged to adopt proactive practices in case of future changes. The episode highlights the importance of compliance for sustainable farming and provides practical resources for turkey farmers to maintain environmental responsibility.

Episode Notes

• Topic: Environmental regulations for turkey farmers and manure management compliance
• Guests:
  • Ben Slinger
  • Tye Rinner
  • Brian Waddingham (Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers)

Introduction:

• Focus on reassessing farm practices in January, particularly compliance with environmental regulations.
• Discussion includes tips for manure management, water quality, and inspections to help farmers stay compliant.

Key Points Discussed:

Manure Management:

• Importance of handling manure responsibly for fertilizing fields while adhering to state and federal regulations.

Water Quality Inspections:

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) inspections have increased across the state, focusing on water quality.
• Inspections involve:
  • Manure management plan adherence.
  • Ensuring proper separation distances from water sources and neighbors.
  • Examining compost piles, feedstuff runoff, and overall farm cleanliness.

Composting Guidelines:

• Requirements for livestock compost piles:
  • Base layer: 12 inches of bulking agent.
  • Coverage: 8–12 inches over carcasses (no visible limbs or parts).
  • Avoid runoff by using dirt berms and heavy vegetation around outdoor piles.

Animal Unit Calculations:

• Animal Units determine if a farm requires a manure management plan:
  • Example thresholds: 30,000 turkeys under 7 lbs = under 500 animal units.
  • If combined with other livestock (e.g., hogs, cattle), farmers may exceed the threshold and trigger requirements.
• Separation rules:
  • Farms with >1,000 animal units must have at least 2,500 feet of separation.

Tools for Farmers:

• Interactive calculators available on the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) website.
• Farmers can input numbers by species to check if they meet compliance thresholds.

Coalition Support:

• Free Assessments:
  • CSIF provides confidential farm evaluations to ensure compliance with DNR/EPA rules.
  • Focus on preventing runoff, proper manure storage, and addressing small issues like cracked concrete or spilled feed.
• Resources:
  • Guidance for livestock expansion and intergenerational farm transitions.

Discussion Topics:

Manure Sales & Liability:

• Farmers selling manure must ensure buyers handle it according to regulations.
• Responsibility shifts to the purchaser after the sale.

Smaller Farms:

• Farms under 500 animal units aren’t required to have manure management plans but are encouraged to adopt best practices.
• Soil testing, manure sampling, and targeted application reduce waste and environmental risks.

Future Trends:

• No immediate plans for mandatory manure management plans for small farms.
• Trend: Many small farmers voluntarily adopt principles to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Closing Thoughts:

• Farmers should stay proactive about changes in regulations to avoid surprises during inspections.
• The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers offers resources to help farmers navigate complex rules while ensuring environmental responsibility.
• “Manure is a valuable resource—use it wisely!”

Sponsors:

• Iowa Turkey Marketing Council Checkoff: Supporting education and resources for turkey farmers.
• For sponsorship inquiries, contact Sheila at the Iowa Turkey Federation.

Takeaways for Farmers:

• Stay Compliant: Regularly review manure management practices and stay updated on regulations.
• Use Resources: Leverage CSIF's free services for farm assessments and guidance.
• Plan Ahead: Conduct soil tests and maintain proper manure storage to avoid penalties and enhance farm productivity.