As Ohio’s livestock industry moves into the 21st century, it will be impacted by changes in nutrient management as well as population shifts.  The trend toward the use of the P-Index rather than crop removal rates to determine phosphorus loading rates, raises concerns of maintaining a sustainable system.  Potash, which is not considered an environmental pollutant, can affect animal health and the impact of heavily amended soils needs to be addressed.  As livestock becomes more concentrated, manure management systems will be modified.  Current liquid systems are relatively inexpensive to install but produce high volumes of material that are expensive to transport or utilize and can negatively impact the environment.

In Ohio, the livestock industry faces both urbanization and “ruralization.”  The challenges facing livestock operators in areas of population growth include high land prices, more neighbors, less isolation and decreased crop land for manure application.  However, these areas have a large customer base and land can be considered an investment.  In areas where population is decreasing, which is more common in Ohio, land is a poor investment and stable communities may not favor new livestock operations.  However, these “ruralizing” areas have the advantage of fewer neighbors, more cropland, and underused infrastructure.  New or expanding operations can take advantage of roads, water, electric and sewer systems already in place.  The success of Ohio’s livestock industry will require the ability to take advantage of opportunities and to develop solutions to challenges.