The October workshop for the National Animal Waste Managment Initiative will bring together extension, research, and industry representatives to develop a strategic plan for addressing livestock waste issues.   The need to address potential problems associated with animal manures was recognized under the Clean Water Act of 1998 and recent media attention has increased public awareness and concern regarding livestock waste.  To address these concerns, the Initiative identifies several research areas, including rates and methods of land application, animal nutrition, air quality, pathogens, social and economic effects, water quality, food safety, economic effects, alternative treatment technologies, and value-added products.  A primary goal of the Animal Waste Management Initiative is to establish committees that will coordinate multi-state, multidisciplinary research and extension programs.  However, funding for research and extension is currently under debate as the federal government works to pass a budget.

For more information on the National Animal Waste Management Initiative, visit http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/waste_mgt/wmi/

Key points made during Rozum’s presentation that may affect Ohio:
1) Some states currently require state certification to apply anmal manures.
2) The Federal EPA is developing guidelines for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans.  While the guidelines are currently out for comment, they are expected to be in place for swine and poultry next year and will be followed by guidelines for beef and dairy.
3) Air quality appears to be next on the list for regulation.
4) Food safety issues related to the potential for livestock runoff to transmit pathogens to crops are gaining attention.
5) Because federal funding of animal waste issues has been heaviest in water quality, land application, and treatment/storage/collection, the greatest need for research is in mortalities, animal by-prducts, air quality, nutrition, pathogens, and social and economic effects.
6) Potential funding under the NRI requires manure management to be included in systems research or water shed impacts projects.