Cattle Feedlot #1

Waste from the feed lot next to the ditch will wash directly into the drainage ditch and end up in the lake. This animal waste is pollution and can cause issues like high levels of E. coli bacteria in the lake. High levels of E. coli pose a risk to human health and can cause beaches to close downstream.

There are several conservation practices that could be used here to prevent the cow waste from running off into the ditch. One option is a manure management system, which collects and stores the cow waste. Another option is to install a filter strip. A filter strip is an area of planted vegetation downhill of a feedlot which filters runoff before it enters the ditch. Properly designed and maintained filter strips can remove contaminants from feedlot runoff. The Soil and Water Conservation District can help landowners learn more about implementing these practices.

Learn more about manure management from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The Cattle Pasture

The cattle pasture east of the feedlot is divided into paddocks for the purpose of rotational grazing. Rotational grazing “rotates” livestock through various pastures to prevent overgrazing. Rotational grazing can help to decrease the soil erosion, compaction, and disruption of soil microbial communities that is caused when animals eat too much vegetation and expose the soil.

A fenced crossing has been installed in the ditch between the feedlot and pasture. This keeps cattle from lingering in the stream and protects the stream bank from compaction and erosion that the cattle would cause. This crossing also provides a stable passage for people, equipment, and vehicles. By installing a fenced crossing, this farmer is improving water quality by reducing sediment that would enter the ditch by erosion of the bank.

Learn more about pasture management from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Learn more about stream crossings from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The Conservation Conscious Farm

The field in the northwest corner demonstrates reduced tillage where the new crop is planted in the residue from last year’s crop. Reduced tillage practices increase water infiltration into the soil and reduce runoff. The reduction in runoff helps to prevent eroded soil and nutrients from fertilizers from running off the field and polluting our water. Many farmers in Kosciusko County use reduced tillage practices.

This field also has a buffer of grass and trees around the outside. This buffer will help to prevent any farm chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides from running off into the ditch water. The trees serve as a windbreak between fields, which will help to prevent wind erosion, improve irrigation effectiveness, and provide wildlife habitat. Windbreaks and buffers can be used in settings outside of agriculture as well. Do you have a windbreak at home?

Learn more about reduced tillage from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Learn more about windbreaks from the United States Forest Service (USFS).