Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans

Introduction

In 2003, Montana had nearly 28,000 farms and ranches. Livestock and poultry are the primary product on more than 16,000 of those operations. In 2003, animal agriculture in Montana generated about $1.2 billion in farm revenue. Agriculture accounted for more than 56 percent of the value of all agricultural products marketed. Clearly, livestock production is an important part of Montana’s economy and food supply. Along with the many benefits that animal agriculture provides, it also produces by-products, such as manure, litter, and wastewater. Because of their potential to affect environmental, animal, and human health, Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) have emerged as a major environmental issue in Montana, as well as the rest of the United States.

There are two types of pollution - point and nonpoint. Nonpoint source pollution is not federally regulated; however, point source pollution is regulated at both the state and federal levels. AFOs meeting specific criteria may be designated as point sources of pollution or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), which requires a discharge permit from the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Regardless of source, landowners are responsible for controlling any pollution on their property.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help by providing technical and financial assistance for the development of alternative uses of manure, timing and application, storage facilities, and improved feeding management technologies.

Environmental Impacts

The structure of Montana animal agriculture has changed over the last decade or two. Like the national trend, the total number of operations has declined across the state, while the number of animals produced has increased slightly. This translates to a higher concentration of animal units per operation. Therefore, the need for effective animal waste management has grown. The following are just a few of the waste management challenges livestock producers face today:

• Nonpoint source pollution of water resources;
• Point source pollution from feedlot or holding areas;
• Developing land-based manure management strategies for proper timing of manure application, application methods, and application rates;
• Greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. methane, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide);
• Air quality (odors); and
• Non-nutrient animal waste issues (e.g. pathogens and pharmaceuticals in manure).

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans

NRCS can assist livestock producers in developing a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Through this process, the producer and the NRCS evaluate nutrient management considerations and prepare alternatives that meet producer objectives and protect water resources.

The CNMP is a flexible planning process that can be crafted to fit livestock operations of all sizes. A CNMP addresses nutrient management, land treatment, manure and wastewater storage and handling, and includes considerations for record keeping, feed management, and alternative use strategies.

While NRCS works with livestock owners on a voluntary basis, a CNMP can also help meet requirements of federal or state regulation.

A CNMP addresses all aspects associated with manure and land application from an AFO where manure is handled, stored, and/or applied to land. CNMPs for CAFOs are modified to provide the added components of a regulatory Nutrient Management Plan.

Additional Sections of the Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans Document

• Six Elements of a CNMP
• NRCS Assistance
• Definitions
• Comparing a CNMP with an NMP

If you encounter any problems with the file provided on this page, please contact Technical Resources at 406-587-6822.

This information is also available in Adobe Reader format.

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (PDF; 916 KB)

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