5-ITB-26-00027 Attachments A through F.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT MT4-103 MT ECS–116

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 4/2006

PASTURE INVENTORY WORKSHEET

PRODUCER FIELD/ LOCATION ACRES

FIELD OFFICE ASSISTED BY DATE:

SOIL MAP UNIT PREDOMINANT FORAGE SUITABILITY GROUP

KEY MANAGEMENT SPECIES

LANDOWNER OBJECTIVES/ DESIRED PLANT COMMUNITY

IRRIGATED DRYLAND AGE OF STAND CURRENT GRAZING SYSTEM:

(YEARS) :

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: (LBS. / ACRE / YR.) SOIL COMPACTION GRAZING SEASON OF USE:

NONE N P K EVIDENT: SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER

YES NOOTHER

FORAGE INVENTORY: POTENTIAL YIELD (Total Annual Lbs./Acre) : % of Potential Yield = ______ (Current/Potential) Measured EstimatedCURRENT YIELD (Total Annual Lbs./Acre) :

PLANT SPECIES NAME

PERCENT

COMPOSITION

TOTAL

LBS/ACRE

PREFERRED

OR DESIRABLE

FORAGE (X)

% PREFERRED

OR DESIRABLE

FORAGE

TOTAL: 100%

CONDITION AND APPARENT TREND: Check the appropriate rating in each column below. Multiply the number of answers in each row by the rating factor. The sum, divided by 3, will give the condition score and rating.

RATING

PLANT VIGOR1/

(KEY SPECIES)

YIELD

PERCENT OF POTENTIAL

PERCENT OF STAND

WHICH IS PALATABLE

FORAGE SPECIES SCORE

3 HIGH 75 100% 81 100%

2 MEDIUM 56 74% 61 80%

1 LOW 0 55% 0 61%

TOTAL:

DIVIDED BY 3 = ________ = ________ PASTURE CONDITION RATING

1/ Plant Vigor guide: If the pasture produces >0.6 AUM/Acre, vigor is HIGH. If pasture produces 0.35 to 0.6 AUM/Acre, vigor is MEDIUM. If pasture produces <0.35 AUM/Acre, vigor is LOW. Use this as a guide only.

PASTURE CONDITION TOTAL SCORE

PASTURE CONDITION RATING: SUGGESTED STOCKING RATE:

NOTES: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH = 2.6 TO 3.0 (LBS. / ACRE FORAGE X H.E.* DIVIDED BY 915 LBS. / AUM)

MEDIUM = 2.0 TO 2.5 *H. E. = Harvest Efficiency of 30% is generally recommended for pasture grazing

LOW = 1.0 TO 1.9

4/2006

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT MT4-103A MT ECS–116

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

PASTURE INVENTORY WORKSHEET INSTRUCTIONS

A. Enter producer name, field number, acres, field office, assisted by, and date.

B. List the soil map unit(s) for the field to be inventoried.

C. List the predominant Forage Suitability Group name (where developed).

D. List the desired key species the producer plans to manage for (generally two to three species).

E. List the producer’s major objectives for pasture management and improvement. If species composition change is a main objective, list the plant community that is desired to be achieved.

F. Check whether the field is irrigated or dryland. The field should be considered irrigated if it receives any type of supplemental moisture.

G. Enter the age of the stand in years.

H. Enter a short description of the current grazing system or plan.

I. Enter the current nutrient management that is being applied to the field. Enter nutrients in pounds per acre per year.

J. Check whether or not soil compaction is evident.

K. Check the predominant grazing season of use. If more than one, check all that apply.

L. Enter the potential yield for the field based on soils, and annual precipitation. Reference Soil Survey Manuscripts, Pasture Yield Tables, Soil Data Mart. Use Forage Suitability Group (FSG) yield tables where developed.

M. Enter the current yield for the pasture by total annual production, dry weight, in pounds per acre. Check whether data is measured production data or estimated from experience. Production sampling should be done based on National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH), Section 4, pages 4-2 to 4-8, Methods of Determining Production and Composition. Sampling should be done within the predominant plant community. Do not count any of the decadent material from previous year’s growth. If the plant community and production are uniform throughout the field, three clipped plots are adequate. If production in the field is not uniform, sample in areas of both high and low production, and average the data.

N. Calculate the percent of potential yield by dividing the current yield by the potential yield.

O. List the common name for all plant species currently in the pasture.

P. Estimate or measure the percent composition by weight for each individual species in the pasture. The total composition must equal 100%.

Q. Compute the total annual production (lbs/acre) for each individual species by multiplying the current yield by the percent composition for that species. EXAMPLE: 1,500 lbs. total production x 20% composition for Timothy equals 300-lbs. total production for Timothy. This information will be used to determine the appropriate stocking rate.

R. Mark an "X" in each column for the plant species that are considered desirable forage plants for the animals to be managed for. This information will help determine the percent of the pasture that is composed of desirable forage.

S. To complete the % Preferred or Desirable Forage column, carry over the percent composition number for each species marked with an "X". Total this column to determine the percent of the plant community that is desirable forage.

T. Check the appropriate Plant Vigor rating (High, Medium, Low) for the current vigor of key forage species. Vigor can be determined by examining the size, productivity and color of plants in relation to site growing conditions. Plants may have low vigor due to poor soil fertility, severity of grazing use, climatic or moisture stress, and insect or disease pressures. Reference Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring, GLTI Supplemental Publication, Montana NRPH Supplement MT3, for a detailed narrative on plant vigor. You may also use the guidance footnote under the table which attempts to correlate vigor with total production.

U. Check the appropriate range for the Yield - % of potential column.

V. Using the total preferred forage percentage, check the appropriate range of percentages the total falls within.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT MT4-103A MT ECS–116

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 4/2006

PASTURE INVENTORY WORKSHEET INSTRUCTIONS -- PAGE 2

W. Enter the total the score for each row by multiplying the number of answers in each row by the rating factor. Note that the Score column allows you to enter the Score of the Present System and the Score of the Proposed System, based on the conservation plan developed.

X. The Total Score for the Present and Proposed Systems are the sum of their total respective scores, divided by three. This provides the condition score and rating for both the Present and Planned systems. EXAMPLE: 7 / 3 = 2.3.

Y. Enter the appropriate Pasture Condition Score Rating: "HIGH" "MEDIUM" "LOW” on the blank line following the numerical score for both systems (present and planned/proposed).

Z. Calculate a suggested safe stocking rate by the following steps:

1. Determine the total pounds per acre of available forage by summing the total pounds per acre from for all species that are desirable forage for the grazing animals to be managed. Low palatable and weedy species that are grazed only occasionally should not be included. EXAMPLE: 1,500 lbs/acre x 90% = 1,350 lbs/acre.

2. Determine the appropriate Harvest Efficiency (H.E.) for the pasture, based on forage uniformity, and type of grazing system. The average H.E. for pastures under a moderate management level is 30%. Fields in good condition with a high level of grazing management may use a H.E. of 40%. Pastures in low condition with poor forage quality should use a H.E. of 25%.

3. Multiply the results from 1 above by the results in 2 above to determine the total pounds of available forage.

Example: 1,350 lbs/acre x 30% H.E. = 405 lbs/acre.

4. Divide the answer in 3 by 915 pounds per animal unit month and enter the results (AUM per acre) on the blank line provided. Example: 405 lbs/acre / 915 lbs/AUM = .44 AUM/acre.

AA. Make notes as to resource conditions, weedy or undesirable species, or other observations.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MT ECS–116

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 4/2006

EXAMPLE PASTURE INVENTORY WORKSHEET

(A) PRODUCER Name (A) FIELD/ LOCATION 3 (A) ACRES 100

(A) FIELD OFFICE Office (A) ASSISTED BY NRCS (A) DATE 8/26/2005

(B) SOIL MAP UNIT 121D (C) PREDOMINANT FORAGE SUITABILITY GROUP Loamy

(D) KEY MANAGEMENT SPECIES Orchardgrass, Timothy, Alsike clover

(E) LANDOWNER OBJECTIVES/ DESIRED PLANT COMMUNITY Increase forage production by improving fertilizer program and implementing a rotational grazing system.

(F) IRRIGATED DRYLAND (G) AGE OF STAND (H) CURRENT GRAZING SYSTEM:

(YEARS) : 7 Uses field in summer for 2 months each year.

(I) NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: (LBS. / ACRE / YR.) (J) SOIL COMPACTION (K) GRAZING SEASON OF USE:

NONE N P K EVIDENT: SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER

OTHER YES NO

FORAGE INVENTORY: (L) POTENTIAL YIELD (Total Annual Lbs./Acre) : 2,500

(M) CURRENT YIELD (Total Annual Lbs./Acre) : 1,500 Measured Estimated

(Q) PREFERRED (R) % PREFERRED

(O) PERCENT (P) TOTAL OR DESIRAGLE OR DESIRABLE

(N) PLANT SPECIES NAME COMPOSITION LBS/ACRE FORAGE (X) FORAGE

Orchardgrass 50 750 X 50 Timothy 20 300 X 20 Alsike clover 10 150 X 10 Quackgrass 10 150 X 10 Canada thistle 5 75 Houndstongue 3 45 Tansy mustard 2 30

TOTAL: 100% 1,500 90

CONDITION AND APPARENT TREND: Check the appropriate rating in each column below. Multiply the number of answers in each row by the rating factor. The sum, divided by 3, will give the condition score and rating.

(U) PERCENT OF STAND

(S) PLANT VIGOR (T) YIELD WHICH IS PALATABLE

RATING (KEY SPECIES) PERCENT OF POTENTIAL FORAGE SPECIES (V) SCORE

3 HIGH 75 100% 81 100% 3

2 MEDIUM 56 74% 61 80% 4

1 LOW 0 55% 0 61% 0

TOTAL: 7

(W) TOTAL SCORE 7 DIVIDED BY 3 = 2.3 PASTURE CONDITION RATING

(X) PASTURE CONDITION RATING: (Y) SUGGESTED STOCKING RATE: .44 AUM/ACRE

HIGH = 2.6 TO 3.0 (LBS. / ACRE FORAGE X H.E.* DIVIDED BY 915 LBS. / AUM)

MEDIUM = 2.0 TO 2.5

LOW = 1.0 TO 1.9 *H. E. = Harvest Efficiency of 30% is generally recommended for pasture grazing

(Z) NOTES: 1,500 lbs./acre x 90% preferred = 1,350 lbs./acre available forage x 30% H.E. / 915 lbs./AUM = .44 AUM/acre Canada thistle, Houndstongue, and Tansy mustard are located in 4 5 patches throughout the field and can be spot-treated without much damage to clover plants.

ATTACHMENT

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS ....................................................................................................... ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................. iii

INTRODUCTION

BMP ENROLLMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Level I BMPs Advanced-Level BMPs Conservation Plans User’s Guide to BMP Enrollment and Implementation BMP Implementation Follow-Up

KEYS TO POLLUTION PREVENTION

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ON COW/CALF OPERATIONS

Specific Water Quality Impacts Associated with Ranching Nutrient Management on Ranches Forage Production Pest Management and Pharmaceuticals Ranch Waste Management Associated Land Issues

ADVANCED-LEVEL BMP NEEDS ASSESSMENT

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

1.0 Nutrient Management

2.0 Alternative Cattle Water Sources

3.0 Prescribed Grazing

4.0 Sediment and Erosion Control Measures

5.0 Water Resources Management

6.0 Conservation Buffers

7.0 Fence Installation

8.0 High-Intensity Areas

9.0 Animal Mortality

10.0 Wellhead Protection

11.0 Wetlands and Springs Protection

12.0 Prescribed Burning

13.0 Integrated Pest Management and Pharmaceuticals

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. General BMP References Appendix 2. Setbacks Table Appendix 3. Contact Information Appendix 4. Acronym List and Glossary Appendix 5. Nutrient Budget Worksheet and Samples Appendix 6. Soil and Tissue Testing Information Appendix 7. Incentive Programs for Qualifying Farms Appendix 8. Example Record Keeping Forms Appendix 9. Employee Training Points Appendix 10. Guidance for Developing a Stormwater Management Plan Appendix 11. Notice of Intent to Implement Form and BMP Checklist i i W A T E R Q U A L I T Y B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S F O R F L O R I D A C O W / C A L F O P E R A T I O N S

COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONER ADAM H. PUTNAM

Dear Agricultural Producers:

This manual, Water Quality Best Management Practices for Florida Cow/Calf Operations

Office of the Commissioner

(850) 488-3022

The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam H. Putnam www.FreshFromFlorida.com1-800-HELPFLA

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N i i i

Steering Committee

Mike Adams – Adams Ranch

Bill Bartnick – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Pete Deal – USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service

Wade Grigsby – Private Consultant

Rick Hacht – H & H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc.

Jim Handley – Florida Cattlemen’s Association

Matt Harrison – Private Rancher

Pat Hogue – University of Florida/IFAS

Clegg Hooks – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Flint Johns – Lykes Bros., Inc.

Billy Kempfer – Kempfer Ranch

Jim Lefils – Lefils Cattle Company

Mike Milicevic – Lykes Bros., Inc.

James Payne – Deseret Ranches of Florida

Wes Williamson – Williamson Cattle Co.

Technical Working Group

Brian Boman – University of Florida/IFAS

Benita Whalen – South Florida Water Management District

Lance Laird – Northwest Florida Water Management District

Mark Luchte – Southwest Florida Water Management District

Vince Singleton – St. Johns River Water Management District

Mike Thomas – Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Glenn Horvath – Suwannee River Water Management District

Additional Contributors

Linda Crane – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Greg Hendricks – USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service

Terry Pride – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A Steering Committee was established in 2007 to update and revise the 1999 cow/calf BMP manual. A technical working group was formed to support the efforts of the Steering Committee, and was charged with developing and reviewing specific BMPs contained in the manual. An effort of this magnitude could not have been accomplished without the tireless dedication of all participants. The following is a list of individuals who participated in the development of this manual. Each of these individuals and their organizations made important contributions to the process, and their work is sincerely appreciated.

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N 1

Opening Notes

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are practices or combinations of practices that, based on research, field-testing, and expert review, are determined to be the most effective and practicable means for improving water quality. BMPs are typically implemented as a treatment train. This normally includes a combination of nonstructural and structural practices that are effective in reducing or preventing pollutant discharges. BMPs must be:

based on sound science, technically feasible, and economically viable for landowners.

The practices outlined in this manual are intended for use statewide on beef cow/calf operations, and other cattle operations. This manual does not apply to concentrated animal feeding operations, which generally require a permit. The manual can be downloaded at www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com.

If ranchers are involved in farming ventures other than cow/calf operations (row crops, sod, and silvi-culture, they should use the related BMP manuals, which are available at the same website.

Things to keep in mind as you use this manual are:

red are defined in the glossary.

using a “pencil mark” icon.

Form inside the front cover and return it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to receive future updates to this manual.

Overview of the Industry

There are more than 11 million acres of total pas-ture and rangeland in Florida, of which 5 million acres are improved pasture. Florida’s grazing lands provide significant benefits to society and the environment. Grazing lands release oxygen to the atmosphere, help to significantly cool surrounding surface temperatures, naturally filter pollutants from runoff water, reduce soil erosion, replenish our water supply, and provide aesthetic and rec-reational values. One thing to remember is that animals do not produce nutrients, but assimilate and distribute them.

Because of the large amount of pasture acreage, improperly managed pasture runoff may adversely affect the quality of our lakes and streams. The

INTRODUCTION

industry remains committed to fostering water resource protection through the implementation of BMPs. This manual, which has been endorsed by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, has been developed to promote BMPs for beef cow/calf operations in Florida. Although these practices are designed primarily to protect water quality, the implementation of certain BMPs will also have water conservation benefits. In addition, the manual addresses other activities that normally occur in conjunction with beef cattle production. Examples include intermittent row cropping and silviculture.

BMP History and Purpose

The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act (FCWA) required states to assess the impacts of nonpoint sources of pollution on surface and ground waters, and establish programs to minimize these impacts.

In 1978, Florida established a Nonpoint Source Management Program, which includes the use of structural and nonstructural BMPs to minimize nonpoint source pollution, through both regulatory and non-regulatory means.

Section 303(d) of the FCWA requires states to identify impaired waters and establish total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for pollutants entering these waters.

TMDLs establish the maximum amount of pollutants that can be discharged to a waterbody and still meet designated uses such as swimming, fishing, or as a potable water source. The 1999 Florida Watershed Restoration Act (FWRA) provided the framework for Florida’s TMDL program. Under the FWRA, once the Florida Department of Environmental Protec-tion (FDEP) establishes a TMDL, the agency may develop and adopt a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), which specifies the activities that watershed stakeholders will undertake to reduce point and nonpoint source pollutant loadings.

In watersheds with adopted BMAPs and in some other areas, agricultural producers are statutorily required either to implement FDACS-adopted BMPs or conduct water quality monitoring prescribed by FDEP or the water management district.

The FWRA gives the Florida Department of Agricul-ture and Consumer Services (FDACS) the authority to develop interim measures, BMPs, cost-share incentives, and technical assistance programs to assist agriculture in reducing pollutant loads in TMDL watersheds and other areas. The law also stipulates that the FDEP must verify that these BMPs are effective in reducing pollutant loading to waters.

2 W A T E R Q U A L I T Y B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S F O R F L O R I D A C O W / C A L F O P E R A T I O N S

Many of Florida’s ranchers who produce food, fiber, and livestock on approximately 11 million acres will be required to help meet agricultural pollutant load allocations through BMP implementation.

Pursuant to sections 403.067(7)(c), and 570.085, F.S., implementation, in accordance with FDACS rule, of FDEP-verified and FDACS-adopted BMPs gives ranchers the following advantages:

quality standards

F.S., for those pollutants addressed by the BMPs

However, nothing in this manual shall be construed as restricting the authority of the FDEP or the water management districts (WMD) under Chapters 403 and 373, F.S.

Statutory Exemptions for Agricultural Activities

Under subsection 373.406(2), F.S., any person engaged in the occupation of agriculture may alter the topography of any tract of land for purposes consistent with the practice of agriculture. These activities may not be for the sole or predominant purpose of impounding or obstructing surface waters. Agricultural activities that meet these crite-ria may qualify for a statutory exemption from an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP).

Pursuant to 373.406(9), F.S., environmental res-toration activities on agricultural lands that have minimal or insignificant impacts to water resources may also be exempt from an ERP, upon written request by the producer and written notification from FDEP or the water management district that the proposed activity qualifies for the exemption.

Even if the two exemptions above apply, they do not relieve agricultural producers located within a watershed with an adopted BMAP from either implementing BMPs or conducting monitoring.

Also, persons engaged in the occupation of agri-culture have protections under the Florida Right to Farm Act (section 823.14, F.S.). The Act states, with certain exceptions, that no farm which has been in operation for one year or more and was not a nuisance at the time of its established date of operation shall be a public or private nuisance, if the farm operation conforms to generally accepted agricultural and management practices.

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N 3

This manual contains Level I BMPs that are largely applicable to all ranchers, and Level II and III BMPs that will apply under specific circumstances. The manual includes a self-assessment tool to help ranchers determine which Level II and III BMPs are applicable to their operation. The self-assessment tool also guides ranchers in determining whether they need a formal Conservation Plan, which would be based on conservation practices contained in Section IV of the USDA-NRCS Field Office Techni-cal Guide (FOTG), and would incorporate all the applicable BMPs in this manual.

Level I BMPs

All ranchers must implement the applicable Level I BMPs to establish a foundation for environmental protection. Depending on the site-specific condi-tions or geographical location of the ranch, not all of the Level I BMPs may be applicable to every site.

Advanced-Level BMPs

Ranchers may have to implement additional BMPs, based on their “score” after completing the Advanced-Level BMP Needs Assessment. The assessment identifies water quality risk features that require special attention or protection, and also identifies specific groups of BMPs that address these issues. These Level II and III BMPs focus on high-intensity areas, livestock use exclusion, address the need for grade stabilization structures for sediment control, and list situations that require comprehen-sive prescribed grazing management practices.

Conservation Plans

Conservation planning is a natural resource problem-solving and management process, with the goal of sustaining natural resources for future generations. A Conservation Plan may be devel-oped for a single operation or for an area that crosses land ownership boundaries. A well-written Conservation Plan addresses landowner goals and objectives, and natural resource concerns. The plan includes strategies to maintain or improve yields, while also protecting soil, water, air, plant, animal, and human resources. Usually, Conservation Plans address all of the major activities on the ranch, but can be developed to target specific challenges.

Conservation Plans are particularly well-suited to cow/calf operations and farming operations that produce multiple commodities.

BMP ENROLLMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Conservation Plans are developed in accordance with the USDA-NRCS FOTG. Because not all the specific BMPs in this manual may be contained in the FOTG, Conservation Plans must also include the applicable Level I, II, and III BMPs. Assistance in developing a plan can be obtained through the local SWCD, the USDA-NRCS, the Cooperative Extension Service, and private consultants who function as technical service providers. However, the decisions included in the Conservation Plan are the responsi-bility of the owner or manager of the ranch.

User’s Guide to BMP Enrollment and Implementation

1. Choose the Pathway Applicable to You: In the flowchart below, identify the circumstances that best apply to you.

Follow steps 2 - 9 below to implement BMPs under this manual

YESAll other operations

Contact FDACS staff at:

(850) 617-1727 or

AgBmpHelp@freshfromflorida.com

YES

Does the operation have an RMS-Level Conservation Plan?

Contact FDACS Okeechobee Field Office

(863) 462-5881

YES

Is the operation in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed?

Follow SFWMD Rule 40E-63, F.A.C.;

and follow steps 2 - 9 below to implement BMPs under this manual

YES

NO

NO

NO

Is the operation in either the EAA or C-139 basin?

Producer decides to enroll in the Water Quality/Quantity

Best Management Practices for Florida Cow/Calf Operations*

* Note: If operation is in an area where a BMAP has been adopted, the producer must implement BMPs for all applicable commodities or monitor water quality. Contact FDACS Field Office for more information.

2. Consult the manual: If you are proceeding with enrollment under this manual, begin by read-ing the following sections: Introduction; Keys to Pollution Prevention; and General Informa-tion for Environmental Protection on Cow/Calf Operations

3. Conduct an inventory: The selection of BMPs begins with a basic inventory of the farm’s

4 W A T E R Q U A L I T Y B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S F O R F L O R I D A C O W / C A L F O P E R A T I O N S natural features, which will help you determine how the operation of your farm may affect envi-ronmentally sensitive areas. When developing the inventory, sketch your farm/facility, noting buildings, pastures, cowpens, electrical and plumbing lines, and water sources. Identify areas of particular concern that need to be addressed. These include streams, wetlands, springs, sinkholes, and poorly drained ponded areas, to name a few. You can use this list of concerns in selecting which BMPs are applicable to your farm.

To help you conduct your inventory effectively, the following tools are available:

Aerial photographs (http://earth.google.com/ index.html, or other providers) USDA-NRCS soil survey maps (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) USGS topographic maps (http://www.topozone.com/) National Wetlands Inventory (http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/index.html) Historic rainfall records (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html) Local tax maps from property appraiser (http://www.propertyappraiser.com/)

4. Take the Needs Assessment: Complete the Advanced-Level BMP Needs Assessment that begins on page 23, to determine whether any Level II and III BMPs are applicable to your operation, or whether you need or would like to develop a Conservation Plan.

5. Select the applicable BMPs: Read BMP sections

1.0 through 13.0 and select all of the applicable Level I, II, and III BMPs, based on your farm inventory and on the Advanced-Level BMP Needs Assessment. Record the BMPs on the checklist in Appendix 11 of this manual, as described in step 6 below.

6. File a Notice of Intent to Implement (NOI) BMPs: Complete and submit to FDACS an NOI, contained in Appendix 11 of this manual. The NOI includes a checklist on which you must iden-tify all the BMPs in the manual that are applicable to your operation and are technologically and economically feasible for you to implement. The checklist includes a column for you to schedule BMP implementation. If you have a Conserva-tion Plan, there is space provided at the end of the checklist for you to list any additional BMPs not covered in the checklist. You must submit a copy of the Conservation Plan with the NOI and checklist. Once received by FDACS, the Notice of Intent formally enrolls your operation under the BMP program. Implementation of the BMPs according to the NOI schedule provides a pre-sumption of compliance with state water quality standards for the pollutants the BMPs address.

Implementation includes ongoing record keep-ing and maintenance of the BMPs

7. Implement the BMPs: Implement all applicable Level I BMPs as soon as practicable, but no later than 18 months after submittal of the Notice of Intent to Implement. If you need additional time to implement the following Level I BMPs, you must justify the time needed in the space provided at the end of the checklist: 2.2 Upland Pond Construction Criteria; 2.3 Other Watering Sources; 5.3 Installation of Water Control Struc-tures; 6.3 Riparian Buffers. Implement all other BMPs according to the schedule (month/year) you have indicated on the BMP checklist.

8. Request on-farm technical assistance, as needed: FDACS, UF-IFAS BMP Implementation Teams, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), USDA-NRCS and/or UF-IFAS Exten-sion staff are available to assist ranchers with the mechanics of BMP identification and selec-tion. Contact information for these entities is in Appendix 3 of this manual.

9. Keep records on BMP implementation: FDACS rule requires record keeping to document BMP implementation. Fertilizer applications and rainfall amounts are two types of record keep-ing. Other record-keeping requirements in the manual are highlighted using this figure: .

All BMP records should be accurate, clear, and well-organized. You may develop your own record-keeping form or use the one provided in Appendix 8. You must retain the records for at least 5 years. However, it is desirable to retain records for as long as possible, to address any potential future legal issues. All documentation is subject to inspection.

It is advisable to consolidate your inventory and all your BMP decision-making, including the BMP Checklist, into a simple implementation plan. This plan will serve as a record of scheduled and com-pleted BMPs, including operation and maintenance activities. A well thought-out, written plan enables managers and owners to schedule their activities and accomplish their objectives.

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N 5

BMP Implementation Follow-Up

FDACS is developing a BMP “implementation assur-ance” program to help ensure that BMPs are being properly implemented, operated, and maintained.

On a staggered schedule by commodity, FDACS will mail surveys to all BMP program participants, and will conduct site visits on selected operations.

The benefits of this effort include:

o Demonstrating the level of producer participation in implementing BMPs.

o Identifying needs for additional education and implementation assistance for producers.

o Reinforcing to producers the importance of BMP implementation.

o Evaluating the effectiveness of FDACS BMP programs.

o Updating FDACS NOI records.

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Over the years, the “common-sense” recommen-dations summarized below have been embraced by many cattle operations in order to help prevent pollution problems. However, these descriptions are provided as an overview, and the formal BMPs appear later in this manual.

Maintain adequate vegetative cover

Vegetative cover helps to filter pollutants from runoff, reduces runoff velocity, and controls soil erosion. Management practices that help maintain vegetative cover usually involve distributing cattle to prevent overgrazing and allow vegetation to recover following a grazing period.

impact of grazing on water quality.

watersheds.

Carefully plan your watering and feeding sites

Most nonpoint source pollution problems occur in the vicinity of watering, supplemental feeding, or loafing areas where animals tend to congregate most often. This concentration of livestock can denude vegetation and affect soil conditions so that erosion is more likely and water percolation is diminished.

supplemental feeding and mineral stations a reasonable distance away (approximately 100 feet) from streams, drainage canals, lakes, wetlands, wells, and sinkholes.

animals away from streams, drainage canals, and lakes as much as possible.

from streams, drainage canals, and lakes as much as possible. Leaving or planting small, scattered clusters of trees in upland areas of pastures can provide shade structures.

water supplies, or shade structures periodically to prevent areas of concentrated waste accumulation and denuded vegetation.

Carefully plan your temporary holding areas

Concentrated animal areas such as cowpens and other temporary holding areas have the potential to produce large pollutant loads.

KEYS TO POLLUTION PREVENTION

from a canal, stream, or lake, or include a berm to prevent runoff into the watercourse.

are located near a watercourse and can’t be relocated, use filter strips, grassed waterways, berms/diversions, or waste management systems to minimize the transport of pollutants.

Use structural techniques to abate pollution

Sometimes it may be impossible to locate supplemental feeding or shade facilities outside of sensitive water quality areas. In such cases, other techniques can be used to help keep sediment, nutrients, and organic matter out of the water.

plug drainage canals, and restore water through internal marshes, cypress ponds, or other natural wetlands that can assimilate nutrients.

The plugging of canals and/or some diversion of natural surface flows may require permits under Chapter 373, F.S. Contact your water management district prior to making structural modifications and/or changes. In addition, if you are a USDA program participant, contact them before conducting any clearing, land leveling, excavation, ditches, or similar activity, to ensure that you retain your eligibility for USDA program benefits.

strips, diversions, sediment traps, swales, and retention and detention ponds.

Minimize offsite discharge

Pollutants are carried offsite by water. By reducing the amount of water leaving your property, you can reduce the offsite water quality impacts.

tailwater.

water control structures, such as a flashboard riser on culverts, to retard water flow.

mechanically removed instead of using herbicides, due to high nutrient releases when the vegetation decomposes.

8 W A T E R Q U A L I T Y B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S F O R F L O R I D A C O W / C A L F O P E R A T I O N S o Pile vegetation and sediment away from the ditch so nutrients don’t wash back into the water.

o Use turbidity screens in the water at discharge points so turbid water does not leave your property.

clean water before discharging offsite.

in upland areas to reduce cattle use of natural wetland systems.

Manage nutrients carefully

You can minimize pollutants leaving your property by carefully controlling imported materials that you use and apply on your ranch. Pollutants can come from fertilizers, sludge application, pesticides, chemicals, and fuels. If these materials are properly stored, applied, and disposed of, there is less chance they will be carried offsite in runoff.

determine fertilization rates.

and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) fertilizer recommendations.

with your FDEP Agricultural Use Plan.

biosolids directly to wetlands or watercourses, or prior to forecasted heavy rainfall.

be stored away from wetlands and other watercourses.

Waste reduction strategies

You can also minimize pollutants leaving your property by carefully controlling pesticides, chemicals, and fuels. If these materials are properly stored, applied, and disposed of, there is less chance they will be carried offsite in runoff.

carefully.

order.

Minimize the potential for erosion

Cows aren’t the only ones contributing to soil erosion. Human activities, such as land clearing, culvert installation, road building, ditch and canal maintenance, pasture renovation activities, and production of certain short-term crops (watermelons, sod) can lead to erosion that can increase pollutant loading.

cover.

along drain areas, wetlands, and watercourses.

sedimentation control practices.

streams and canals. If stream crossing cannot be avoided, locate the crossing in the area of least impact, considering habitat, soil types, slopes, streambed characteristics, and bank stability.

Hard surface crossings can be concrete or geo-textile fabric with rock on top.

leaf area to maintain a healthy vegetative cover.

Develop a ranch Conservation Plan

Results of the Advanced-Level BMP Needs Assessment may indicate that you need to develop a ranch Conservation Plan; however you may wish to do so in any case. Such a plan, developed with help through USDA-NRCS or other technical service providers, can help guide management decisions for improved water quality.

Employee training

Employees whose job duties relate to BMPs should be properly trained prior to implementing the BMPs. Training sessions should be documented in the Employee Training Log in Appendix 9 of this manual.

keeping to appropriate employees.

its goals and priorities are clear.

2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N 9

General Information for Environmental Protection on Cow/Calf Operations

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Waste from animals grazing on native pastures generally does not increase the nutrient levels in an area, as long as sufficient space is provided for each animal. However, intense grazing on improved pastures with the addition of supplemental feed can increase the risk of dissolved nutrients enter-ing surface waters. This can elevate nutrient levels and disrupt the natural balance, adversely affecting water quality and aquatic flora and fauna. This section discusses some of the typical water quality impacts associated with ranching.

Pollutants and Pollutant Sources

Nutrients

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus are the most common sources of water quality impairments in Florida. These nutrients usually enter waterbodies through stormwater runoff. However, they can be introduced directly into the water from animal waste if livestock are allowed to loaf in wetlands or water-bodies. High levels of nutrients in surface waters result in abnormal plant growth, or eutrophication.

The nitrogen form most abundant in natural waters is nitrate. Due to its high mobility, nitrate can also leach into groundwater. Ammonia is an inorganic source of nitrogen and originates primarily from urine. Phosphorus is one of the key elements neces-sary for growth of plants and animals. In terms of freshwater lake ecology, it tends to be the (growth) limiting nutrient. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus is generally retained in the soil by a complex system of biological uptake, absorption, and mineraliza-tion. Phosphorus enters waterbodies as particulate matter via sediment transport, or can be dissolved in water.

Sedimentation

Sedimentation occurs when eroded soils are washed into surface waters, creating a buildup of solids on the bottom and suspended solids in the water column. Sedimentation most commonly associated with cattle grazing comes from the erosion of denuded areas and streambanks. Sus-pended solids from sediments reduce the amount of sunlight available to aquatic plants, cover fish spawning areas and food supplies, clog and harm the gills of fish, and can adversely affect shellfish.

These effects combine to reduce fish, shellfish and plant populations, and decrease the overall pro-ductivity of lakes, streams, estuaries, and coastal

SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY IMPACTS

ASSOCIATED WITH RANCHING

waters. Recreation may also be limited because of decreased fish populations and reduced desir-ability of downstream swimming areas. Deposited sediment also reduces the flow capacity of roadside ditches, streams, rivers, and navigation channels, which can result in more frequent maintenance dredging or flooding. Chemicals, such as some pesticides, phosphorus, and ammonium, may be transported in sediment. Over time, the aquatic environment can cause these chemicals to be released from the sediment into the water column.

Fecal Coliforms

Fecal coliforms are bacteria that can cause disease, and are another source of water quality impairment.

While high numbers do not result in eutrophic con-ditions, they can pose a health hazard to animals and humans. Furthermore, the decomposition of fecal and other organic matter in water can lead to increased biological oxygen demand and lower dissolved oxygen levels. Health impacts to humans and livestock include dysentery, gastrointestinal infections, ear infections, and skin infections, especially in open wounds. Fecal coliforms are an indication of recent contamination, since they have a relatively short survival period in water. The risk of fecal coliform contamination by animals that are allowed direct access to a waterbody is higher, although runoff from high-intensity areas may compound the problem. Spreading uncomposted manure, residuals, or septage as fertilizer may also lead to increased fecal coliform numbers in nearby waterbodies. The likelihood of pollution is increased if these materials are applied in excess of agronomic rates or when wet weather conditions prevail.

Water Quality Degradation Indicators

Algae

Algae are essential to aquatic systems. As a vital part of the food chain, algae provide the nutrition necessary to support all aquatic animal life. Cer-tain types of algae also provide habitat for aquatic organisms. Blue-green algae (which are actually a photosynthetic bacteria known as cyanobacteria) are usually found in freshwater systems, most commonly in calm, warm waters with high levels of nutrients. While cyanobacteria are naturally present in low numbers, increased algal produc-tion can cause many problems in a waterbody.

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Cyanobacteria can become so abundant that they will cause a scum layer to form on the surface, shading the sunlight-dependent life below and dis-turbing the food chain. Cyanobacteria produce a small amount of toxin, which is generally harmless to animals and humans when algal populations are under control; however, livestock and pet deaths have been attributed to consumption of water with an abundance of cyanobacteria. The toxin is known to cause liver and nervous system effects in humans as well. Cyanobacteria toxin cannot be eradicated by boiling or ultraviolet irradiation, so untreated surface water (any water not obtained through a public water system) with increased cyanobacteria poses a risk. Potential risks from recreational contact include skin, respiratory, and mucous membrane irritation. Other algal blooms can significantly alter the natural balance of the flora and fauna by causing a waterbody to become anaerobic. This results in a failing or impaired ecosystem. Certain types of noxious weeds or a monoculture of one or two species of plants can indicate an imbalance of nutrients in a waterbody, which can also lead to further problems in the ecosystem.

Dissolved Oxygen

Water systems both produce and consume oxygen.

Oxygen is obtained from the atmosphere and from plants through photosynthesis. The presence of algal blooms, noxious weeds, and too many float-ing aquatic plants can reduce the amount of oxy-gen available in a waterbody by blocking sunlight necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Respiration by aquatic animals, decomposition of organic material, and various natural chemical reactions consume oxygen. The amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in breaking down manure and other wastes is known as the biochemical oxygen demand or BOD. If BOD exceeds the amount of dissolved oxygen in a waterbody, widespread fish kills can occur. If dissolved oxygen levels are already lower due to algal blooms or other flora, the likelihood of a fish kill increases.

Turbidity

Turbid water as a result of excessive sedimentation is another water quality degradation indicator. Great care must be used to prevent livestock-induced ero-sion of stream banks and the loss of sediments to waterbodies. Soil and sediment can fill in water bodies, clog waterways and affect water clarity.

Suspended sediment can have numerous effects on fish; decreased penetration of sunlight can affect the feeding and breeding behaviors of fish, and the sediments themselves can clog gills and cause irritation to the mucous membranes covering the eyes and scales. As the sediment settles, fish eggs are susceptible to suffocation due to burial.

Nutrients and toxins can also attach to sediments, which can contribute to downstream eutrophication and pollution.

Strategy to Minimize Water Quality Impacts

Using BMPs to achieve water quality protection while maintaining, or even improving, agricultural productivity is not a new process. However, doing this most effectively requires a business model that includes the following steps:

BMPs in this manual* correctly, and if not

As a critical part of this process, ranch operators should conduct an inventory of the farm’s natural resource features, as noted in the BMP Selection and Implementation chapter. The outcome of this exercise will be a plan – remember to keep it avail-able and update it regularly. The plan will also help you communicate with your employees and your county agent, USDA-NRCS staff, or others.

* Many of the BMPs in this manual will address more than one environmental issue. Therefore, by imple-menting the BMPs, you usually solve more than one problem.

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The sections below describe managing plant nutrients to achieve optimum forage yields while minimizing the movement of nutrients to surface and ground water. Nutrient management considers the amount, source, form, placement, and timing of nutrient applications. All sources of plant nutri-ents, such as organic and inorganic fertilizers and nutrient reserves within the soil, must be considered when developing a nutrient management program for a field or a ranch.

Source Reduction

Perhaps the first thing to remember when develop-ing plans for nutrient management on grazing land is that animals do not produce nutrients. Animals consume, excrete, move, and retain nutrients.

However, they are not the source of the nutrients.

All of the nutrients excreted by grazing animals on Florida’s ranches come from natural or human sources.

Natural nutrient sources generally include soil min-eralization, atmospheric deposition, and nitrogen cycle processes. If the field is not fertilized and no supplemental feeds are given, the cattle will be totally dependent upon naturally occurring sources of nutrients. Fertilizer, supplemental feed, and irrigation water are the major sources of human-imported nutrients. The kind and amount of nutri-ents imported into a particular field will depend upon feed and pasture management. Nutrients imported into fields can be controlled to a great degree through management decisions.

Although grazing animals do not produce nutri-ents, they do affect nutrient distribution. Research indicates that grazing animals excrete nutrients in proportion to the amount of time they spend in an area. Research also shows that grazing cattle will spend their day doing three tasks: eating, sleeping, and loafing. When forage is available, cattle spend about eight hours each day on each of these tasks.

However, if forage is limited, they may spend as much as ten hours per day grazing. Because cattle in Florida typically loaf and sleep in areas other than those in which they graze, they will transfer nutrients from the grazed area to the loafing and sleeping areas. If the sleeping or loafing area is in or near an environmentally sensitive area, the transfer of nutrients can cause or contribute to water quality problems.

There are four simple steps that can be taken to

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON RANCHES

improve nutrient management and minimize the potential for water quality problems:

nation of ground or surface water is to reduce the amount of nutrients imported onto a ranch.

Therefore, the reduction of feed brought onto the ranch can play a big part in managing nutrients.

If supplemental feed is needed, it is best to use feed in areas away from wetlands and other watercourses. This will reduce the potential for manure or unused feed to be washed into surface waters.

ing animals congregate. The soil in these areas often contains adequate nutrients for plant growth, so fertilizer applications are unnecessary.

and streams. This will reduce the potential for nutrients to be transported offsite during heavy rainfall.

be transported offsite, do not apply fertilizer to pasture swales and v-ditches that have standing water.

nutrient uptake by the plants because the acid nature of much of Florida’s soils prevents opti-mum forage growth and limits the effectiveness of the fertilizer.

Nutrient Budget

A nutrient budget should be developed that consid-ers all nutrient sources (soil residual, crop residues, organic and inorganic fertilizer, and irrigation water) and compares them to the forage crop nutrient requirements. Use the Nutrient Budget Worksheet in Appendix 5 to determine whether additional plant nutrients are needed. In general, ranchers can use a combination of soil and tissue testing, and UF-IFAS recommendations, to guide fertilization decisions. The UF-IFAS fertilizer recommendations for forage crops can be found in Fact Sheet SL-129, Standardized Fertilization Recommendations for Agronomic Crops, which can be found online at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS163

Ranchers should consult SL-129 before applying supplemental nutrients. On established bahiagrass pastures, nitrogen should be applied based on the intensity of grazing. Other perennial grasses may need nitrogen in late winter and at other times

1 4 W A T E R Q U A L I T Y B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S F O R F L O R I D A C O W / C A L F O P E R A T I O N S throughout the year. Application rates should be based on UF-IFAS recommendations, with an emphasis on phosphorus (P) using three criteria:

soil pH levels; available P content as determined by soil test results; and plant tissue testing results.

The nutrient analysis of non-farm organic fertilizer (e.g. municipal sewage sludge) can be obtained from the sludge hauler or waste treatment plant.

The nutrient analysis of other organic materials, such as poultry litter and dairy wastes, may be obtained from labs.

Timing of Nutrient Application

To avoid nutrient losses through runoff, apply fer-tilizers during times when soils are not saturated.

When irrigating, refer to the water budget provided by USDA-NRCS for your county to determine the times for the lowest potential for nutrient loss from rainfall. Timing of nutrient applications should coincide as closely as possible with periods of plant growth and nutrient uptake.