2008 GRAZING SCHEDULE
The NRCS, OSU-Extension and Perry SWCD will once again sponsor a Grazing Tour for the summer of 2008. Please call 743-1325 with any questions.
July 21, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Curt Stivison
6680 Harvey Chapel Rd., Logan, OH 43138
Grazing Teff Grass and Alternative Forage
Cow/Calf Operation
August 18, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Ed Coble
14322 Hopewell Twp. Rd. 65 NW, Glenford, OH 43739
Grazing Warm Season Grass to avoid summer slump
Cow/Calf Operation
September 18, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Clyde & Linda Wyer
8898 Butcherknife Rd., Roseville, OH 43777
Fully Implemented Grazing Operation
Cow/Calf Operation
PERRY SWCD’S ROLE IN AGRICULTURAL & LIVESTOCK POLLUTION
Did you ever wonder what that smell was, as you drove down a scenic country road? Perry County has always been and continues to be a rural county, however, as our population increases more and more people experience first hand contact with livestock. Depending on your experience with livestock that may be good or bad.
Anytime livestock is confined, animals will produce odor and potential pollution problems. The Perry Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has an intricate role in resolving livestock pollution complaints. There are several State agencies that can become involved in livestock issues, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). But your local SWCD is the first contact with any livestock complaint. If one of the State agencies receives a call they typically forward that information to the SWCD.
First and foremost, the role of the Perry SWCD and all 88 SWCD’s across Ohio is one of assistance not enforcement. The Perry SWCD in accordance with Ohio Law follows up on every formal complaint received and goes one step beyond the State requirements and follows up on every informal complaint.
With any complaint, the SWCD contacts the operator to determine the validity of the complaint. If the complaint is valid, the SWCD works with that operator to resolve the problem and eliminate any potential future problems. If the operator refuses access or the assistance recommendations, then enforcement agencies such as ODA, OEPA, or ODNR are called in. The goal of the SWCD and the state agencies is farmer compliance with the law, not to shut him down and put him out of business.
Government’s role in Agriculture is to insure a safe food supply while maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Regulatory agencies do not determine the size of a farm, the number of animals or how many acres to farm. The term “Mega farm” is often used in reference to a large farm or perhaps a non-family farm, “mega farm” is not a defined term, it is slang.
A farm operation with 1000 animal units or more is defined as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and is required to obtain an operating permit from ODA. If there is a question of size of an operation, the Perry SWCD will call upon ODA for their assistance because they are the permitting authority for any CAFO. Animal units are calculated for each different type and size class of livestock and poultry. For instance, facilities with 1,000 beef cattle, 700 milking cows or 200,000 chickens would each be considered to have the equivalent of 1,000 animal units.
Anything under 1000 animal units is not required to have an operating permit through ODA, however, all operations fall under the Ohio Pollution Abatement laws and regulations. One horse, for example confined in a lot that is too small and creates a discharge into a stream could be a violation of Ohio law, and subject to corrective action.
Anytime, anyone sees a livestock operation that appears questionable, they should contact the Perry SWCD. There may be a problem, or it may be a case where the caller simply does not know if it is a problem or not. Another one of our goals is to educate the non-farming public regarding livestock production issues.
The Perry SWCD is governed by a board of five locally elected supervisors that serve without pay. The services and assistance of SWCD’s are offered to all citizens at no cost. The Perry SWCD has a 63 year history of service to the people of Perry County and our environment. If any readers have questions regarding livestock or agricultural pollution in Perry County, contact the District office staff at (740) 743-1325.
