Small Town News

Many livestock feedlots must re-register

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Many of the estimated 25,000 livestock feedlots registered in Minnesota must update their registration information to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) by January 1, 2010. The information includes location, type of operation and number of livestock.

The state's feedlot rule requires all feedlot registrations to be updated at least once in a four-year cycle. Approximately 14,000 owners have already re-registered their feedlot for the current four-year cycle that ends January 1, 2010. County and state feedlot program staff will mail a two-page registration update form to owners who have not updated their registration. It asks for the maximum number of animals on the site at any time in the past five years.

Registration data is used to develop inspection strategies based on feedlot type, size, and relationship to surface water and wells. It also helps county feedlot officers stay abreast of feedlot trends in their counties, which helps them develop pertinent educational materials and programs for the producers.

Registration started with the feedlot rule revision enacted in 2000. It replaced the need for operating permits for the vast majority of livestock feedlots. Feedlots with 50 or more animal units, and 10 or more located near waters, are required to register.

Currently, state permits are necessary only for feedlot construction or expansion with 300 or more animal units, for feedlots needing to correct pollution problems, or for large feedlots--typically 1,000 or more animal units. About 1,200 large feedlots in Minnesota require National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System permits. Counties also may require feedlot permits.

More information about registration and the state's feedlot regulatory program is available on the Web at www.pca.state.mn.us.



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© 2009 Lafayette Nicollet Ledger Lafayette, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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