clean and clear

agriculture

medium farm operations

In response to changes in federal regulations for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) the State of Vermont is in the process of forming its own program to govern medium sized farms in the State. The program will be in compliance with federal CAFO standards and should help farmers adhere to Accepted Agricultural Practices and reduce the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients that find their way into Vermont waterways.

These medium sized farms (MFOs) are defined according to animal numbers and the generation of waste. Upon implementation of the program, MFOs will be required to operate under the coverage of a General Permit that will aid them in complying with water quality standards of the State.

A MFO is an animal feeding operation which houses:

• 200 to 699 mature dairy cows
• 300 to 999 cattle or cow/calf pairs
• 300 to 999 veal calves
• 750 to 2,499 swine weighing over 55 pounds
• 3000 to 9,999 swine weighing less than 55 pounds
• 150 to 499 horses
• 3,000 to 9,999 sheep or lambs
• 16,500 to 54,999 turkeys
• 9,000 to 29,999 laying hens or broilers with a liquid manure handling system
• 25,000 to 81,999 laying hens without a liquid manure handling system
• 1,500 to 4,999 ducks with a liquid manure handling system
• 10,000 to 29,999 ducks without a liquid manure handling system
• or any other animal type that the Secretary may determine.

Animals must be confined in a non-vegetated area AND the confinement must be for 45 days or more during a 12-month period.

So far, 185 farms have been identified as MFOs in the state of Vermont. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets will work with those farms and the additional MFOs not yet identified to assure they do not have an improper waste management system and that nutrients are properly land applied. Major program components include criteria for nutrient management and waste storage. This new regulation, supported by the Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Nutrient Management Incentive Grants Program, and the Farm Agricultural Practices Program will help to ensure improved water quality in the State of Vermont in a way that is also financially viable for our farmers.