Over 14 percent of large-capacity producers instituted or changed their air quality monitoring program in the past 5 years. Feedlot personnel are on the front lines dealing with situations that may result in environmental impacts. Over 35.0 percent of large-capacity feedlots reported that they had changed or developed a training program related to environmental concerns in their organization. Feedlots have been recognized as a potential nonpoint source of pollution. Nearly 40.0 percent of large-capacity producers developed or changed a dust control program due to environmental concerns or regulations.
Manure disposal can be a critical issue for some feedlots.
There is increasing concern about manure application rates and potential contamination of surface and ground waters. Most producers disposed of manure on land owned or operated by the feedlot. This method accounted for 42.9 percent of the manure. This practice can be useful in customizing manure application rates to the needs of the soil. Testing nutrient content of manure was reported by 38.0 percent of large-capacity producers.