Because animal waste storage ponds and structures are so expensive to install, the Benton SWCD began to promote practices which significantly reduce the amount of nutrients entering surface waters at a low cost to producers. Two land areas in the county are being addressed with this program. In 1995 the Benton and Sherburne County Boards of Commissioners and the Benton and Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation Districts formed a joint powers agreement to address water quality concerns in the Elk River Watershed. In 1996, Benton and Morrison SWCD s jointly applied for a grant to address concerns in the watershed above Little Rock Lake. These practices are most useful to producers who do not want to install a manure storage structure, but merely need to reduce, control or treat feedlot runoff.
Most landowners choose to install the components themselves rather than contributing cash.
Diversions can be an effective way of controlling the amount of clean water that flows through your feedlot and can help prevent dirty water from leaving your lot. This reduces the threat of pollution to rivers and lakes as well as groundwater. Fencing is commonly used in conjunction with diversions and buffer strips to assure their effectiveness. Cattle crossings reduce shoreland and streambank erosion and reduce the risk of leg injuries to livestock. USDA is an equal employment provider and employer.