Over the last three years agents and specialists of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, in conjunction with representatives of the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service and the NC-Soil and Water program, have been involved in training the State's poultry growers on proper nutrient management planning. The effort was initiated to satisfy the requirements of Senate Bill 1217, which was passed in 1996. According to the regulations, by January 2000, all poultry producers were required to have a nutrient management plan indicating the size of their operation, the approximate amount of manure that they produce each year, and records of where manure is spread and in what amounts. The purpose of this is to establish a nutrient accounting system of the amount of nutrients that the farmer is allowed to spread, and what he actually does spread. At the end of each year the farmer needs to be able to show that he has not spread more nutrients on the soil than is allowed.

Nearly all of the 4500 poultry growers in the state have received a minimum of three hours of training, familiarizing them with the regulations and record keeping. Many of these growers have attended additional sessions to practice the record keeping, and many more growers have come into county Extension, and Soil and Water offices for individual assistance, all in an effort to guarantee that the nutrient management plans are correct. Estimates by the poultry companies, indicate that on January 1, nearly 100 percent of growers were compliant with these requirements.

This effort serves as an instrument to give the State a means of assessing litter spreading practices, to judge whether there has been significant over application of manure by poultry farmers, in the past. It also guarantees, through compliance with the regulations, that over application of litter nutrients will not be possible in the future.

This whole effort of education was brought about by 38 Extension agents and specialists. USDA-NRCS and NC-Soil and Water personnel provided a tremendous amount of assistance in teaching as well as in assisting with nutrient management plans. Nearly 30 thousand dollars was contributed by the poultry industry for educational materials, with additional support for rooms, meals, and refreshments for meetings. All North Carolina poultry companies contributed to these programs.

This entire effort shows the lengths that the State is willing to go to in protecting its waters from the effects of over application of nutrients. The cooperation received from the poultry industry--both farmers and companies--shows the high degree of importance the industry places on the environment.

All Cooperative Extension Service Programs are open to all people regardless of race, religion, or disability.

For more information, call Glenn Carpenter, Poultry Specialist Chatham, Moore, Randolph, and Montgomery Counties, at (919)542-8202, e-mail to Glenn_Carpenter@ncsu.edu

This page was created by Susan Graham,
Adm. Extension Secretary

Date 02/08/00