UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A free guide from Penn State Cooperative Extension will help farmers and citizens understand which livestock and poultry operations are likely to be affected by new water-quality regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.

"New Federal CAFO Rules: Which Pennsylvania Livestock and Poultry Operations Will Be Affected?" was written by Alyssa Dodd, extension associate in agricultural environmental policy; Charles Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural and environmental economics; Les Lanyon, professor of soil science and management; and Robert Graves, professor of agricultural engineering. The first in a series of policy updates, the guide provides timely analysis and information on evolving state nutrient and water policy programs.

"This is the first major change in the EPA regulations on large-scale animal agriculture or concentrated animal feeding operations since the mid-1970s," Dodd explains. "The regulations will financially impact Pennsylvania livestock and poultry producers required to comply and will provide environmental and health benefits for citizens of the commonwealth."

The fact sheet explains why EPA revised the federal CAFO rules, highlights the major changes to the rules, outlines the process for incorporating the new rules into the current state CAFO program, and provides guidance to Pennsylvania producers to help them determine if they will need a permit and how they may be affected. It also includes a list of educational resources.

"Audiences that will find the guide useful include people involved in animal agriculture, such as farmers, agribusinesses, feed suppliers and processors, as well as public decision-makers, elected officials and anyone interested in water quality and the environment," Graves says.

"As the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection begins the process of incorporating the new federal rules into the current state CAFO program, all stakeholders need to stay informed and participate when opportunities arise to shape the state program," Abdalla says. "Everyone benefits from broader public participation, as it stimulates discussion and more perspectives."

"Even if a farm is not a CAFO now, future business decisions should take these regulations into account," Lanyon explains. "Management options often are easier to consider and financially account for when facilities are planned rather than after they are built."

To request a copy of "New Federal CAFO Rules: Which Pennsylvania Livestock and Poultry Operations Will Be Affected?" call 814-865-6713 or write to the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, Pa. 16802. The publication also is available on the Web at http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Alyssa Dodd by phone at 814-863-5884 or at AlyssaDodd@psu.edu.

Contact:

Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #145