In recent years, a lot has changed with State and Federal, as well as local regulations involving feedlots in Minnesota. The most significant changes to affect Minnesota livestock producers were revisions to the State Feedlot rules that went into effect in October, 2000 and the adoption of new Federal feedlot regulations in April, 2003. This web site was developed to help inform and educate livestock producers about feedlot regulations and provide links to other related information sources. To assist livestock producers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has developed a suite of guides that have a wealth of information on rules, important contacts, and feedlot operation and planning. This site will be expanded and updated as the feedlot rules are implemented over time.
Animal Agriculture Support and DevelopmentPurpose: This activity provides information, educational and other forms of assistance to livestock producers. We provide information on new developments in regulations, available resources and technologies, and work to develop opportunities for enhancing animal agriculture in Minnesota. Background: Through out it's history, the MDA has supported the development of animal agriculture in Minnesota. The MDA has worked to help guide sound policy for animal agriculture and to provide assistance to livestock producers. The MDA has been involved with a number of stakeholder processes to help develop policies, rules and producer assistance programs involving animal agriculture. The Feedlot and Manure Management Advisory Committee (FMMAC) was created during the 1994 legislative session as an advisory body to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The committee was established to, "identify needs, goals, and suggest policies for research, monitoring, and regulatory activities regarding feedlot and manure management." The committee formally sunsetted after the 2003 legislative session. The MDA also worked with stakeholders in the development of the Minnesota Animal Agriculture Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). This study looked at the environmental, social, and economic impacts of animal agriculture in State of Minnesota. MDA staff Harold Stanislawski and Paul Burns, alternate, were members of the citizens advisory committee that was involved in developing this policy document. The Animal Agriculture GEIS was completed in 2002. Currently, the MDA is assisting in leading the Governors Livestock Task Force, which is devoted to looking at ways in which Minnesota can sustain and develop animal agriculture in Minnesota. The Governors Livestock Task Force will be developing a report to the legislature outlining their findings in the near future. Accomplishments:The following are major accomplishments to date: - Promotion and distribution of: The Minnesota Livestock Producer's Directory of Feedlot Resources, The Minnesota Livestock Producer's Guide to Feedlot Rules; The Minnesota Livestock Producer's Manure Management Planning Guide; and the internet-based Feedlot Decision Making Tool
- Land Application of Manure Task Force Report;
- Strategy for Addressing Livestock Odor Issues/Report from the Livestock Odor Task Force;
- Development of recommended research needs related to animal agriculture;
- Input into the MPCA's proposed revision of Chapter 7020 Feedlot Rules;
- Funded and directed the development of two land-use planning handbooks: Planning for Agricultural Land Preservation in Minnesota and Planning and Zoning for Animal Agriculture in Minnesota;
- Input into the Animal Agriculture Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) process;
- Education and outreach efforts on the feedlot registration and open lot agreement sign-ups;
- Development of and coordinated implementation of the Dairy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MDA and the MPCA; and
- Provided funding for continued manure management workshops by U of M Extension staff in TMDL watersheds in southeastern Minnesota.
External Links
MDA Contact
Ag Marketing & Development Division
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