Water News Archive

Small AFO VTS Demonstrations

The Animal Feeding Operation, also called the Livestock Producer Environmental Assistance Project (LPEAP), provides financial and technical assistance to small livestock producers who are concerned about protecting water quality and preserving the environment, but are exempt from current regulatory requirements.

The project purpose is to construct on-farm demonstration sites that minimize environmental risk using new concepts and alternative technologies. All demonstration projects are available for viewing by all producers.

Design Tools for Small AFOs

This spreadsheet design tool is used to assist the Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment System engineer in determining the flow rate, pipeline friction losses, elevation losses, pump capacity, and required horsepower for the pump station. This tool also evaluates the water flow characteristics in the towable sprinkler system. Here individual nozzle performance is evaluated along with tube friction loss and water velocity.

Videos and resources on vegetative treatment areas, wetlands, low water stream crossings, and water quality projects.

Screenshot from one of the Design Videos

Watch this series of six videos for information on planning a Vegetative Treatment System on a small AFO.

Standard Drawings

Alfalfa valve profile block

Deadhead standard offset

Deadhead standard offset with valve

Diesel pump with clutch

VTS Guidance Document

Vegetative Treatment Systems for Open Lot Runoff was developed under the leadership of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement, with collaboration from representatives from several land grant universities, USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and private sector representatives.

Excess nutrients in livestock feed all end up in manure because animals cannot utilize them. What you feed your livestock makes a big difference in the composition of the manure output. Feed management practices that not only meet animal requirements but minimize the amount of excess nutrients in manure help reduce risk of water contamination problems. Knowing the requirements of the animal you are feeding can improve your ability to feed the animal the correct amount of nutrients.

Past Events Archive

View resources from past stormwater management conferences and workshops.

The stormwater activity sheets below can be downloaded and used with the Stormwater Sleuth comic book or on their own. They are designed for students from 4th - 6th grades, but may be appropriate for other ages as well.

Publications

Download educational materials about stormwater management developed by Nebraska Extension Educators and Specialists.

Water News Archive

Small AFO VTS Demonstrations

Design Tools for Small AFOs

Demonstration Projects

Design Videos for Small AFOs

Standard Drawings

VTS Guidance Document

Feed Management Practices that Affect Animal Manures

Past Events Archive

Stormwater Education for Kids

Publications