Documentation is critical to demonstration of a CAFO's compliance with regulations and good environmental stewardship. Records are especially important if a farm experiences a spill. A farm's ability to demonstrate continued good management prior to a spill will be an important consideration in determining liability and potential penalties.

Current regulations include multiple expectations for:

1. on-farm inspections
   • Request an inspection for cow-calf backgrounders and/or ranch operations*
   • If you have been previously inspected and
     • have increased your operation by increasing head numbers you may need to be re-inspected
       (submit Form A)
     • you are a Medium AFO and have sold your operation, contact NDEQ to give them the new information.
2. records
3. annual reporting by the CAFO. (please make sure to read about new requirements for the annual report)

Sample forms for record keeping, inspections, and reporting can be found in the publication "Nutrient Management Plan: Records Checklist and Samples for Animal Feeding Operations" from Heartland Regional Water Coordination Initiative.

If you are a Permit Holder, invoices for annual fees are mailed out around February 1 and are due on March 1 of each year.