Many small acreage livestock owners live within or close to residential areas.  The amount of land per animal is typically small, which can create problems with manure storage, handling and utilization.  Rain and melting snow can carry pollutants associated with livestock manure and related activities into our waters. These pollutants can harm your own drinking water well or your neighbor’s, contaminate groundwater and adversely affect our properties.

Being informed is the first step to taking good care of your animals and land.  Check out these valuable resources: 

Fact sheet 1: Livestock on Small Acreages: Protecting Water Resources and Health

Fact sheet 2: Livestock Yards and Manure Storage Areas on Small Acreages: Protecting Water Resources and Health

Fact sheet 3: Livestock Pastures, Fencing, and Watering on Small Acreages: Protecting Water Resources and Health

Fact sheet 4: Livestock on Small Acreages: Assessing Your Risks to Water Resources  

Self-assessment worksheet 1:  Livestock Yards and Access, Assessing your Risk

Self-assessment worksheet 2: Livestock Manure Storage, Assessing your Risk

Or check out the whole Healthy Landscapes website.