Underwood Conservation District
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Resources for Livestock Owners Livestock ownership is an important part of rural living in Klickitat and Skamania Counties. Residents may raise livestock as means of food production and economic activity or for the enjoyment of caring for animals and the land. From small farms with a few chickens to large cattle ranches, animal keeping is part of life in this area. While livestock can be a great joy, animals can have an impact on the quality of our soil and water resources, particularly when soil becomes compacted and nutrients from animal manure become saturated from rainfall and flow toward ground and surface waters. Manure contains high concentrations of bacteria, nutrients and pathogens. Good farm management keeps manure away from surface and ground water and uses nutrients from animal waste as fertilizer. See below for ideas on how to keep streams and groundwater healthy and remember, cover that manure pile with a tarp! MANURE SHARE: Get Yours! Underwood Conservation District (UCD) has organized a Manure Exchange to benefit livestock owners and gardeners. The Manure Share pairs gardeners searching for sources of local organic soil amendments with livestock owners that have excess fresh and composted manure. Livestock owners may have more animal manure than they can use on their farm and offering it to local gardeners reduces potential water pollution. Farmers may have raw or composted material available, be sure to ask. UCD recommends that you treat all material as raw organic matter and compost it further before you use it in order to reduce weed seeds, pathogens and parasites. Download the list to find a source of manure near you, or call UCD at: 509-493-1936. We are currently seeking livestock owners to participate, if you would like to be included on our list, please fill out this page, or call UCD. Need tips for making the most of manure in your garden? Check out the Gardener’s Guide. MUD – Tips on reducing mud in livestock areas Mud is the result of fine organic matter, soil, and water. Find suggestions on reducing mud in your animal areas below. Key concepts are to reduce water by installing gutters or drainage, reduce organic matter by removing manure, and consider using a footing material like wood chips or gravel. Managing Livestock on Small Acreages – Start here! Confinement Areas Tip Sheet – Grow better pastures by using confinement or sacrifice areas Managing Roof Run-off – Consider installing gutters! A barn that is 30 ft by 30 ft produces 558 gallons of water for each inch of rain! Presentation on Reducing Mud by Horses for Clean Water’s Alayne Blickle Make Manure a Resource! There are numerous ways to compost manure, but the bottom line is to cover your pile to protect valuable nutrients from washing away and impacting ground and surface waters. Composted manure is a valuable soil amendment. Use it to improve your pastures or garden or give it away through UCD’s Manure Share. Compost and Use Manure – Small farm compost designs Compost Design Options (1MB) – Small to large farm composting guide Fertilizing with Manure – Application rates and methods by WSU Extension Presentation on Managing Manure by Horses for Clean Water Growing Great Pastures Pasture and Hayland Renovation – Guide on pasture renewal options from WSU Extension Sustainable Pastures – From Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) Rotational Grazing – From ATTRA King Conservation District See pasture publications and tip sheets Presentation on Growing Pastures by Horses for Clean Water Pasture Management Calendar – Developed for horses but principles apply to all livestock Managing Weeds Calendar with management options for common weeds Managing Small Acreages Managing Small Acreage Horse Properties (2MB) – Tips and ideas for productive farms Free Site Visit And Farm Plan If you would like assistance developing a farm or forest plan to help you overcome your natural resource challenges, contact the Underwood Conservation District. Plans are voluntary and come with no obligation to implement the recommendations. We do our best to schedule site visits with interested landowners in the order received, and as time and funding allow. Cost Share Opportunities – Click here to see options and opportunities Questions? Contact: Underwood Conservation District 509-493-1936