Nutrient Management Program

In the spring of 1993, the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Nutrient Management Act. This law requires high-density livestock and poultry farms in the Commonwealth to develop and implement approved nutrient management plans. Plans developed under this law are written by certified specialists who have met the criteria of Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Specialist Certification Program. Plans are submitted to the county conservation districts for review and approval, if they meet program requirements. The law also encourages the non-regulated farm community to plan and implement under the act. Implemented nutrient management plans can improve water quality, reduce fertilizer costs, improve herd health and provide numerous other operational benefits to the farmer. In addition, all producers following the provisions of the law will benefit from limited liability protection afforded under the act as well as financial assistance programs provided for plan development and plan implementation. Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Act regulations went into effect in October of 1997. The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission administers this law at the state level with local administration provided by county conservation districts.

For more information on nutrient management, contact Gus Meyer at 610-489-4506 (X-14) or visit the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management web site.