Livestock Programs
South Yakima Conservation District is home to the largest population of dairy livestock in Washington and also has several beef producers. Naturally, livestock programs are some of the highest priorities for the district. Livestock operations can range from large dairies and ranches to small family farms and pastures. We're proud to serve diverse farming operations in the lower valley, many of which span multiple generations.
1 | Dairy Nutrient Management Plans (DNMPs) and Livestock NMPs
Dairy Nutrient Management Plans and Livestock Nutrient Management Plans serve as guides for producers to best utilize nutrients from manure while protecting natural resources. The plan is specific to each individual dairy or livestock operation and involves collection, transfer, storage, treatment, and utilization of manure. It also focuses on farm facilities, management, production, and emergency protocols.
Some of the benefits of DNMPs and Livestock NMPs include:
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Cleaner and safer farm environment for animals and people
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Improved soil health and productivity
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Increased crop yields
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Odor reduction and improved air quality
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Reduced fertilizer costs
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Protecting surface waters and groundwater
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South Yakima Conservation District writes new DNMPs and Livestock NMPs as well as plan updates. Dairy and livestock producers are encouraged to update their plan every five years and/or when the number of animals is expected to increase by more than 10%. SYCD is also in charge of approving and certifying plans.
2 | Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs)
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans are written by certified CNMP planners for dairy and other livestock producers seeking Federal funding (such as through NRCS and FSA) to implement manure management practices. In addition to updating and keeping a record of a dairy's DNMP, South Yakima CD can get producers in contact with CNMP planners and review and keep extra records of CNMPs.
3 | Assistance with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Permits and Manure Pollution Prevention Plans (MPPPs)
The Washington State Department of Ecology is in charge of CAFO Permitting. One of the requirements of the permit is an MPPP. South Yakima CD can help with questions livestock owners may have about the current CAFO Permits, including state and combined permits. We can also help write a new MPPP or make updates to an existing MPPP.
4 | Farm Improvements and Technical Assistance
South Yakima CD can assist with planning improvements in the form of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for dairies, livestock facilities, and grazing operations. We can cover the cost of engineering services for designs, and we can provide cost-share assistance for the implementation of BMPs on the farm. For more information about cost share, visit our Cost Share Assistance page.
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Common BMPs for dairy, livestock operations, and grazing include (but are not limited to):​
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Access Control (gates)​​
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Composting Facility
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Prescribed Grazing
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Fence (physical fence or virtual fence)
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Nutrient Management
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Pond Sealing/Lining
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Waste Storage Facility
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Waste Facility Closure
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Pasture and Hay Planting
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Livestock Shelter Structure
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Roof Runoff Structure (gutters for diverting rainwater)
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Roofs and Covers
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Heavy Use Area Protection (concrete or gravel for feed lanes or feeding pads, commodity areas, watering areas, etc.)
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Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation
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Waste Transfer (pipelines for waste/manure conveyance to storage structures or to irrigation systems)
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Dust Management for Pen Surfaces
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Dust Control on Unpaved Roads/Surfaces
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Soil Carbon Amendment (using manure spreaders for fertilizing fields and increasing soil organic matter)
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Tree and Shrub Planting
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Watering Facility (troughs)
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Livestock Pipeline (pipeline for supplying drinking water for livestock)
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Waste Separation Facility
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Waste Treatment
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Pumping Plant (pumps for water, waste transfer, etc.)
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Stream Crossing