POLICY STATEMENT SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION SOCIETY SUBJECT: Animal Manure Management ISSUE: How to effectively maintain a strong agricultural economy and conserve a quality environment when considering the following environmental concerns: - Agriculture is under tremendous pressure from various kinds of development. - Concentrated livestock and poultry production are increasing. - Available cropland and pastureland acreage for spreading animal manure as fertilizer is declining. - Urban population and rural development continue to encroach into the traditional agricultural community. BACKGROUND: New residents to rural areas are only one to two generations removed from these same agriculture communities. This small gap in the farming generations has led to a lack of understanding, realization, and appreciation of the significance of agriculture in their lives. They may not realize that agriculture is an environmentally, economically, sociologically, and sound way of life. All people need basic things to live, including adequate food, water, space, and quality air. Livestock and poultry farmers generally are serious about maintaining and enhancing the environment and their natural resources. Farmers have historically utilized animal manure as a source of nutrients with crop production. The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has guidelines and is developing regulations that are used by farmers for managing animal manure products. The trend in the farming community is increased concentration of livestock and poultry production. At the same time, however, rapid urbanization causes a decline in the acreage available for utilizing animal manure products. Presently, South Carolina has adequate acreage to utilize the animal manure produced. But as animal production and urbanization increases, certain counties or areas may reach the point where additional nutrients cannot be utilized. Meetings with local leaders indicate a lack of understanding by urban residents, as well as, a failure by some farmers to follow management plans may be causes of conflicts. Consensus is that education of urban and rural residents will play a key role in the future to help resolve this issue, especially with urban encroachment into rural areas. The approach needs to be in-depth and involve several different agencies and organizations. The leadership of the Society has proven over the last few years that taking the stand of facilitator for several controversial issues and bringing the general public together to hear all sides of the issues is worthwhile and productive. POSITION OF THE SC CHAPTER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION SOCIETY The SC Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society supports: Agriculture as a viable lifestyle and industry necessary for a healthy economy and quality environment for South Carolina. Working with livestock industries to promote the wise use and proper disposal of dead animals and animal by-products. Education of South Carolinians on all environmental issues related to manure management and dead animal disposal. Local control of natural resources, based on wise use of all resources with state and federal input. Wise resource planning using a watershed boundary approach. Expanded training of livestock and poultry owners and operators on manure management and dead animal disposal. Improvement of the quality of our environment for all citizens of South Carolina. Research on water quality as it relates to manure management and dead animal disposal. Research on air quality (odor) as it relates to manure management and dead animal disposal. A statewide manure testing incentive program to provide data on the amount of nutrients from manure being applied to agricultural land. State funded incentive programs to demonstrate and use new technology in manure management and dead animal disposal.