To the editor:

Swine producers in Minnesota are proactive in their protection of the environment. Their commitment to environmental protection starts when they determine they need the facility. Great care goes into designing the facility for the protection of the environmental and comfort of the pigs and people. Farmers utilized professional engineers that have been licensed by the State of Minnesota to design facilities based on the soil conditions onsite. All construction plans are reviewed by regulatory agencies for compliance with state requirements. Once construction begins there are inspections of the construction by both the project engineer and regulatory agencies. Prior to the facility being used, it must receive final approval from the regulatory agency which includes a certification from the engineer that it was built according to the standards.

Even after the facility is constructed, farmers continue protecting the environment. Producers monitor their facilities for proper operation including water usage, routine cleaning and manure storage area operation. They are monitoring the levels in the manure storage area to ensure they have adequate storage for manure until it can be applied by trained applicators according to their manure management plan. They are monitoring the perimeter tile around the manure storage structures to ensure there is no evidence of manure outside the storage structure.

During the spring and fall of the year, they are planning where they can best use the manure for crop production. Using manure for crop production not only provides a local source of fertilizer but it also increases the organic material and biomass in the soil. There are many benefits of manure beyond the main macro nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Manure can increase the water holding capacity and microbiological activity in the soil. Which will help reduce runoff and allow more water to be available to the growing crops.

Swine producer’s commitment to the environment extends beyond their individual facilities. Producers have contributed significant resources to Industry association groups to research best management practices for both the operation of the barns and to protect the environment. Producers have made this commitment to ensure the long-term viability of all sizes of operations and to continue to produce a high quality, affordable protein source while utilizing less resources.

David Preisler

Mankato

Chief Executive Officer

Minnesota Pork Producers

Association