Decisions for how and where to confine livestock for a short-term period will impact whether or not the operation is defined as an animal feeding operation (AFO) and will dictate the need for an inspection. Selecting an appropriate site to provide easy access for feeding and managing animals, along with managing the site to minimize environmental impact are also important considerations.

Dr. Amy Millmier Schmidt, Livestock Bioenvironmental Engineer in the UNL Biological Systems Engineering Department, recorded a webinar titled Environmental and Regulatory Considerations During Temporary Confinement of Cattle (updated April 2015). In this webinar, Dr. Schmidt discusses manure management and permitting requirements for confined livestock. She also discusses what factors determine the need for a regulatory inspection and permit, and provides options for managing a temporary confinement situation to minimize environmental impact.

A webinar recently recorded by Jason Gross, Engineering Technician with UNL Extension, is titled Site Selection Considerations for Confined Feeding of Dry Cows or Cow-Calf Pairs. In this webinar, Jason discusses pen and bunk space requirements, options for delivering drinking water to the animals, lot maintenance, and returning the lot to pasture following the temporary confinement period.

An additional resource on drylot beef production, referenced during this webinar, is available from the NDSU Agriculture website. It is titled Drylot Beef Cow/Calf Production (PDF 776KB).

Dr. Amy Schmidt
Assistant Professor
Biological Systems Engineering
University of Nebraska–Lincoln