Options for Disposal of Animal Carcasses
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Through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds are available to assist farmers and ranchers with proper disposal of dead livestock. Applications are being accepted now through April 5 with a second cut-off date of May 1. Producers will need to fill out the application form to start the process. It is recommended that the early start waiver form be turned in with the application. The early start waiver needs to be approved by the state office (may take a couple days) before producer could begin disposal that would be covered. For more information about the programs and assistance available from NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Download the EQIP Application Form Download the Early Start Waiver Form
Given the recent weather events livestock losses are an unfortunate reality for livestock operations. In disaster situations, the first step in the disposal process is to document the deaths (take pictures of the ear tags and animal). The state of Nebraska allows for disposal of dead animals via several methods including composting, burial, rendering, landfill and incineration. View information comparing the mortality management options here. Composting, burial or incineration must be performed on-site. Hauling carcasses to a landfill by a licensed carrier/renderer in a sealed truck is typically required. However, this requirement has currently been waived as a result of the large scale disaster in March 2019.
The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) at 402-471-2186 and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) 1-800-831-0550 can help answer specific regulatory questions
On-site Composting offers good biosecurity and disease control when done correctly. Appropriate mixtures of carbon and nitrogen sources, moisture, sufficient base material, and sufficient carbon material covering the pile are required to achieve temperatures capable of degrading the carcasses and destroying disease-causing organisms. Read more information on how to properly compost mortalities here.
On-site burial of carcasses does not require a permit, but recommendations and guidelines do exist. The disposal site should be selected to minimize ground and surface water contamination. Burying the animals on site within thirty-six hours after knowledge of death and at least four feet below the surface of the ground dramatically lowers the possibility of spreading a disease.
Landfills Taking Animal Carcasses Rendering Services in Nebraska
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