Winter Feeding Station for Feed & Waste Management
A solution that works for you, your livestock, and the environment!

Feed and Waste Structures—Improving Water Quality Through Waste Management

Feeding livestock during the winter months presents special challenges. Combine freezing and thawing action with typically wetter weather conditions, and the result is restricted access around the farm. Restricted access can result in livestock that are fed in close proximity to drainages and water bodies. In some situations, livestock may be forced to cross a stream or creek to in order to access the feed area.

While these circumstances are common, they can pose several water quality concerns. The primary concerns are runoff and sedimentation. Spring rains and snowmelts typically flush build ups of manure into nearby water bodies, resulting in excessive nutrient concentration of that water.

Large livestock concentrations can also damage and degrade vegetation, which can cause high levels of erosion and sedimentation when weather is wet or if the operation is poorly managed. Both concerns can be potentially harmful to aquatic life in the water bodies and also to humans who use and depend on the water.

These structures are designed to eliminate many common problems. A roofed concrete pad provides a protected platform to feed livestock and store manure during winter months. The manure can later be spread on fields as a nutrient for forages or crops.

The goal of these stations is to prevent contamination of nearby water corridors and streams. In addition to the platform, conservationists recommend establishment of “heavy use area protection” around the perimeter of the station to further protect against erosion and sedimentation typically associated with feeding operations. The best locations for these structures are on low ridgelines that have good access. These locations provide the greatest buffer for nearby water bodies and easy access for operators bringing in food and water and removing stored manure.

Illinois is blessed with a wealth of clean water to use for recreation, domestic water supplies, fisheries, and many other uses. Without proper management, it can be degraded to the point that these uses can no longer be supported.

As a private landowner, here’s an idea that can make a difference in the water on your farm.

Winter feeding stations are a conservation solution that addresses the requirements for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). If your application is accepted, you could receive cost-share financial assistance for the associated construction costs.

For more information on winter feeding stations, maintenance of the structure, or EQIP, please contact the conservation professionals at your local NRCS Service Center. They are here to help you!

April/2007

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