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In 1998, the Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) launched the first level of the Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) to help livestock, dairy and poultry producers take a pro-active approach in blending sound production economics with concern about environmental quality. To date, more than 4,000 producers have participated in LEAP Level 1.

This year, OLC and its various program partners have prepared a second level that is designed to help producers obtain and organize the data and information, as well as identify appropriate best management practices (BMPs) necessary to develop, adopt and implement a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).

Such a plan includes how farmers manage and address issues related to manure and wastewater handling and storage, feed management, land application practices, nutrient management, record keeping and other utilization options. The plan’s BMPs address and minimize the impact and effect of dust, noise, odors and pests on the respective farm’s neighbors and community.

"By having a plan and explicitly following it, livestock farmers can better protect the environment and natural resources while at the same time improve profitability and production efficiency," said OLC Executive Director David White.

LEAP 2’s curriculum and educational materials are designed for all sizes of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine and poultry farms, and are confidential, free and voluntary.

The curriculum includes educational sessions that focus on an introduction to planning, goal setting, developing an on-farm inventory, building positive neighbor relations, developing an emergency management action plan, rules and regulations, biosecurity fundamentals, obtaining and analyzing manure and soil test results, whole farm planning and conservation options. Additionally, funds are available to help LEAP 2 participants obtain soil fertility tests and manure nutrient analyses, which are necessary pieces of information for initiating a CNMP.

Participation in a local LEAP Level 1 or 2 training session is required of farmers who wish to become eligible recipients for agricultural pollution abatement grants available through the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Farmers considering applying for Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) grants through U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS) should participate in a LEAP training session to earn points toward qualifying for an EQIP grant.

Current funding for LEAP is provided in part from a grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Soil and Water Conservation. It was originally funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Non-point Source Management Program pursuant to Section 319h of the Federal Clean Water Act as amended in 1987.

For additional information about LEAP, contact the local OSU Extension, SWCD or USDA-NRCS office, or the OLC at 614-246-8288 or dwhite@ofbf.org