On October 18, 2011, the U.S. EPA amended the date by which farms must prepare or amend and implement their Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, to May 10, 2013. If EPA receives no adverse comment by November 2, 2011, then the rule will become effective on November 7, 2011.
An overwhelming segment of the continental United States was affected by flooding during the spring and summer of 2011. Other areas were impacted by devastating fires. Many counties in many states were declared disaster areas by either the federal or state government or both. As a result, EPA believes that because of their unique nature farms were disproportionately affected and need additional time to prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan.
The amendment does not remove the regulatory requirement for owners or operators of farms in operation before August 16, 2002, to maintain and continue implementing an SPCC Plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. Such farms continue to be required to maintain plans during the interim until the applicable compliance date for amending and implementing the amended Plans. Finally, the amendment does not relieve farms from the liability of any oil spills that occur.
To see more information, click on EPA SPCC Plans
After recent reports of Division of Water Resources personnel visiting multiple farms in one day, KPA staff has provided education to the Division on industry-accepted biosecurity protocols. As part of the process, the Division has agreed to follow protocols for individual farms if the information is provided to the agency.
To ease this process, the KPA has developed a standard form for your use. To download, click on biosecurity.
In response to a producer request, the KPA has developed a spreadsheet aimed at providing a livestock producer a simple tool to help estimate the value of the operation's manure. To utilize the tool, you will need to have a manure analysis. The tool uses your local cost of anhydrous and 11-52-0 to find the value of either liquid or solid manure. The type of application is also a part of the calculations. While the spreadsheet was designed for pork producers, the value of any type of livestock manure can be found. If you have questions, please call Garry Keeler at 785-594-2166.
To download, please click on Manure Value.
Manure Handling Safety
Recent news reports of flash fires and explosions in livestock buildings while liquid pit manure was being agitated and pumped reinforce the need for safety at all times when working on a swine farm.
The National Pork board has developed a factsheet on Safe Manure Removal Policies.
The KPA has WARNING tags available at no cost. Just contact the office to receive a supply.
Resources are available through K-State Research and Extension, as well as eXtension, to help families who are struggling or in transition. eXtension is an educational partnership comprised of land grant universities across the country.
eXtension offers an eight-lesson course, “Investing for Farm Families,” which can help family members make strategic decisions while weaving together farm and personal investments. The course, developed by a team of Extension educators, is designed to help families plan for a financially stable future that meets their long-term needs. The online format means families can work at their own pace. More information is available on the Web site: www.extension.org/pages/InvestingforFarmFamilies.
The K-State Farm Analyst Program provides one-on-one educational services to Kansas farm families. Using Finpack computer software, analysts provide business analysis while teaching financial concepts through their application on individual farms. Analysts work with all types of operations as every farm plays a role in the economic environment of rural communities. More information is available by calling 785-636-5462 or email dhund@ksu.edu.
The Kansas Rural Family Helpline is a non-profit, direct service program dedicated to meeting the special needs of rural families in Kansas. The Helpline provides confidential, short-term emotional support, competent advice, and qualified referrals directly to rural families struggling with an unmet emotional, medical, financial or legal need. More information is available by calling 1-866-FARM-KSU (1-866-327-6578) or email farmksu@humec.ksu.edu or www.humec.k-state.edu/fshs/pfws/krfhprogram.html.
The Kansas Agricultural Mediation Service (KAMS), based in K-State Research and Extension, works with farm families in a confidential manner to find information, connect families with services and help resolve disputes that arise with government agencies, banks, suppliers and others. Two components are key features of its services -- financial counseling through the Farm Analyst Program and legal counseling through Kansas Legal Services. In many cases, KAMS services are free of charge. More information is available by calling 1-800-321-3276 or on the Web at www.ksre.ksu.edu/kams/.
The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA), a part of K-State Research and Extension, has economists based in several communities throughout Kansas who work cooperatively with farm families to provide production and financial management information for use in decision making. KFMA economists use on-farm visits, whole-farm analysis, enterprise analysis, and other programs to assist producers in developing sound farm accounting systems; improving decision making; comparing performance with similar farms; integrating tax planning, and marketing and asset investment strategies. More information is available by calling 785-532-1513 or on the Web at www.agmanager.info/KFMA/.