Farmers throughout Butler County can submit an application for nutrient management planning, manure storage, barnyard stabilization, grazing systems, stream fencing, milkhouse filters and best management practices.

Agriculture producers are encouraged to develop nutrient management plans. Such a plan, particularly for livestock operations, will include manure nutrients.

Planning for the best utilization of all available nutrients — whether from manure, soil organic matter, legumes or fertilizers — will save money as well as reduce risks to water quality.

The objective of nutrient management is to use nutrients (mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) wisely for optimum economic benefit to the farmer while minimizing impact on the environment.

The nutrient management grant will provide for up to 75 percent of the cost of nutrient management planning. The application is required to have an approved nutrient management plan and approved conservation plan to qualify for best management practices funding.

All cost-shared best management practices must meet Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications. The service will provide an estimated cost of the project with a design. The maximum is $30,000 cost-share with a 10 percent escalator for each applicant. The grant would provide 75 percent of the cost of the project.

There is no minimum acreage required for the projects. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of 10 animal units. Eligible livestock may be defined as beef, dairy cattle, swine, sheep and poultry used for commercial food or human consumption of kept for producing food or fiber.

Farmers are advised to contact the Butler County Conservation District Office to discuss funding for a nutrient management plan or best management practices on the farm. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 10. Conservation district officials will visit each site and select projects based on a score sheet. Call 724-284-5270 for more information.

Applications for the Butler County 2006 Agriculture Preservation Program are due on Jan. 31. You may also contact the county's conservation district office for more information.Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.