2002 Annual Report
Extension and Outreach
Feedlot Evaluation Model Workshops
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension
Engineer
Dave Wall, Senior Hydrologist, MPCA
Objective
To provide training to private and public technical service providers
on a computer model (Feedlot Evaluation Model or FLEval) used to predict
the pollution potential from open feedlots.
Program Description
The Feedlot Evaluation Model is a computer model developed to uniformly
and objectively evaluate pollution hazards from animal feedlots. This
model was developed in Minnesota jointly by the MPCA, the SWCD, the ARS
and some other agencies in 1982 through a Federal grant. The MPCA encourages
the use of FLEval to aid in evaluating compliance with open lot discharge
standards and is used to determine compliance with the 50% reduction standard
currently outlined in the 7020 rules. This model is also being used as
a screening tool for equitable distribution of Federal and State cost-sharing
funds.
This course is for individuals who need to assess the pollution hazard
from existing livestock open lots. The training will be very hands-on
with time spent in both the classroom and in the field. Training materials
include the Agricultural Research Service manual, An Evaluation System
to Rate Feedlot Pollution Potential, and a technical guide originally
developed by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil. During the two-day
workshop participants will experience both classroom and field training
on FLEval.
Outcomes
A total of 60 people attended the three two-day FLEval workshops. Course participants were very pleased with the workshop and questions via e-mail and phone since the workshop indicate that the training information is being used in the field. The FLEval model was converted from a DOS version to an EXCEL™ spreadsheet for use in the training program. This version and training materials are available via the internet so it is likely that many others are availing themselves of this information. This model is being used extensively in the field and the upgrades on the model along with the standard training on the model will result in a more consistent evaluation of feedlot runoff and a considerable saving of time for those using the model.