Best management practices for dairy production

the long version

Best Management Practices, or BMPs refer to operating techniques and good housekeeping principles for reducing and preventing environmental problems. The overall philosophy behind BMPs is to conduct everyday activities in a more environmentally sound manner, recognizing that it may not always be practical to control or manage pollution after it is generated. By using BMPs, a facility can help protect the environment, save money, and improve community well-being all at the same time. The purpose of this factsheet is to help dairy producers identify BMPs that will improve their operations and reduce the potential for generating odors and release of contaminants to ground water and surface water resources. Because each facility is unique, not every practice may be suitable. Each suggested BMP should be judged on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the conditions, operations and limitations of each facility. Dairy producers are encouraged to individualize the BMPs to their operations and site conditions, and to develop their own solutions for preventing pollution.