Watershed Specialists Work with Producers to Control Pollution
Jeffrey and Linda Janssen, Geneseo, worked with K-State Research and Extension watershed specialists to make improvements and prevent runoff.
When it comes to decisions on how to manage his land, Jeffrey Janssen says he’d rather be in the "driver’s seat."
So when state environmental officials raised concerns about pollution levels in nearby Kanopolis Lake, the Geneseo, Kan., rancher decided to do his part.
Last summer, Janssen hauled in
40 truckloads of dirt to build a ditch to divert water, fenced his feedlot away from the creek, built grass filter strips, and installed automatic waterers for the nearly 100 cattle he feeds.
The result? His cattle no longer go to nearby streams to drink or cool off, and potential pollution from the farm is kept safely away from public waterways.
"I took the necessary steps ahead of the government coming in and saying that we are going to shut you down," Janssen said.
Landowners’ efforts to control pollution in waterways are becoming a norm in Kansas, where an estimated
6.65 million cattle and 2.5 million pigs are raised.
In 2003, the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) approved 789 contracts for funds through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). By 2004, that number had jumped to 1,823.
In Kansas, "we are raising awareness and getting more producers to ask questions about cost-share programs and how to apply," said Stacie Minson,
K-State Research and Extension watershed specialist for the Smoky Hill Kanopolis Lake watershed near Hays.
Six other watershed specialists are located in Kinsley, Lawrence, Manhattan, Ottawa, Wichita, and Yates Center – all in major Kansas watersheds.
"In the last year, more and more producers have agreed to have on-farm assessments to look at their pollution potential," Minson said. "This is a great sign that we are offering a service to them, and they are willing to let us take a look at their operation to offer best management practice tips that could improve their water quality."
Pollution concerns vary depending on the waterway, but in the Smoky Hill Kanopolis Lake area, producers have worked to reduce the incidence of soil erosion, fecal coliform bacteria, and algae bloom (or eutrophication, caused by nitrogen and phosphorous runoff).
One way of reducing fecal coliform bacteria levels is by using livestock waterers. Minson shared this information with Janssen, and it was a perfect fit for the plans he had developed with other agencies. He received help from NRCS in Ellsworth and Hutchinson, the Ellsworth Conservation District, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Those organizations, among others, have worked together to help local efforts.
"We are fortunate in the watersheds," Minson said. "NRCS, conservation districts, producers, city councils, county commissioners, homeowners, local Farm Bureau boards, and K-State Research and Extension have worked as a great team
to get Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies, or WRAPS, developed for the watersheds."
For Janssen and other ranchers like him, it means cleaner livestock, cleaner waterways and, ultimately, more money for their operation.
"It has made a difference for me," Janssen said. "I feel better now that my cattle are out of the creek. I was tired of seeing those dirty cattle down in the creek drinking. With the automatic waterers, they stay a lot cleaner and are healthier drinking better quality water. It was a good business decision and good for the environment."
Stacie Minson
785-628-3081, X334
Cooperative Aids Producers
The Watershed Dairy Environmental Cooperative provided assistance to 20 small dairy producers managing 2,350 lactating cows. Helping producers develop best management practices will lead to improvements in water quality.
Joe Harner
785-532-2930
Reducing Carbon Dioxide
Researchers are developing practices to help manage soil carbon and reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. For example, no-till annually sequesters an average of about 0.5 metric tons of soil carbon per cre per year for the first 20 to 30 years, which directly reduces atmospheric CO2 levels.
Chuck Rice
785-532-7217
SDI Helps Conserve Water
Through meetings, training, publications, and Web sites, researchers have educated thousands about subsurface drip irrigation. There are 14,000 to 15,000 acres of SDI in Kansas, which is expected to increase as aging alternative systems are replaced and as the need to conserve water increases.
Freddie Lamm
785-462-6281