Using cost share funds - The Livestock Pollution Prevention Program (LP3) offer two options for cost share assistance - full containment systems and partial containment systems. The full containment option is geared toward beef feedlots, and dairy, hog and larger cow/calf operations. The partial containment option addresses most cow/calf operations. Cost share can cover up to 60 percent of eligible expenses.
Producers who choose the full containment option are eligible for up to $175,000 cost share for excavation, ponds, lots, diversions, heavy use pads, fencing, waters, access roads and windbreaks.
Producers choosing partial containment are eligible for up to $25,000 cost share for clean water diversions and/or winter grazing systems which include portable windbreaks, such as that pictured below, and waterline/waterers. Winter grazing systems decrease manure accumulations near surface water. Many producers using these systems feed cattle on cropland and practice aftermath, swath or bale grazing.
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![]() Bunk line feeding |
![]() Indoor feedlot |
![]() Lot fencing |
Here's how LP3 works:
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The producer contacts the program coordinator and schedules an on-site visit.
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The program coordinator evaluates the site and provides environmental management recommendations to the producer.
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If management or structural changes are needed, the coordinator and producer discuss cost share options.
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The coordinator helps the producer develop cost share contracts and secure contracting and engineering services.
Excavating a runoff containment pond
Containment System Components
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1) Lots are sloped to industry standards and provide ample space for the cattle. |
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2) Fenceline Feeding System allows cattle to stay dry, healthy and provides increased gains, which can be cost shared through the LP3 Program. |
3) Access Road acts as a dike for the lots and is utilized for fenceline feeding. |
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4) Clean Water Diversion reduces runoff and sometimes is the only management practice needed in small operations. |
5) Runoff Evaporation Pond collects dirty water running off lots and is designed to evaporate a large portion of the incoming water. |
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6) Solid Separator separates solids from lot run-off water and allows dirty water to run into the evaporation. |
Benefits of Partial Containment
- Less manure accumulation to spread
- Cattle stay in better condition
- Less hay to haul
- Feed costs decrease
Bale grazing
Benefits of Full Containment
- Labor efficiency
- Manure handling efficiency
- Cattle handling efficiency
- Feed efficiency
- Environmental compliance
- Dryer pens for healthier cattle
Swath grazing