The evolution of animal agriculture to meet the needs of a rapidly growing world population is evidenced by a consistent trend toward the replacement of small-to-midsize animal farms with large, industrial-scale animal feeding operations (AFOs) that maximize the number of livestock confined per acre of land. Confinement of large numbers of animals in such operations can result in large loadings of animal feed- and waste-related substances (animal residuals) to the environment. The consequences of waste-management practices at AFOs on ecosystem viability and human health are poorly understood. Potential effects of AFOs on the quality of surface water, ground water, and air, and the implications of such effects on human health, pose issues of national concern that require science-based assessment and response.
As part of the 1999 Unified National Strategy for Animal Feeding developed under mandate of the Clean Water Action Plan, the "USDA and EPA, together with other Federal partners…" were directed to "establish coordinated research, technical innovation, and technology transfer activities…". On August 30 – September 1, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated a meeting of scientists, resource managers, animal producers, and environmental advocates to share information on current research and examine the complex issues related to effects of AFOs on water resources, the environment, and human health. There was consensus at the outset regarding the need for impartial examination of AFO issues, applying multidiscipline and science-based methods of research, monitoring, analysis, and quality control. Participants discussed and identified partnerships among governmental agencies and private organizations as part of a commitment to address these issues in a holistic and scientifically defensible manner.
Present at this conference were approximately 200 participants representing 9 Federal agencies, 14 State agencies, 18 universities, and 7 private organizations.
The usual standards for peer review of abstracts published by the U.S. Geological Survey have been modified to accommodate the variety of styles and review policies used by the participants in this conference. All abstracts in this report by USGS authors have undergone the review procedures mandated as part of the policy of the USGS and have received Director's approval for publication.
In addition to peer review, the abstracts published in this report have undergone editorial review and have been modified, as needed, to ensure consistent formatting and to correct grammatical errors. Electronic and paper publication of the abstracts or other attachments contained in this document, along with author names and affiliations, is with the approval of the respective author(s).
The coordinators of the 1999-Fort Collins AFO conference wish to thank the many people who contributed to the success of this conference. In particular, our appreciation goes to: Judy Griffin (for handling communications and logistical arrangements for the entire conference); Linda Britton and Neville Gaggiani (for developing and organizing the field trip); Jessica Davis, Reagan Waskom, Kevin Dennehy, and Robert Kimbrough (for providing an overview of AFO practices and effects during the field trip); William Andrews, Gary Barton, Linda Britton, Herb Buxton, Rod DeWeese, Sheridan Haack, Michael Meyer, Cherie Miller, and James Preacher (for their assistance in developing the technical structure and content of the conference); Howard Perlman and Iris Collies (for developing and maintaining the web site); Betsy Daniel (for her support of the open-session forum); Kim Martz (for preparing name tags); Patti Greene (for design and preparation of signs and posters); Toni Johnson and Toni Koritnik (for assistance with conference registration and on-site needs); Michele Banowetz (for advice on outreach activities); Judy Salvo and Diane Welch (for shipping and logistical support); Violetta Zaman, Nana Snow, Meredith Tatum, Kizzy Penn, and Deborah Polen (for copying, collating, and compiling over 200 conference workbooks); and Cindy Furbush (for computer support).
The field trip was one of the highlights of the conference, due in large part to the hospitality, professionalism, and comprehensive overview provided by Mr. And Mrs. Terrance Dye of DyeCrest Dairy and to Frank Haywood, Gerald Vannest, and the staff at National Hog Farms. Special thanks go to Reagan Waskom and Jessica Davis of Colorado State University for helping to identify speakers and for brainstorming with us about the field trip.
We would like to express appreciation to all meeting presenters and attendees for the high-quality content of their participation. Special acknowledgment is due the USGS Office of Water Quality and Toxic Substances Hydrology Program for co-sponsorship of the 1999-Fort Collins conference to address issues related to AFOs and emerging contaminants, and to the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program for its support of this effort.
Franceska Wilde and Dana Kolpin
Conference Coordinators
Keynote Session
Session A
Session B
Session C
Session D
Session E
Poster Session
Forum Session
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