Background

In the spring of 1998, the Oklahoma legislature passed the Oklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act, pertaining to poultry farmers producing more than 10 tons of poultry waste per year and confining birds for 45 days or more in any 12-month period.

Additionally the Oklahoma Poultry Waste Applicators Certification Act was passed affecting individuals land applying more than 10 tons of poultry waste per year.

 

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), Agricultural Environmental Management Services (AEMS) is responsible for developing rules and enforcing these acts. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is responsible for producing training curricula and providing the required education.

 

To Summarize these Acts

 

Poultry producers must:

• Register their poultry feeding operation annually        
• Obtain and follow a nutrient management plan
• Allow their operation to be inspected by ODAFF staff

 

Poultry litter applicators must:

• Obtain a license from ODAFF to apply litter
• File an annual litter application report with ODAFF

 

Both poultry producers and poultry litter applicators must:

• Maintain waste management reports and records 
• Attend 9 hours of initial waste management education
• Attend 2 hours of annual continuing education
• Follow Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Nutrient Management Standards
• Obtain recent soil and litter tests prior to litter application

 

Publications

• Groundwater Vulnerability Map
• Maps of Nutrient Limited Watersheds
• Oklahoma Regulations Brochure
• SB92 Changes in Education Requirements

 

Useful Links

• AEMS Publications & Forms
• ODAFF Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
• ODAFF Overview of Poultry Waste Applicator Program
• ODAFF Overview of Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Program