I own a small farm with livestock…that make lots of poop.
Fecal matters! A good farm plan can lead to healthier animals and more productive acreage.

In just one day, a cow can produce 72 billion fecal coliform bacteria. It takes only 400 bacteria to contaminate a cup of water. That means in 24 hours, a cow can contaminate 180,000,000 cups of water. That’s a LOT of water.

Every livestock owner matters: Even if your property isn’t next to a waterway, your stormwater runoff can still carry bacteria to Puget Sound.

Cost-sharing programs help farmers pay for improvements.

Growing more grass for your livestock can lower your annual feed bills AND reduce runoff. One acre of productive pasture can provide up to two tons of feed during a growing season. (Source: Puget Sound Conservation Districts.)

Good pasture management can prevent mud and weeds, which keeps rainwater from carrying manure out to nearby waterways.

99 farm owners with 3,910 acres received assistance (such as free farm plans) in the years 2009-2015.

Healthy livestock, healthy kids, healthy land

When you own a small farm, it can feel like you never have enough hours in the day or money in the bank. So, no lectures – just good advice. Follow the links to online information to help you raise healthier animals, improve the quality of your pastures, and find the support you need, when you need it: Skagit Conservation District offers practical fact sheets on best management practices and a manure exchange program with local gardeners. Also, check out the advice from Better Ground for managing soil, pastures, mud, manure, livestock, farm infrastructure, and crops.

Resources & Events

Get free technical assistance

from Skagit Conservation District – which is not a government organization and does not share details about your property with Skagit County. Or, just read their fact sheets online for quick tips.

Request financial assistance (“cost share”)...

to make changes to your pasture by calling the Skagit Conservation District at (360) 428-4313.

“Chickens: The pet that poops breakfast.”

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Order free temporary fencing

to control livestock movement and protect water bodies on your property, while improving the quality and productivity of your pasture. You can even get free assistance with fence installation.

“If all you do is follow the herd, you'll just be stepping in poop all day.”

–Wayne Dyer