Cattle Feedlots
In Idaho, cattle feedlots generally fall into two types – AFO and CAFO. AFOs (Animal Feeding Operations) are those facilities which confine smaller amounts of cattle, typically between 300 and 999 head. CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) are facilities with 1000 head or more. CAFOs have more frequent inspections, generally twice a year. Facilities confining under 300 head of cattle or confining cattle for less than 45 days in a year are not covered in these facility types and are inspected less frequently.
The goal of ISDA is to help facilities contain their waste in such a manner that there is no contamination of ground and surface waters. For CAFOs, this is done with the help of an Environmental/Nutrient Management Plan (E/NMP). Our goal is to educate producers on the best way to manage their waste, however, the ISDA also has regulatory responsibilities which can require enforcement actions. If you have concerns about possible waste discharge from one of Idaho’s feedlots, please file a complaint.
- The 1997 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook, Appendix 10D
- Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Specification ASAE EP393.3 Manure Storages February 2004. (This document is part of a copyrighted publication and is available for viewing at the ISDA offices or a copy may be purchased online at http://www.asabe.org.)
- The 1999 Publication by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Practice Standard, Nutrient Management Code 590
- The Phosphorus Site Index: A Systematic Approach to Assess the Risk of Nonpoint Source Pollution of Idaho Waters by Agricultural Phosphorus, 2022
ISDA does not issue any permits for feedlot construction, and they do not regulate the number of animals allowed on a premises. These things are typically handled by the County Planning and Zoning office. At times, the county may request a CAFO siting which is completed by a team headed by ISDA and including representatives from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the Idaho Department of Water Resources. These agencies review sites proposed for use as CAFOs to determine environmental risks. Once the review is complete, a site suitability determination is sent to the county which requested the siting.
The only feedlots receiving any type of permit from ISDA are approved feedlots and rodeo bull lots. These facilities, which are of varying sizes, are approved relative to disease status for the animals being confined, not relative to waste concerns.
Requests for information on the location of feedlots in Idaho must be handled through a public records request. Be as specific as possible as to the information you would like, and ISDA will release the information allowed by law.
Information on Animal Feeding Operations and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
