Dairy farmers work with many government agencies to ensure that our nation’s natural resources are protected. These organizations include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), state departments of agriculture and local governments.
Since 1972, the EPA has regulated dairy farms under the Clean Water Act. In 2003, the EPA strengthened the
regulations, requiring farmers to submit and follow detailed manure recycling plans specific to each farm. These plans, known as
nutrient management plans, are continually updated to reflect new technologies as well as changes in regulations and legislation.