Hog production has not significantly changed in the United States over the past 50 years. However, large increases in the size of individual operations, or increased concentration of hog production have created new challenges for the industry. Nutrient management procedures have been very well documented in their ability to minimizae environmental impact associated with intensive hog production.

One way to minimize the nutrient impact of hog production is legislation. Dutch legislation focuses on nitrogen and phosphorus production per animal unit, therefore the number of animal units is limited by the amount of manure that can be applied on the cropland. Research projects in the Netherlands have shown the most substantial reduction of manure impact on the environment to be nutritional approaches. Water quality and odour complaints are two majoe sources of complaints of intensive livestock operations. Lagoons can be built that have a very low failure rate can ensure no grundwater seepage. Re-examining lagoon loading rates established in the 1980’s for 600 -1000 animal unit operations do not properly reflect the size of today’s operations (6,000-10,000), and therefore do not prevent odours as much as they think. Mnaure nutrient management plans can have a very benefital impact on the environment. The proper timing of application, frequency and volume on cropland must coninside with nutrient utilization by crops. New, more intensive ho goperations also have a designated team devoted to the operation and management of manure handling systems. These offer suggestions for reducing the environmental impact of intesnive ho operations,and provide a framework for future efforts to enhance environmental conditions.