OnePlan module: Cattle feedlot planning

A Blueprint for the Bush initiative undertaken by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3 1
1.1 1.2

About cattle feedlot plans .......................................................................................... 3

Must I prepare a plan?............................................................................................................................. 3 How will it help me?................................................................................................................................. 3

2
2.1 2.2

Getting started ............................................................................................................ 4

How do I prepare a cattle feedlot application?...................................................................................... 4 About cattle feedlot plan worksheets .................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 2.2.6 Property resources.................................................................................................................................... 5 Feedlot design........................................................................................................................................... 6 Feedlot management ................................................................................................................................ 7 Effluent utilisation ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Manure (solids) utilisation ......................................................................................................................... 7 Environmental buffers ............................................................................................................................... 8

3
3.1 3.2 3.3

More information......................................................................................................... 9
Feedlot management terms explained................................................................................................... 9 What resources are available? ............................................................................................................. 10 Who do I contact for help?.................................................................................................................... 10

Appendix A: Cattle feedlot plan worksheets

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

Introduction
The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) guidelines on developing a cattle feedlot plan are a module within the Queensland Governments OnePlan initiative. OnePlan is a resource to help landholders prepare property plans required by government. QPIFs role is to provide information for plans relevant to primary industries, such as cattle feedlots, piggeries and pest management. OnePlan is part of the Queensland Governments Blueprint for the Bush, a 10-year plan to build a sustainable, liveable and prosperous rural Queensland. This document provides guidelines to help landholders identify the issues and risks of developing a cattle feedlot, and also help landholders to develop an application if applicable. The guidelines include plan requirements and worksheets.

Cattle feedlot plans help you to outline your proposal for approval

1
1.1

About cattle feedlot plans

Must I prepare a plan?
If you are applying for a feedlot under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and the Environmental Protection Act 1994, you will need to supply information to the administering authority. While a plan is not mandatory, it is the easiest way of outlining your proposal. Larger developments may find a different format more appropriate. Before you complete the cattle feedlot application, discuss your needs with an officer from QPIFs Intensive Livestock Environmental Regulation Unit. Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Phone: 13 25 23 or 07 3404 6999 (interstate) Email: callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au

1.2

How will it help me?

A plan for your feedlot will assist you to collate the information required for an application, show how you comply with legislative requirements and address associated risks. Consistency with other plans As your feedlot will be a central part of your farming operation, you should consider integrating your plan with: management plans you have developed for your property e.g. project, land and water, pest, vegetation and farm management system plans relevant catchment, district or regional plans e.g. pest, natural resources, biosecurity, codes of practice, threatened species or ecosystem recovery and conservation plans.

For information on other plans relevant to your property, please contact QPIF on 13 25 23 or refer to the OnePlan property planning website www.nrw.qld.gov.au/propertyplanning/about Legislation compliance Your feedlot must comply with statutory obligations and permits under the following legislation: Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld) Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) Nature Conservation Act 1994 (Qld) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) Water Act 2000 (Qld)

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld).

For a copy of the above legislation, visit the Queensland Government legislation website at www.legislation.qld.gov.au

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2.1

Getting started
How do I prepare a cattle feedlot application?
Follow these simple steps to prepare your feedlot application: Step 1: Complete Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) forms The IDAS forms are required under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld) for state and local government approval of developments. Download the IDAS Development Application forms from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website for the Integrated Planning Act at www.dip.qld.gov.au/ipa (refer to IPA and IDAS forms and templates). The forms required are from Form 1: Part A: Common details (applicable to all applications) Part D: Material change of use assessable against a local governments planning scheme Part G: Environmentally relevant activity (ERA).

Other forms may be required including: Part K: Water related development e.g. K10 Part J: Clearing native vegetation

Step 2: Develop the written report The written report includes detailed information on the overall feedlot proposal and worksheets (see Appendix A): property resources feedlot design feedlot management effluent utilisation manure (solids) utilisation environmental buffers.

The QPIF Feedlot Assessment Spreadsheet is an important tool for preparing new and/or expanding feedlot developments. The spreadsheet automates the potentially daunting calculations required in preparing applications and assists in documenting proposed feedlot design characteristics and management practices. See section 3.2 to find out how to access a copy of the spreadsheet. Step 3: Prepare the base map The base map must show the proposed feedlot located on the relevant lot on the plan. The feedlot design should be easily visible and a suitable scale identified. Useful links include: Department of Environment and Resource Management OnePlan Making a Map webpage at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/propertyplanning/makingmaps for guidelines on property map preparation SmartMaps at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/property/mapping/blinmap/cadastral_maps for a cadastral base map Aerial photography information at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/property/mapping/aerial_photography for photographic coverage of your property to help identify the property boundary.

Step 4: Prepare the feedlot plans The feedlot plans need to include plans for the property, site, yard, drainage and environmental buffers, as well as a recent aerial photograph. Smaller feedlots can combine some of the plans for their cattle feedlot application. Feedlot plans Property plan the base map plus extra information about the existing features preferably for the whole property: infrastructure e.g. roads, buildings, dams, bores natural resources (property features) e.g. watercourses, topography, vegetation effluent and manure utilisation areas.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

Site plan a plan of the proposed feedlot layout: feedlot pens drains roadways cattle lanes sedimentation systems effluence holding ponds cattle handling yards stormwater diversion drains/banks solid waste stockpiling areas carcass disposal areas. Yard plan a plan of the proposed feedlot: pen dimensions location of feeding and watering points apron dimensions and construction materials number of cattle per pen. Drainage plan a plan of the drainage system: flow direction in the pens and drains flow points into and out of the sedimentation system flow into the holding pond boundary of the controlled drainage area nature and extent of clean water diversion structures. Environmental buffer plan the location of the feedlot in relation to all receptors (neighbours): residences towns public areas roads. Step 5: Submit the cattle feedlot application with the IDAS forms to your Local Council Please note there are Local Government and other agency fees involved. Check with your Regional Council and other relevant agencies for information regarding application fees. You may wish to contact your local Environment and Resource Management business centre and ask to speak to a Water Management & Use Officer to discuss your requirements for runoff effluent control. Centre locations and contact telephone numbers can be found at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/services_resources/offices

2.2

About cattle feedlot plan worksheets

The following information will help you complete the worksheets for a cattle feedlot application.

2.2.1

Property resources
This information complements details used for your property base map. Main features The three main features you should note when describing land are: landform (e.g. low hills, undulating rises, gently sloping, flats/floodplains) vegetation (including pasture and crop types) soil types.

You can usually get this information from land systems or land type data, or broad descriptions of regional ecosystems. For a copy of this data, contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 13 13 04. By documenting land condition and land types on a paddock, you can also determine if the paddock is suitable for effluent and manure use. You will also need to provide information on soil parameters taken from soil samples in the proposed effluent and manure areas.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

The soil parameters include: Colwell Phosphorus (Colwell P) Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N) Exchangeable Sodium Percentage Electrical Conductivity (EC) pH Chloride. The Sampling Manual for Environmental Monitoring by Intensive Livestock Producers outlines the method for soil sampling, and can be downloaded from QPIFs website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au and follow the links: Environment > Intensive livestock > Products and publications. Overall enterprise description and land use Describe the additional components of your current and proposed land use: crop types and rotations current stocking rate irrigation regime native vegetation.

Document the historical details and influences on the property: change in land use occurrence of floods.

Specific property information Outline the more specific information on the property resources, such as: Climate: average annual rainfall average temperature. Groundwater and surface water: site geology site hydrogeology (ground water system movement and distribution of ground water) potential for contamination of groundwater resources, and contamination of surface waters by discharge or contaminated groundwater surface watercourses and water storages on the property (e.g. creeks, rivers, drainage lines, dams) potential for contamination of surface waters.

2.2.2

Feedlot design
This information should complement the details used for developing your site and yard plan. Controlled drainage area information Outline the proposed controlled drainage area, which is the area that will be captured by the sedimentation and holding pond system: number of production pens number of hospital pens total pen area total hard catchment area e.g. roads, drains, cattle lanes, manure stockpile, sedimentation system, holding ponds total soft catchment area i.e. those areas permanently grassed or vegetated pen slope, including the down slope and cross slope drain slope.

Sedimentation system information Outline the proposed sedimentation system: type drain length i.e. longest drain in the feedlot volume.

Holding pond information Outline the proposed holding pond system, including volume.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

2.2.3

Feedlot management
See section 3.1 Feedlot management terms explained to assist with the terms used in the feedlot management worksheet. General information Outline the following information on the general management of the feedlot: feedlot name feedlot operator (must be a legal entity) property identification code (PIC number) for the feedlot.

Specific information Outline the following: maximum number of standard cattle units class of feedlot stocking density whether the feedlot will be constructed in stages.

Carcass management Outline the proposed method for: routine cattle carcass disposal mass burial of carcasses.

2.2.4

Effluent utilisation
This information should complement the details used for developing your site plan. Effluent characteristics Outline the following information on the proposed effluent: average annual irrigation volume effluent dilution irrigation method.

Effluent irrigation area Outline the following information on the proposed effluent utilisation area: area dimensions effluent irrigation soil types proposed crop(s) / pasture(s) location of any buffers to watercourses.

2.2.5

Manure (solids) utilisation

This information should complement the details used for developing your site plan. Manure characteristics Outline the following information on the manure to be used: storage and processing method average annual tonnage of manure removed from stockpile tonnage of manure to be exported offsite estimated tonnage of manure available for spreading spreading method.

Solids spreading area Outline the following information on the proposed solids spreading area: area dimensions spreading rate spreading area soil types proposed crop(s) / pasture(s) location of any buffers to watercourses.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

2.2.6

Environmental buffers
This information should complement any details used for developing your environmental buffer plan. Nearest receptors Outline the following information on your nearest receptors ie those people or places nearest to your proposed feedlot: name of the receptor type of receptor e.g. house, town, public area direction from the proposed feedlot topography between the feedlot and the receptor distance between the feedlot and the receptor, and how this distance was determined.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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3.1

More information
Feedlot management terms explained
Standard Cattle Unit A Standard Cattle Unit (SCU) is an animal of 600kg liveweight at the time of exit (turn off) from the feedlot. This term enables the stocking capacity of feedlots to be expressed in line with the weight of cattle turned off from the facility, rather than the number of head. This concept is based on the understanding that manure production increases with cattle liveweight. Conversion factors have been calculated based on the metabolic liveweight of the cattle (ie liveweight 75). See table below. Number of SCUs = Number of head x conversion factor (F) Number of head = Number of SCUs / F Conversion factors for liveweight Approximate weight of beast at turnoff (kg liveweight) 750 700 650 600 550 500 450 400 350 Number of Standard Cattle Units

1.18 1.12 1.06 1.00 0.94 0.87 0.81 0.74 0.67

Class of feedlot The class of feedlot refers to a system of four feedlot classes that define an appropriate standard of feedlot siting, design, construction and management, to limit odour to acceptable levels for nearby receptors (towns and residences). These standards are increasingly stringent from Class 4 to Class 1. The affect of odour on receptors is limited by selecting an appropriate class, which depends on feedlot size and its proximity to the receptors. Sites that are well removed from potential receptors have less rigorous standards, resulting in less capital and ongoing costs. The class system does not factor in variations in other environmental impacts, such as potential contamination of surface or groundwater resources. More information regarding the design, construction and operational specifications that apply to each class of feedlot is outlined in Appendix B of the Reference Manual for the establishment and operation of beef cattle feedlots (2000) (see section 3.2 for copy details). Stocking density The stocking density is the average feedlot pen area allocated to each beast. It can affect the performance, health and welfare of the cattle, and the environment such as the moisture content of the pad and therefore its odour and dust levels.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

The total pen area does not include hospital pens and handling facilities. Guidelines: Stocking densities heavier than 10m2/SCU are not recommended. A minimum stocking density of 9m2/SCU is stipulated in the National guidelines for beef cattle feedlots in Australia (PISC, 1997). This applies to cattle accommodated in open pens, not shedded animals. Most commercial feedlots in Queensland operate at between 12 and 20m2/SCU. Stocking densities should factor in the local climate and size of the cattle in the feedlot. There needs to be a compromise between the potential for odour at heavier stocking densities, and the incidence of dust problems at lighter densities.

3.2

What resources are available?

QPIF has further information on cattle feedlots on its website, including information on establishing a feedlot and waste management. Visit QPIFs website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au (follow the links: Animals > Beef > Feedlot environmental management). The QPIF Feedlot Assessment Spreadsheet is available to assist in the preparation of new and/or expanding feedlot developments. The spreadsheet is available on www.dpi.qld.gov.au (follow the links: Environment > Intensive livestock > Products and publications), or by contacting the QPIF on 13 25 23. The Reference manual for beef cattle feedlots in Queensland can be purchased from the Government Bookshop at www.publications.qld.gov.au

3.3

Who do I contact for help?

Useful contacts for preparing your cattle feedlot plan include: Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Intensive Livestock Environmental Regulation Unit Phone: 13 25 23 or (interstate) 07 3404 6999 Fax: 07 3404 6900 Email: callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au www.dpi.qld.gov.au Useful industry contacts Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) Phone: 02 9290 3700 Fax: 02 9290 2808 Email: alfabeef@feedlots.com.au www.feedlots.com.au Aus-meat Limited Phone: 07 3361 9200 Fax: 07 3361 9222 Email: ausmeat@ausmeat.com.au www.ausmeat.com.au

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Appendix A: Cattle feedlot plan worksheets

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: property resources Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. Overall enterprise description and land use History of property land use changes flood history

Current land use landform soil types vegetation (including pasture) crop types and rotations current stocking rate irrigation regime

General property details Items and attributes permits/licences/ approvals agreements easements developmental controls eg local government planning conditions state interests (main roads, national parks, stock routes, reserves) Note: can also be base map overlays

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: property resources Soil characteristics Soil sample results from the effluent and manure utilisation areas Colwell Phosphorus (Colwell P) at depths of (0-10cm, 50-60cm, 90100cm) Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3- - N) at depths of (0-30cm, 50-60cm, 90100cm) Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) at depths of (0-30cm, 5060cm, 90-100cm) Electrical Conductivity (EC) at depths of (0-30cm, 50-60cm, 90100cm) pH at depths of (0-30cm, 50-60cm, 90-100cm) Chloride at depths of (0-30cm, 5060cm, 90-100cm) Detail the soil analysis result for each soil parameter at the depths noted with an asterisk (*) Depth cm Soil parameters Colwell P 0-10 0-30 * * * * * * NO3N ESP EC pH Chloride

50-60

90100

Specific property details Climate average annual rainfall average temperature

Groundwater and surface water information Groundwater site geology site hydrogeology potential for contamination attach any logs or bore cards from any bores on the property, or neighbouring properties if relevant

Surface water surface watercourses and storages (include creeks, rivers, drainage lines and dams) potential for contamination

Note: a separate written report by an appropriately qualified consultant may be required.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: feedlot design Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. Controlled Drainage Area information Number of production pens Drainage Area 1 Drainage Area 2 Drainage Area 3

Pen area (ha)

Hard catchment area (ha) Soft catchment area (ha)

Down pen slope range (%)

Cross pen slope range (%) Drain slope range (%)

Sedimentation System Information Sedimentation system type (basin/terrace/pond) Drain length (m) Proposed sedimentation system volume (ML)

Holding Pond Information Proposed holding pond size (ML)

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: feedlot management Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. General Information Feedlot name

Feedlot operator

Property Identification Code (PIC) Feedlot Information

Maximum number of Standard Cattle Units (SCU) Feedlot class Stocking density

Proposed staged development

Carcass management Routine cattle carcass disposal method

Mass burial of carcasses location

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: effluent utilisation Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. Effluent characteristics Average annual irrigation volume

Effluent dilution method

Effluent irrigation method Effluent irrigation area

Area available for effluent irrigation (ha)

Soil type in the effluent irrigation area Proposed crop(s) / pasture(s)

Location of any buffers to watercourses

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: manure (solids) utilisation Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. Manure characteristics Manure storage and processing method

Average tonnage removed from stockpile Average tonnage to be exported offsite Proposed spreading method

Solids spreading area

Area available for solid spreading (ha) Spreading rate

Soil type in the spreading area

Proposed crop(s) / pasture(s) Location of any buffers to watercourses

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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Worksheet: environmental buffers Cattle feedlot planning

Please complete this worksheet and submit it with your cattle feedlot plan application. Attach the information requested if insufficient space is provided below. Receptor Information Receptor name Receptor type
(e.g. farm house, town, rural school. Refer to the QPIF publication Reference manual for the establishment and operation of beef cattle feedlots in Queensland (2000).

Receptor 1

Receptor 2

Receptor 3

Receptor 4

Receptor 5

Receptor 6

Direction from feedlot Topography between receptor and feedlot

(e.g. flat, low hills, cultivation, valley. Refer to the QPIF publication Reference manual for the establishment and operation of beef cattle feedlots in Queensland (2000).

Distance available between receptor and feedlot Method of determining distance

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Cattle Feedlot Plan Guidelines

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