Costs and Benefits of Livestock Exclusion Fencing Spencer Duran

Basic Issue Livestock exclusion fencing has been demonstrated as a Best Management Practice (BMP) that can be used by farmers to help reduce runoff pollution that comes in the form of nutrients, bacteria, and sediment. Farmers are hesitant to implement these BMPs even with cost share funding through government programs due to the high initial investment costs and long term cost recovery periods.

Why cattle shouldn’t be in the water? We know from water quality studies that when cattle are allowed access to streams we see increases in several different types of pollutants that enter the stream directly from the cattle or from agricultural runoff that enters the stream at a later time.

Private Benefits Weight gain in cattle. More milk produced by dairy cows with a higher butterfat content. Decrease in bacterial infections and disease in cattle. Improved stream and wildlife health on property.