Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) Curriculum

Ag Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Package

Overview

The Ag EMS Package, consisting of six individual publications (see list below), explains how to address environmental concerns when making agricultural decisions, and in the process, improve overall farm management. They are targeted for use by farmers, ranchers, and their advisors. Educators and agency staff will also find them useful in program development. The six publications may be used to:

• Assess current performance and regulatory compliance.

• Establish effective communication.

• Set priorities for environmental improvement.

• Develop action plans focused on measurable objectives.

• Maintain comprehensive, well-organized records.

• Identify and control potential sources of error.

• Monitor progress toward objectives.

• Regularly improve plans and re-assess priorities.

Users are encouraged to create individualized approaches to achieving objectives. The result is an ag-friendly EMS that is consistent with international standards. The Ag EMS package is the result of a project that field tested the application of EMS to over 200 ag producers in nine states.

Format

All six of the publications in this package are available in PDF and MS Word® format (see below). A .pdf file, a printer-friendly version, is a good option for users who wish to print and use the materials ‘as-is.’ The printed versions of the .pdf files will generally be more attractive than the MS Word® version.

All six publications in this package can also be downloaded as MS Word® files. This format allows users to modify the materials, customizing them to meet the needs of a particular program or of a producer who will be part of the EMS process. Call MWPS at 1-800-562-3618 to order.

Order and download the entire pdf package by clicking on the button below.

An Intro to EMS

Target audience: Ag producers, educators, and coaches

Purpose: An introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) concepts for ag producers, educators, coaches, and others. It explains the basic requirements and the benefits of the EMS process. It can also be distributed to those potentially interested in an EMS educational program.

EMS Fact Sheets

Target audience: Ag producers

Purpose: A companion to My EMS Workbook. This publication contains a fact sheet for each step of the EMS process. It provides an explanation for each topic, examples, and a list of recommended tasks.

My EMS Workbook

Target audience: Ag producers

Purpose: Intended for use with the EMS Fact Sheets. This publication contains blank worksheets that producers can complete. When completed, the workbook will serve as a summary or manual of their EMS.

Example My EMS Workbook

Target audience: Ag producers, educators, and coaches

Purpose: This publication is an example of the My EMS Workbook already completed for a case study beef feedlot. The example is intended to provide producers with a sense of how the materials will look when completed and offer ideas for their own EMS. Educators and coaches may use the example as-is, or they can modify it to reflect a particular animal species or geographical location.

EMS Sample Record Keeping Forms

Target audience: Ag producers, educators, and coaches

Purpose: These forms are blank templates that can be used as-is or modified to accommodate a producer’s record-keeping systems. The publication covers a wide range of environmental record-keeping topics that are commonly required in regulatory programs, in cost share programs, and by producers wishing to demonstrate a high level of environmental stewardship.

EMS Supplement

Target audience: Educators and coaches

Purpose: This publication provides guidance on setting up an educational program and gives additional information related to each topic. A list of recommended tasks or activities is included. It also contains one or more handouts for each step that can be photocopied and given to producers. This publication compares the relationship between the ISO 14001 standard and the EMS model outlined in the publication.