Hobby Farming with Water Quality in Mind:
Successful Backyard Farming While Protecting Our Water Resources
Dozens of small hobby farms resided in the Manchaug Pond watershed with the majority located near streams or wetlands that feed Manchaug Pond. Horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, and goats as well as flocks of chickens make up these small farms. Also a few major agricultural land uses and commercial horse stables are present.
Best management practices (BMPs) employed around the farm - at the barn and in the pasture - can make all the difference to the health and safety of the livestock as well as our water resources.
The Manchaug Pond Foundation offers the handbook: Hobby Farming with Water Quality in Mind as well as a number of publications on pasture management, buffer zones, mud management and other issues of concern. Give them a click for more information. For another resource on BMP's and raising livestock, visit the UMASS Extension website.
Hobby Farming With Our Water Resources in Mind: A Guide To Successful Backyard Farming While Protecting Our Water Resoures
Simply click the fact sheet icon for a printable PDF. You can read online, or print for later reference!
This project has been financed with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) under an s. 319 competitive grant. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of EPA or of the Department, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.