Animal Waste Management Technical Assistance

Chicken Farm

Improving Farm Sustainability Through Smarter Waste Management

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Division of Soil and Water Conservation oversees several key programs that assistance to livestock producers and support responsible animal waste management. The aim is to assist operations in handling, utilizing and applying waste in ways that protect natural resources and meet regulatory and voluntary best‐practice standards.

  1. Programs
  2. Tech Assistance

Partner Programs That Protect Soil, Water, and Farms

These programs help livestock operations maintain compliance, improve efficiency, and protect natural resources across Pitt County and the state.

  • Learn About the Swine & Dairy Assistance Program
    Financial and technical help for swine and dairy producers to upgrade or repair waste management systems. The program helps facilities meet environmental standards, reduce nutrient runoff, and prepare for severe weather events.
  • Review the Technical Specialist Program
    Trains and certifies professionals who design, inspect, and assist with animal waste management systems. Certified specialists ensure that best management practices are correctly planned and implemented.
  • Explore the Inspection Pilot Program
    Promotes consistent and proactive inspections of animal waste systems. This voluntary program helps identify maintenance needs early, reduce environmental risks, and improve long-term system performance.
  • Navigate the Swine Floodplain Buyout Program 
    Offers financial assistance to purchase and permanently close swine farms located in flood-prone areas. The goal is to reduce future flood damage, protect water quality, and restore natural floodplain functions.

Each of these programs works together to support safe, sustainable livestock operations and to reduce risk to water quality, soil health, and the surrounding environment. Livestock producers can request free technical assistance directly through the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Requests can include help with planning, inspections, or program enrollment.