820636_Corn window extension_20240814

Steve Troxler
Commissioner
August 14, 2024
Billy G Peterson
Oak Branch 1-2
34 Old Wrench School Rd.
Godwin, NC 28344
Mr. Peterson,
North Carolina Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services
Agronomic Division
Dr. David H. Hardy
Director
On August 14, 2024, 1 visited your swine operation, facility #82-636, in order to assess the corn planted on your spray fields. The
assessment was conducted upon your request as part of a Plan of Action to reduce the lagoon level. Heavy rainfall events in the
area during the month of July and additional rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby in August have elevated the lagoon after the
pumping window for corn closed on June 30, 2024.
After walking your spray fields, I have determined that the corn has not reached black layer or physiological maturity. The milk
line of the kernels is at 50%. The nutrient uptake until black layer is limited, but the corn can absorb and utilize additional
nutrients as it packs additional starches into kernels. Therefore, I recommend that the waste application window for corn be
extended until August 20, 2024.
In addition, the continuous rainfall in the area over the past 3-4 weeks has not been conducive to cut, dry, and bale the grass on
your hayed spray field. I recommend cutting and baling the hay as soon as possible when soil conditions and hay drying weather
permit. Harvesting the hay will encourage grass growth and nutrient uptake, and it will allow an alternate location for effluent
application.
**This recommendation is for this crop and weather situation only, and applications of effluent should not exceed the amount
of PAN allowed in the facility's waste plan.**
**Please prepare a conditional amendment to the facility's waste utilization plan using this recommendation**
Please retain this letter for your records.
Sincerely,
Willie Howell
NCDA & CS, Agronomic Services Division
Regional Agronomist
Phone: [phone]
CC: Diane Harrison, NCDEQ
Joe Hudyncia, NCDA&CS
1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1040
[phone] 0 Fax [phone]
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