The LFO Program is an individual permitting process for farms with more than 700 mature dairy cows (whether milking or dry), 1,000 beef cattle or cow/calf pairs, 1,000 youngstock or heifers, 500 horses, 55,000 turkeys, or 82,000 laying hens (without a liquid manure handing system). 

The LFO law requires adequate and satisfactory waste storage, and requires the farm to land apply manure, compost, and other wastes according to a nutrient management plan. The LFO law and regulatory program prohibit the discharge of wastes from the production area to waters of the state. The Vermont LFO law requires these farms to be permitted. The goal of the program is to cause the farm to not have discharges that would require a federal Clean Water Act permit.

Unlike the MFO Program, LFO permits are individual to each farm and also regulate odor, noise, traffic, insects, flies, and other pests.

The LFO Rules were revised in early 2007, and then formally adopted in November 2007.

Additional Resources for Large Farm Operations:

Resources Available at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (htm) (pdf)

For more information on the LFO Program, contact:

            Katie Gehr at 828-3476 or katie.gehr@state.vt.us