All horse farm owners have a responsibility to the environment. They should strive to run a barn that is eco-friendly. This includes protecting lakes, streams, forests, and the surrounding areas. Check out these simple ideas your can implement, if you haven’t already!
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Barn
- Control invasive plants on your property.
- When using fertilizers and pesticides, make sure to store and apply them carefully. The labels should have detailed directions.
- Dispose of chemicals appropriately.
- Store manure on a cement pad or compacted soil.
- Keep the manure pile away from creeks, streams, lakes, etc…
- Have your manure removed 1x or 2x a year.
- Manage your pastures in order to avoid bare soil.
- Horses should be kept away from water features with tall grass or brush separating their field from the creek, stream, lake, or wetland.
- Try to keep your horses off your septic system.
- Use energy-efficient lighting in the barn and outdoor facilities.
- Make sure to have natural ventilation (like windows and cupolas) in your barn.
- Collect rainwater with cisterns or rain barrels.
- Only use paints with low-VOC.
- Create a recycling system.
- Reuse and repurpose items.
- Invite birds and bats to your facility for natural bug control.
- Hire a barn cat for rodent removal.
Maintaining a horse barn doesn’t have to be environmentally damaging. You can reduce your footprint with these simple ideas. What do you do you be more eco-friendly?
