What defines very high animal density farms in terms of AEUs per acre?

Very high animal density farms are defined by having more than 2.25 Animal Equivalent Units (AEUs) per acre. This threshold is significant because it indicates a substantial concentration of livestock on a given piece of land, which can pose various environmental challenges, particularly in terms of nutrient management and potential runoff.

Such high densities can lead to increased nutrient loading, where the amount of manure produced exceeds the soil's capacity to assimilate nutrients without degradation of water quality. This frequently results in concerns related to water pollution, particularly regarding the nutrient runoff into nearby water bodies, leading to issues like eutrophication.

Understanding these thresholds is essential, as they help inform regulations and management practices designed to protect both the environment and public health. By identifying farms that operate under very high animal density, specific best management practices can be implemented to mitigate potential negative impacts from such concentrated animal operations.