Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO): Is My Operation A CAFO?
Find out if your operation is considered a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) and determine if you need to obtain authorization under the CAFO General Permits No. TXG920000 or an individual permit to operate in Texas.
This page contains CAFO definitions, information on when you need to obtain an authorization for your CAFO and links to additional resources for how to apply for the different authorizations that may be required.
What is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation?
An animal feeding operation (AFO) is a lot or facility, other than an aquatic animal production facility, where animals have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period, and in which the animal confinement areas do not sustain crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility.
When Do I Need a Permit?
On this page
The type and number of animals on site determine how an AFO is categorized under the rules:
Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)
An AFO with the number of animals in the following table, is considered a large CAFO and must obtain written authorization from the TCEQ.
| HEAD | ANIMAL TYPE |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | veal calves and cattle other than mature dairy cattle |
| 700 | mature dairy cattle (whether milking or dry cows) |
| 2,500 | swine weighing 55 pounds or more |
| 10,000 | swine weighing less than 55 pounds |
| 5,000 | ducks (liquid manure handling system) |
| 30,000 | ducks (not using liquid manure handling system) |
| 500 | horses |
| 10,000 | sheep or lambs |
| 55,000 | turkeys |
| 82,000 | laying hens (not using liquid manure handling system) |
| 30,000 | laying hens or broilers (liquid manure handling system) |
| 125,000 | chickens (other than laying hens, if not using liquid waste handling system) |
Back to topMedium CAFO
An AFO located in the Dairy Outreach Program Area (Bosque, Comanche, Erath, Hamilton, Hopkins, Johnson, Rains and Wood Counties) with the number of animals in the following table is considered a medium CAFO. All medium CAFOs in these counties must obtain written authorization from the TCEQ. CAFOs in other Counties must comply with the AFO rules in 30 TAC Chapter 321.47, unless if required to obtain a written authorization by the executive director. If you need technical assistance with your AFO, contact the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) that services your area.
| HEAD | ANIMAL TYPE |
|---|---|
| 300 to 999 | veal calves and cattle other than mature dairy cattle |
| 200 to 699 | mature dairy cattle (whether milking or dry cows) |
| 750 to 2,499 | swine weighing 55 pounds or more |
| 3,000 to 9,999 | swine weighing less than 55 pounds |
| 10,000 to 29,999 | ducks (not using liquid manure handling system) |
| 1,500 to 4,999 | ducks (liquid manure handling system) |
| 150 to 499 | horses |
| 3,000 to 9,999 | sheep or lambs |
| 16,500 to 54,999 | turkeys |
| 25,000 to 81,999 | laying hens (not using liquid manure handling system) |
| 9,000 to 29,999 | laying hens or broilers (liquid manure handling system) |
| 37,500 to 124,999 | chickens (other than laying hens, if not using liquid waste handling system) |
Small CAFO
AFO may be designated a small CAFO by the executive director because it is a significant contributor of pollutants into or adjacent to water in the state. Any AFO that is designated a small CAFO must obtain written authorization from the TCEQ.
Other Animal Feeding Operations
AFOs that are not defined or designated as CAFOs are authorized under the permit by rule found in 30 TAC Chapter 321.47
. If you are an AFO but not a CAFO, you must submit a notification form
TCEQ - 20280
and comply with the permit by rule. If you need technical assistance with your AFO, contact the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
(TSSWCB) or the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS).
Apply for Coverage
If your CAFO must obtain authorization from the TCEQ, please visit the CAFO: Am I Regulated webpage to determine if you qualify for coverage under the CAFO General Permit (TXG920000) or an individual permit.
If you have questions, please see our Contact Page or e-mail us at CAFO@tceq.texas.gov.
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