Hopefully before the end of 2006, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Board will approve a rule related to nutrient management on farms. Current rules are mostly based on nitrogen and can be inconsistently implemented from county to county. This rule would incorporate the September 2005 Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 590 nutrient management standard based on nitrogen and phosphorus. DATCP adopted the current rules in 2002 as part of a redesign of state nonpoint pollution abatement programs mandated by the Legislature. DATCP proposes to incorporate the updated federal standard in state nutrient management rules to help prevent manure and phosphorus runoff and improve water quality. This will also to help ensure that manure is applied in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. It will also reduce fish kill and well contamination risks. Adopting this rule amendment will fulfill DATCP’s nonpoint-rules commitment to keep Wisconsin rules consistent with federal standards.