Farmers understand the importance of clean water and a healthy environment for their crop and livestock production. Best management practices (BMPs) are practical, affordable approaches to protecting a farm's soil and water resources without sacrificing productivity. BMPs such as fencing livestock out of rivers, maintaining a vegetated buffer adjacent to streams, managing runoff from manure storage facilities and adhering to all pesticide guidelines and training can help protect rivers and groundwater. Best management practices are equally important on small farms and for “backyard livestock” too!