Introduction Efforts Made Positive Impact Change in Iowa Change Nationally "Deposits" Iowa's Rivers Regulation And Finally Did you know? There are nearly 200, typewritten pages regulating livestock farming inIowa. Since 1995, three new rounds of regulations in Iowa have been implemented.  Separation distances between livestock farms and neighbors have increased.  Permit thresholds have been lowered. Many people who incorporate manure, including all commercial applicators regardless of the source or size of operation they haul from, are required to be certified.  Manure management plans must be prepared and updated. Farmers building most new barns must also file construction permits, adhere to concrete standards, schedule DNR inspections and contain storm water runoff. Counties have been empowered to offer additional input on where new farms are built.