AMES, Iowa -- During January and February, more than 2,000 Iowans attend local workshops for manure applicator continuing education. They are livestock and crop producers, and people wanting to know more about the rules, regulations and issues related to manure management and good stewardship.
Many come because it is required – two hours of annual continuing education, or pass a written exam every three years, for those applying manure from confinement livestock operations of more than 500 animal units. Last year, 2,125 confinement site applicators attended the workshops to maintain certification. They come to hear the latest rules and regulations, better understand how to be in compliance, and when to contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about issues related to handling and applying manure from confinements.
But what they take away from the workshop is more than rules and regulations. For the last 10 years, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension has provided the workshops in partnership with the DNR. Program content varies each year and is determined with assistance from DNR and ISU Extension crops, livestock and agricultural engineer field specialists.
“That first year they told us about manure nutrient research and sampling manure,” said a Kossuth County producer at a recent workshop. “At that time proper application was a new concept. But we did it, and after a couple of years we saw that our yields stayed up and we realized the benefits. Last year they talked about phosphorous-based manure management plans. There’s always new research, more to know.”
At a time when the value of manure is increasing, crop producers as well as livestock producers are interested in workshop information.
“I come to the trainings so I can understand my manure plan better,” said another Kossuth County attendee. “These workshops keep good information in the forefront of my mind and help me understand the regulations even though I’m not a certified manure applicator.”
Topics covered at 2008 training sessions include land application rules, mortality management and investigating confinement site issues. Confinement site applicators are required to pay an annual education fee of $25 -- the workshop is free to all others.
“By investing two hours of time each year, producers are much more aware and better educated about the way their actions affect not only their land and animals, but how it affects worker safety, their neighbors and Iowa in general,” said Jeff Prier, DNR environmental specialist. “The workshop is a great way for anyone to learn about regulations and how neighbors can work together.”
Learn more about the location, date and time of remaining 2008 workshops by contacting your local extension office or going to http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/08confdates.html
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