Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/8/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, (515) 294-9590, amrieck@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Annual Workshops for Confinement Site Manure Applicators Scheduled for 2004
AMES, Iowa - Confinement site manure applicators should plan to attend a two-hour continuing education workshop offered by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in January or February 2004 to maintain applicator certification requirements. Contact your local county extension office for a list of workshop dates and locations.
"Iowa law requires confinement site manure applicators to attend two hours of continuing education each year of their three-year certification period or take and pass an exam once every three years," said Angela Rieck-Hinz, ISU extension program specialist and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program. If applicators fail to get the two hours of continuing education each year, they will be required to pass a written exam to be eligible to recertify in 2004. After passing the exam, confinement site applicator can become recertified by taking and passing a second exam on different day, or by attending a two hour workshops scheduled for January or February 2004.
During the workshop, applicators will learn about manure application rules, manure spill response, safety issues and manure management plan requirements.
The workshop will also serve as initial certification for those applicants who are not currently certified. If a confinement livestock operation has more than 500 animal units the operator must be certified to apply manure unless the manure is applied by a commercial manure applicator.
The certification fee is $100 for a three-year certificate. In addition to the certification fees, an annual education fee will also be required beginning in 2004. The education fee is mandated by state law and determined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The education fee will be $25 in 2004.
Due to uniform certification deadlines, applicators are encouraged to attend workshops prior to March 1 to avoid being assessed a late fee of $12.50. Applicators are highly encouraged to attend the workshops due to the uncertainty of when videotapes will be available for training in late January and February.
If you have questions about the Manure Applicator Certification Program contact your local ISU Extension county office or go to: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.
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