Transforming manure into improved crop yields while protecting the environment will be the focus of nine Nebraska Extension workshops scheduled for January and February. The programs are for livestock and crop producers as well as those for responsible for applying manure nutrients in the field.

The workshops will help livestock producers apply the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska's Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL animal manure management coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.

Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified. A farm must complete an approved training every five years. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are also encouraged to attend.

The in-depth, one-day class targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended this initial training, but which need recertification, may attend the morning portion of the training.

Attendance during the morning session will fulfill NDEQ requirements for re-certification for those who completed the initial land application training five or more years ago. This two-hour program will include updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as protecting herd health with biosecurity, pathogens found in manure, and the manure value calculator spreadsheet released in 2012. Farm staff responsible for implementing the farm's nutrient plan are also encouraged to attend.

Registration

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. The fee for the full day workshop, which includes lunch, is $60 per operation for one representative plus $15 for each additional participant from the same operation.

The Land Application Training Recertification morning portion is $30 for each participant.

These workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Extension AMM Team which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better use the state's manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.

For additional information on these workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818, email ljohnson13@unl.edu.