Illinois Department of Agriculture Offering Workshops

Workshops have been scheduled to provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state’s Livestock Management Facilities Act.

The Certified Livestock Manager Training workshops will be held in eight locations throughout the state beginning Dec. 11, 2012. While a general curriculum is offered, several workshops are tailored specifically for either swine or beef and dairy production. Producers
should register for the session that best fits their schedule and interests.

“Enrollment in one of these workshops will keep producers current on the latest research about the proper use and application of livestock manure,” Warren Goetsch, bureau chief of Environmental Programs for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said. “Because classroom space is limited, I’d encourage them to register for a workshop and purchase a training manual as soon as possible.”

The curriculum has been updated to reflect the latest industry practices and offer new information to producers who may have completed the training before and are renewing their certification.

The new workshop topics include:

• How drought impacts my manure management plan

• Nutrient Management Planning made easy

• Getting the most out of nitrogen management

• Tools for helping manage manure: EZ regs, IMMP, Manure Share

A workshop on beef and dairy cattle will be held in Effingham on January 22 at the Effingham County Extension Office on North Wenthe Drive.

The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities with 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in proper manure handling procedures. For facilities with 300 to 999 animal units, the employee either must attend a workshop or pass the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Certified Livestock Manager exam. Employees of facilities with 1,000 or more animal units must do both to achieve certification.

Employees also have the option of taking five online quizzes.  Passing them is the equivalent of having attended a workshop, but does not substitute for passing the Certified Livestock Manager exam.

To register for a workshop, call the University of Illinois Extension at 1-800-345-6087. The cost is $30. If more than one employee from the same farm signs-up, each registration after the first will cost $20, a $10 discount.

The workshops will use the instructional manual for the national Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) Curriculum, which can be bought at the time of registration for $62.50, including shipping and handling. The manual also is available on compact disc for $32.50. There is no charge to take the online quizzes other than the cost of a manual. To register for the online program option, contact Laura Pepple by calling (217) 244-0083 or by emailing lpepple2@illinois.edu.