The Ohio Department of Agriculture Livestock Environmental Permitting Program is hosting a Certified Livestock Manager Training Session on Jan. 13-15, 2004, at the Allen County Fairgrounds Youth Activities Building in Lima.
"Manure from large livestock and poultry farms can be an asset when handled and recycled properly as a fertilizer," said Kevin Elder, Executive Director of the Livestock Environmental Permitting Program and a speaker on the training session program. "It can also be the largest liability for a farm if handled incorrectly."
The three-day training session is a requirement for any farmer or custom applicator who needs certification by ODA. Anyone who manages and/or handles manure at a major concentrated animal feeding facility (more than 10,000 animal units) or anyone who buys, sells, or land applies more than 4,500 dry tons (or equivalent*) of manure a year must be a Certified Livestock Manager through ODA. It is also good training for any farmer who wants to learn more about best management practices concerning manure management.
A registration form can be found on ODA's website at www.ohioagriculture.gov, click on Regulatory Programs, click on Livestock Environmental Permitting Program, or call 614-387-0470 and a brochure can be mailed to you. Registration deadline is Dec. 31, 2003. Cost is reasonable at $62 for all three days, including meals and materials.
Topics covered in the Certified Livestock Manager Training Session include nutrient management training, manure storage and handling training, emergency management planning, odor control practices, insect and rodent control practices, neighbor relations advice, and a review of the rules and regulations concerning manure handing.
On August 19, 2002, the ODA Livestock Environmental Permitting Program began implementing rules regulating Ohio's large livestock and poultry farms. These rules established construction standards for all new and existing large livestock and poultry farms; all aspects of manure storage, handling, transportation, and land-application by these farms; the farms' insect and rodent control plans; and compliance and enforcement procedures.
* To determine dry ton equivalent, take the weight of manure applied multiplied by the percent dry matter content.