Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension workshops will be held in Nebraska Extension offices during January and February to provide livestock and crop farmers with the latest information on turning manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.

Land Application Training workshops will be held Jan. 26 and Feb. 24, and will include distance learning options. Training will be focused on initial certification from 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (CST) each day, and recertification will be emphasized from 1:30-3:30 p.m..

The workshops will help livestock producers implement the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska's Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) regulations and will emphasize capturing the economic value of manure, according to Leslie Johnson, UNL Certified Nutrient Management Program coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long events will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.

The in-depth, one-day class option targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended initial training, but need recertification, need only attend the afternoon portion of the training. The afternoon sessions will provide updates on changing regulations and emerging manure management topics. Attendance at the afternoon portion of one of the Land Application Training workshops will fulfill (NDEQ) requirements for recertification of producers who have completed the initial land application training five or more years ago.

Producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998, must be certified and are encouraged to attend. In addition, the farm representative identified on the permit application must complete an approved training program every five years, and farm personnel responsible for land application of manure should also attend so they are aware of permit conditions and regulations.

Those that have access to high-speed Internet can take the recertification training at any location, including the home or office. A $50 fee per farm (includes one farm representative) will be charged for the day-long Land Application Training workshops, plus a $10 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch. The Land Application Training re-certification portion of the workshop is free if viewing online; if attending at an Extension office, the registration fee is $10. For additional information, including training location, contact Johnson, at (402) 584-3818, or e-mail [email protected]. Find more details and preregister online at water.unl.edu/lat. Preregistration is required for all workshops.