South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension offers an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on Nov. 16 in Huron, SD.

Specialists from SDSU, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SDENR) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are offering the training.

Producers and any other interested individuals who are not currently applying for a permit are encouraged to attend. This training fulfills the environmental and manure management training requirement to obtain a livestock permit for CAFOs from the SDENR. Current state and federal water pollution control programs encourage livestock producers, even those who do not need permits, to voluntarily adopt livestock production and manure management practices that protect water quality.

During the morning session, SDSU Extension air quality and waste management specialist Erin Cortus will discuss water quality. SDSU Extension beef specialist Julie Walker will lead a session on livestock nutrition options for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus content of manure. Jason Roggow, a natural resources engineer with DENR, will give an overview of the South Dakota DENR Livestock Permit program.

In the afternoon, NRCS soil quality specialist Jeff Hemenway will discuss managing nitrogen and phosphorus in land applications of manure. Joel Poore, state conservation agronomist with the NRCS, will talk about practices for reducing soil and manure loss from fields and will also host a session on using worksheets for land application of manure. Cortus will conclude the day's training with a session on air quality and odor.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Crossroads Convention Center, 100 4th. St. SW. The cost is $40 and includes lunch, breaks and training materials. The program begins at 8:50 a.m. and concludes at approximately 4:45 p.m., central time.

To register for the training, call Candy Willms at (605) 688-5141.