By Scout Nelson
Manure is more than a byproduct of livestock operations. When managed correctly, it is a valuable fertilizer that can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce input costs. To support better manure use, Nebraska Extension will host seven hands-on workshops across the state during February and March.
The workshops are designed to help participants understand how to select the most suitable fields for manure application. Although these sessions have traditionally attracted livestock operators, they are also useful for crop producers who use manure as a nutrient source.
“Our workshops focus on choosing the best possible field for manure application and therefore are useful for any crop farmer utilizing manure, even though they have traditionally been attended by livestock producers,” said Leslie Johnson, Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Extension Educator.
“The workshops will still meet the educational requirements for permitted livestock operations laid out by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment’s Title 130.”
Each full-day session runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time and offers DWEE Land Application Training certification. Participants must attend the entire program, including lunch, to receive certification. Topics include regulatory updates, record-keeping requirements, and practical strategies for applying manure efficiently on cropland.
Hands-on activities are a key part of the training. Attendees will work through real-world scenarios to evaluate different fields for manure application. They will consider factors such as soil condition, nutrient value, transportation cost, water quality protection, nearby neighbors, and odor concerns. Based on these factors, participants will rank fields to determine which sites are most suitable for manure use.
The workshops are open to anyone interested, including crop producers, smaller livestock operations, NRCS staff, and landowners. Advance registration is required at least one week before each event due to limited seating and provided meals.
Workshop Dates and Locations:
- Gothenburg — Monday, Feb. 9
- Ainsworth — Tuesday, Feb. 24
- Broken Bow — Wednesday, Feb. 25
- Bridgeport — Friday, Feb. 27
- Norfolk — Wednesday, March 4
- West Point — Thursday, March 5
- Aurora — Tuesday, March 17
Registration costs are $100 per operation requiring certification or $25 per person for those attending without certification. More information and registration details are available at https://manure.unl.edu and https://water.unl.edu/lat.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-magicxeon
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education, Livestock