An environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, is set for Thursday, February 23 in Huron. This training fulfills the environmental and manure-management training requirement to obtain a livestock permit for CAFOs from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

But the program also benefits producers and any other interested individuals who are not currently applying for a permit. The program covers current federal (EPA, USDA) and state water pollution and control programs and provides information on livestock production, manure management and land application practices that protect water and air quality. Certified Crop Advisor credits for are also available for attending this program.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Crossroads Convention Center, 100 Fourth St. S.W. in Huron. The cost is $50 and includes lunch, breaks, and training materials. The program begins at 8:50 a.m. and concludes at approximately 4:45 p.m.
To register for the training, call Candy Willms at (605) 688-5141. 

Specialists from South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are offering the training.  During the morning session, SDSU Air Quality and Waste Management Specialist Erin Cortus will discuss water quality.  Joel Poore, State Conservation Agronomist with the NRCS, will talk about practices for reducing soil and manure loss from fields. Jason Roggow, a natural resources engineer with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will give an overview of the South Dakota DENR Livestock Permit program.

In the afternoon, SDSU Soil Specialist Ron Gelderman will discuss managing nitrogen and phosphorus in land applications of manure. Poore and Gelderman will also go through nutrient management planning worksheets. SDSU Swine Specialist Bob Thaler will lead a session on livestock nutrition options for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus content of manure. Cortus will conclude the day’s training with a session on air quality and odor.
This program is offered three times each year. The next program is July 11, 2012.