DES MOINES – New and existing commercial manure applicators can meet their certification training requirements Jan. 5 at 75 Iowa locations and two out-of-state locations.
“It’s important to get to class and submit the paper work before applying manure,” said Jeff Prier, DNR environmental specialist. “We’ve had a few people this year who needed reminding that just because you’ve attended class, you’re not certified until everything has reached our Des Moines office.
“The training provides a good update on rule changes and current issues,” he said. “For example, we’ll be discussing hydrogen sulfide safety, uniform manure distribution and how DNR handles enforcement this year.”
Iowa State University Extension will offer the training from 9 a.m. to noon at county Extension offices and affiliated locations. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., but applicators must pre-register for the workshops by Dec. 28 to ensure adequate seating in the county where they plan to attend.
In addition to the Jan. 5 training, ISU Extension will offer eight dry/solid manure workshops for commercial applicators in February.
Pre-register for sessions at your county Extension office, listed on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group’s website.
Applicators must attend the entire training session to complete certification.
As another option, DNR offers convenient online training and fee payment. To take the education course online, register for an IowaID and follow the prompts. After creating an IowaID, sign in for online payment processing and information regarding applicators’ renewals, expiration dates and fees.
Certificates for all commercial manure applicators expire March 1. To avoid late fees, currently certified applicators must complete the training, and submit forms and fees to the DNR before that date. Prier said even if they completed certification this fall they must complete training and re-certify before March 1.
Commercial applicators who cannot attend the Jan. 5 training should contact their county extension office to schedule a time to watch a video. Prier urges applicators to attend the Jan. 5 training if possible. “Many county offices are offering scheduled times to provide the training and will no longer accept walk-ins,” he said.
County extension offices will charge a $10 fee to applicators who want to view the video at their convenience. However, applicators will not have to pay fees for scheduled training dates and live workshops.
There’s another option for applicators. They can take a 50-question exam. Schedule an appointment at the DNR field office most convenient to you, by calling:
- Manchester, 563-927-2640.
- Mason City, 641-424-4073.
- Spencer, 712-262-4177.
- Atlantic, 712-243-1934.
- Des Moines, 515-725-0268.
- Washington, 319-653-2135.
Or, find more information about the manure applicators certification program on the DNR or Extension websites.