Be sure your certification is up-to-date before the fall manure application season begins.
In Iowa, confinement site manure applicators — people who haul and land apply manure from a confinement (totally roofed) facility with a capacity of 500 or more animal units (1,250 finishing hogs, 500 beef cattle, etc.) — must be certified or use a certified commercial manure applicator. Commercial applicators (those who are in the business of hauling or applying manure) must also be properly certified.
Please note: those who haul and land apply manure from open feedlots (uncovered or partially covered facilities) or smaller confinements are not required to be certified or use a certified applicator.
Commercial and confinement manure applicators have three options to complete annual training requirements :
To finalize certification, submit fees and forms to the DNR. Find more information from DNR or ISU Extension on certification options and requirements.
For specific questions, contact Jeff Prier at 319-653-2135 or Jeff.Prier@dnr.iowa.gov.