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Environmental training for CAFOs in SD

February 3, 2015, Brookings, SD – An environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, is set for Feb. 25, 2015 in Huron, SD.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Crossroads Convention Center (100 Fourth St. S.W.). 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 Rogness 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.

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. Certified Crop Advisor credits are also available for attending this program.

Producers and any other interested individuals who are not currently applying for a permit, can also benefit from the information and are encouraged to attend.

Current federal EPA, USDA and state 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, Erin Cortus, assistant professor & SDSU Extension environmental quality engineer will discuss water quality. Bob Thaler, SDSU Extension swine specialist will lead a session on livestock nutrition options for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus content of manure. 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, Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension soil field specialist, will discuss managing nitrogen and phosphorus in land applications of manure. Bly, along with Jason Gilb, conservation agronomist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will go through nutrient management planning worksheets. John Lentz, resource conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will cover implementing conservation practices to improve sustainability. Cortus will conclude the day’s training with a session on air quality and odor.

To learn more, email Erin.Cortus@sdstate.edu.