News

Livestock environmental workshop to be held in South Dakota

There’s an environmental training session for concentrated animal feeding operators next Wednesday, November 7, in Huron, South Dakota. The session includes specialists from South Dakota State University as well as from state and federal agencies. The training fulfills environmental and manure management requirements for state concentrated animal feeding operation permits. It also qualifies for Certified Crop Adviser credits.

Even producers not applying for a permit will benefit from the information, according to the news release. Current pollution control programs encourage all livestock producers to voluntarily adopt production and manure management practices that protect water quality.

During the morning session, SDSU Environmental Quality Engineer Erin Cortus will discuss water quality. John Lentz, resource conservationist with the NRCS, will talk about implementing conservation practices to improve sustainability. 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. Lentz and Gelderman also will 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.

Registration for the day-long program 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. To register, call Candy Willms at 605-688-5141.