For immediate release: JAN. 21, 2010

 

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Web site for confinement site manure applicator training was incorrect in the story about manure applicator training. The article below contains the correct address.

 

1.  DNR unveils new livestock database

2.  Confinement manure applicators should attend training by March 1

 

DNR UNVEILS NEW LIVESTOCK DATABASE

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Gene Tinker at (563) 927-2640 or [log in to unmask]

 

DES MOINES—The DNR has recently made information about livestock and poultry operations as easy as a mouse click.

 

The DNR’s updated animal feeding operations database is accessible online. The internet format makes it easy to access information about more than 8,000 facilities the agency tracks.

 

“People can now search by owner’s name, the facility identification number, or geographically,” said Gene Tinker, coordinator of the DNR’s animal feeding operations program.

 

The database covers primarily those operations large enough to require approval for a construction permit. It also covers mid-size and larger operations that need a manure or nutrient management plan. While the database includes information on some of the smaller facilities in the state, not all small open feedlots or confinements are tracked in this system.

 

“This will make it easy for producers to check and make sure information about their facility is accurate,” Tinker said. “They can also look for the month their manure management plans are due and when the last original P-Index plan was submitted.”

 

A report function on the database allows people to search by watershed, county or region. “This information is great for planners and technical service providers,” he said. “It greatly improves their ability to estimate the density of animals in an area or to find a suitable site for a new facility.”

 

Find the database at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/animalfeedingoperations/. A help menu and user’s guide are also available.

 

Producers who find an error in the information about their facility should notify their regional DNR field office. The field office phone numbers are:

 

Northeast Iowa, Manchester, (563) 927-2640.

North Central Iowa, Mason City, (641) 424-4073.

Northwest Iowa, Spencer, (712) 262-4177.

Southwest Iowa, Atlantic, (712) 243-1934.

South Central Iowa, Des Moines, (515) 725-0268.

Southeast Iowa, Washington, (319) 653-2135.

 

# # #

 

CONFINEMENT MANURE APPLICATORS SHOULD ATTEND TRAINING BEFORE MARCH 1

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Prier, MAC Coordinator, (712) 262‐4177 or [log in to unmask]

 

DES MOINES – Confinement site manure applicators should meet their annual training requirements in January or February at many county Iowa State University Extension offices.

 

“The training is a good reminder of state rules that applicators must follow, along with new information on winter land application of manure,” said Jeff Prier, DNR coordinator of the program.”

 

Most session are aimed at liquid manure application. However, several special sessions designed to meet the needs of dry manure handlers are scheduled in February.

 

“Confinement site applicators are required to take the annual training, even though their certificates are good for three years,” he added. “It’s also a good reminder of existing rules and safety tips, and a good update on any new rules.”

 

The deadline for expiring certificates is March 1. To avoid late fees, applicators whose certificates are expiring must complete the two‐hour training, and submit forms and fees to the DNR before that date. A $25 continuing education fee is charged.

 

Prier said even those who completed certification this fall must complete training in 2010. They should pre-register for the training sessions with the Extension office to ensure seating and adequate training materials.

 

Applicators can find contacts for registration and a list of counties where the training is available at http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/10confdates.html.

 

Those applicators who cannot attend a training session should contact their local Extension office to schedule time to watch the videotape. Prier urges applicators to attend a live training if possible. “Videotapes of the training will not be available until mid‐February and many county Extension offices will not be able to accept walk‐ins,” he said.

 

Applicators who cannot schedule a training session can take a 50‐question exam. Contact the DNR field office most convenient to you to make an appointment, by calling:

• Northeast Iowa, Manchester, (563) 927‐2640.

• North Central Iowa, Mason City, (641) 424‐4073.

• Northwest Iowa, Spencer, (712) 262‐4177.

• Southwest Iowa, Atlantic, (712) 243‐1934.

• South Central Iowa, Des Moines, (515) 725‐0268.

• Southeast Iowa, Washington, (319) 653‐2135.

 

More information about the manure applicators certification program is available at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/appcert.html or http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.

 

 

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Karen Grimes

Information Specialist

DNR Communications Bureau

(515) 281-5135