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2017 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshops
URBANA, ILL.
University of Illinois Extension has scheduled workshops to provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state’s Livestock Management Facilities Act.
The 2017 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshops, held in eight locations throughout the state, will begin Jan. 31 in Springfield and end Feb. 23 back in Springfield.
Please note that all workshops are concentrated in February, with only one workshop in January. Workshops begin at 8:30 a.m. and will take 3 1/2 hours with the IDOA exam administered afterward.
Workshop dates and locations are as follows:
• Jan. 31 – 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield
• Feb. 7 – 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington
• Feb. 8 – 1209 North Wenthe Drive, Effingham
• Feb. 9 – 1163 North 4th Street, Breese
• Feb. 14 – 180 S. Soangetaha Rd. Suite 108, Galesburg
• Feb.15 – 210 W. Spring St., Freeport
• Feb. 16 – 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore
• Feb. 23 – Ill. Dept. of Agriculture Bldg., State Fairgrounds
Each workshop will offer a general curriculum designed to keep producers current on the latest industry practices. The curriculum covers the basics of nutrient management as well as new technologies, research, and trends, so producers who have completed the training and are renewing their certification will benefit.
The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities with 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in proper manure handling procedures. For facilities with 300 to 999 animal units, the employee must attend a workshop or pass the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Certified Livestock Manager exam. Employees of facilities with 1,000 or more animal units must do both to achieve certification.
Registration opens Dec. 1. To register for a workshop, call the University of Illinois at 217-244-9687 or register online. The cost is $35. If more than one employee from the same farm signs up, each additional registration will cost $25. Lunch will not be offered, but coffee and donuts are provided.
Employees also have the option of taking five online quizzes. Passing them is the equivalent of having attended a workshop, but does not substitute for passing the state administered Certified Livestock Manager exam. Register for the online program option here. There is no charge to take the online quizzes other than the cost of a manual.
The workshops will use the instructional manual for the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) curriculum, which can be purchased for $67.50. Participants do not need a new manual if they have a 2003 or newer version. The manual is also available on a CD for $32.50. To purchase a manual, contact University of Illinois at 1-800-345-6087.
Producers are encouraged to preregister at least two weeks prior to ensure a seat for the session that fits their schedule. Advance registration also allow participants to receive a manual beforehand, which is important for those planning to take the written Illinois Department of Agriculture test to obtain their certification. ∆
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