An environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, is set for Feb. 25, 2014 in Huron.
Specialists from South Dakota State University and SDSU Extension, 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 for are also available for attending this program.
Producers and any other interested individuals who are not currently applying for a permit also can 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, SDSU Extension Environmental Quality Engineer, Erin Cortus will discuss water quality. SDSU Extension Swine Specialist, Bob Thaler 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.