Manure isn’t just a byproduct of livestock—it’s a powerful fertilizer that can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and save farmers money. This February and March, Nebraska Extension is hosting seven hands-on workshops across the state to help producers get the most value out of manure while protecting water and soil resources.
“Our workshops focus on choosing the best possible field for manure application and therefore are useful for any crop farmer utilizing manure, even though they have traditionally been attended by livestock producers,” said Leslie Johnson, Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Extension Educator. “The workshops will still meet the educational requirements for permitted livestock operations laid out by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment’s Title 130.”
What You’ll Learn
Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time and includes:
- Land Application Training Certification (DWEE requirement for permitted livestock operations)
- Updates on state regulations
- Practical strategies for using manure effectively on cropland
- Lunch
But you don’t have to have certification to attend—crop farmers, smaller livestock operations, NRCS, and landowners will also find the material valuable.
Hands-On, Real-World Decision Making
These aren’t sit-and-listen sessions. Each workshop is built around real-world scenarios where participants evaluate fields and decide whether manure application is a good fit.
You’ll learn to weigh key factors such as:
- Manure nutrient value
- Transportation costs
- Soil health benefits
- Water quality risks
- Neighbor and odor considerations
- Key regulations and record-keeping requirements
By the end of the day, you’ll know how to prioritize your own fields to get the biggest agronomic—and economic—return from manure.
Dates & Locations
- Gothenburg – February 9
- Ainsworth – February 24
- Broken Bow – February 25
- Bridgeport – February 27
- Norfolk – March 4
- West Point – March 5
- Aurora – March 17
Registration Details
Space is limited, and lunch is provided, so registration is required at least one week in advance. If demand is high, more sessions may be added.
Register at: water.unl.edu/lat
Cost:
- $100 per operation needing certification (typically large livestock facilities)
- $25 per person without certification needs (crop farmers, small livestock producers, NRCS staff, landowners, etc.)
Why These Workshops Matter
Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Team is committed to helping livestock producers and crop producers use manure safely and effectively—turning what many see as waste into an asset that benefits farms and the environment.
For more information and manure management resources, visit manure.unl.edu or contact Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@nebraska.edu
