Nebraska

A University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension workshop will help producers learn the value of their livestock's manure.

The informational workshop on manure merchandising March 29 begins with 12:30 p.m. registration and concludes at 4 p.m. at the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

In addition to the value of manure, the workshop will focus on new Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regulations regarding manure transfers, said Phil Steinkamp, Nebraska's Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan project coordinator at the Northeast Research and Extension Center at Norfolk.

Other topics include: Calculating manure's value, formulating a manure merchandising business plan, and discussion, questions and answers by producers already selling manure.

"This workshop will help producers start selling their manure as a fertilizer source while protecting the local environment," Steinkamp said.

The workshop is available at no cost and includes Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan workbooks, publications and a CD-ROM.

The workshop is geared toward livestock producers, managers and/or employees, crop and livestock consultants, government representatives and extension educators. Producers are encouraged to participate with their agronomic advisor or computer operator, Steinkamp said.

Preregistration is required and seating is limited. For more information or a registration form, contact Steinkamp at 402-370-4061 or e-mail psteinkamp2@unl.edu.

The workshop is sponsored by Cooperative Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Pork Producers Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Date: 3/23/05