Manure management workshop to be held
Greene County Conservation District will host two free workshops about writing manure management plans for local farmers and livestock owners.
The first workshop will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 16, and the second will be held 6:30 to 9 p.m. April 20. Both workshops will be held in the 4-H Building at the Greene County Fairgrounds.
The final day to apply for the workshops is Thursday. Attendees can choose which session they wish to register for; attendance at both is not required.
According to state Department of Environmental Protection regulations, anyone whose farm operations involve applying manure to land, whether by fork, machine or naturally by animal, is required to have a written manure management plan, regardless of the size of the operation.
“The DEP’s goal is not to go out policing people about manure management plans,” said Karlie Wright, agricultural technician for the conservation district. “What they really want to do is educate everyone about the impact of livestock on the land and help people manage those impacts properly.”
Offering free workshops is just one way that the conservation district can provide resources and assistance to anyone with questions or who needs help writing or developing manure management plans. District staff can also meet one on one with individuals and evaluate plans.
Financial and other support for this workshop was provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts Inc., through a grant from the state DEP under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Continuing education credits are available for attending the workshops.
For more information, or to register, call the Conservation District at 724-852-5278 or e-mail kwright@co.greene.pa.us.