The Department of Agriculture reminded commercial manure haulers and brokers that new certification requirements will take effect February 26.

The Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Law (Act 49 of 2004) requires that all owners and employees of a commercial hauler, applicator or broker firm be certified. The law also provides new requirements for concentrated animal operations (CAOs) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

The Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania State University’s Cooperative Extension will facilitate educational programs to certify all applicators, brokers and haulers. Training and subject matter will be similar to the voluntary Manure Hauler Certification Program currently administered by the extension offices, but will incorporate modifications to comply with Act 49.

Depending on the certification level required, training will be available in a classroom setting or through a workbook developed by the Department. All commercial manure haulers and brokers will be required to take an examination as part of the training and certification process.

Classroom training opportunities will be offered on the following dates and locations beginning at 8 a.m., with the examination being offered at 4 p.m. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

· Jan. 25 – Leesport, Berks County Agricultural Center

· Jan. 30 – Leesport, Berks County Agricultural Center (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

· Jan. 31 – Indiana, Rustic Lodge

· Feb. 1 – Meadville, Crawford Cooperative Extension office

· Feb. 3 – Indiana, Indiana Cooperative Extension office (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

· Feb. 7 – Meadville, Crawford Cooperative Extension office (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

· Feb. 8 – Lancaster, Lancaster County Farm and Home Center

· Feb. 9 – Williamsport, Holiday Inn

· Feb. 15 – Lancaster, Lancaster County Farm and Home Center (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

· Feb. 16 – Quarryville, Solanco Fairgrounds

· Feb. 17 – Shippensburg, Premier Events

· Feb. 17 – Montoursville, Dept. of Agriculture, Region 2 office (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

· Feb. 23 – Carlisle, Cumberland Cooperative Extension office (Exam only – 9 a.m.)

Concentrated animal operations, concentrated animal feeding operations and voluntary participants exporting manure from their operation must also comply with new regulations, such as:

· Utilizing a certified hauler or broker for the transport and land application of manure exported from their operation;

· Providing a nutrient balance sheet to those farms importing manure for land application; and

· Maintaining export, transport and land application records of manure used at an importing operation.

For more information, visit the Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Program webpage or contact the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry at 717-787-3568 or 717-772-5218.

1/6/2006