The Department of Agriculture this week announced manure haulers and brokers will have more opportunities for training in May

The department, in cooperation with Penn State's Cooperative Extension Service, has already hosted seven training sessions. Additional sessions for individuals seeking certification as a Commercial Hauler 3 or Broker 1 or 2 will be offered—

· May 9 at the Dauphin County Ag Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd, Dauphin; and,

· May 11 at the Centre County Solid Waste Authority, 253 Transfer Road, Bellefonte. Each session will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sessions are free, but registration is required.

The Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Law (Act 49 of 2004) took effect February 26 and requires owners and employees of commercial haulers or brokers to be certified by the Department of Agriculture.

People seeking certification as a Commercial Hauler 1 or 2 are not required to take the classroom training and may be certified via worksheet or workbook, respectively. Materials are available online or by contacting the department.

To register, or for more information on Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Act regulations and training, contact the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry at 717-787-3568 or 717-772-5218.

3/24/2006