UMaine Extension Offers Workshop for Farmers Facing Nutrient Management Recertification
Contact: Mark Hutchinson, Extension Educator, 1-800-244-2104
ORONO — Dec. 1 is the registration deadline for University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s nutrient management workshop. Farmers who had nutrient management plans certified in 2000 must be recertified by December 2005. The event is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Albion.
Since 1998, Maine has had a nutrient management law to reduce pollution of surface and ground water from farming activities. This legislation was widely supported by both farmers and environmental organizations. Maine farmers understand the need for good manure management techniques, and the success of this program can be attributed to the involvement of the agricultural community from the beginning. UMaine Cooperative Extension was also there from the start, developing training materials for farmers, planners, and agency staff; devising requirements for certified planners; and creating software and record keeping materials.
Extension’s workshop will focus on the changes that have occurred in nutrient management planning at the state and federal level since 2000, and how these changes can be incorporated in a plan. Topics include off-farm residuals, compost operations, the use of technical service providers, and CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) permitting, among others.
his one-day workshop will be held on December 8 at the Bessey Municipal Building in Albion, Maine. For more information or to request a brochure, please contact Extension Educator Mark Hutchinson at 1-800-244-2104 or e-mail markh@umext.maine.edu. The training costs five dollars per person including lunch. Pre-registration is required for an accurate lunch count.