"With soaring input costs and unpredictable commodity prices, efficient and effective use of manure and other fertilizers is more important than ever," said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist.

Nutrient Management Planning covers the basic concepts of nutrient management on farms using manure as a fertilizer source. The course includes classroom sessions (March 10-12) followed by field and calculation sessions (April 13-15 or April 15-17).

Qualified individuals can use this course towards certification as a nutrient management technical service provider for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Licensed engineers can claim at least 17 professional development hours. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the course for 35.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and 29.0 CEUs for wastewater treatment operators.

Course organizers have requested approval for 6.0 soil and water and 22.0 soil fertility CEUs for certified crop advisors.

Cost is $375. Both sessions take place at the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia.

Advanced Nutrient Management Planning (Feb. 25-26) will provide detailed presentations and discussions on how to optimize nitrogen management in forage and row crops, particularly on farms using manure as a nitrogen source.There are no prerequisites for the course.

Speakers will include Michael Russelle, a nationally recognized USDA soil scientist working on nitrogen management in forage systems.

Missouri DNR has approved the course for 12.0 CEUs for CAFO operators and wastewater operators. Awaiting approval are CEUs for certified crop advisors in soil and water (5.0), nutrient management (6.5) and crop management (0.5).

Cost is $185. The course will be held in Columbia at a yet-to-be determined location.

Both courses require advance registration. To register, contact Shane Ferguson at 573-884-6311or FergusonSS@missouri.edu. Details about the courses, including agendas and lists of presenters, are available at http://nmplanner.missouri.edu/training/. For more information, contact John Lory at 573-884-7815 or LoryJ@missouri.edu.

Course sponsors are the University of Missouri Commercial Agriculture Program, University of Missouri Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.