Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) in collaboration with the Iowa NRCS have scheduled two additional workshops to train service providers and producers how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in manure and nutrient management planning.

Manure applicators attend a training workshop at the Iowa State University Northwest Iowa Research Farm. (Angela Rieck-Hinz)

The first workshop will be held on June 22, at the Jasper County Extension office in Newton, and the second workshop will be held on June 24, at the Webster County Extension office in Fort Dodge. The workshops start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day.

These workshops will provide training to service providers who are planning to work with livestock producers in developing nutrient and manure management plans. Participants will learn where to find the necessary software and how to install it on their computers, how to determine critical field areas, how to determine erosion rates using RUSLE2, how to calculate P Index vulnerability ratings, and how to incorporate these numbers into manure management planning requirements. Producers are also welcome to attend these workshops.

The cost of the workshop is $100 if registrations are received on or before June 17 and $125 after June 17. Registration is not complete until registration form and fees are received at the location where you plan to attend.

The workshop fee includes handout materials, refreshments, lunch, and a CD containing software. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a Microsoft Windows-compatible laptop with Windows 98 or newer operating system and equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel software. Each site is limited to 25 participants. Please make sure that you have administrator rights to install software on the laptop you bring to the training.

The program brochure and registration form are available as a PDF file. Registration forms should be sent to either the Jasper County Extension office or the Webster County Extension office. Questions regarding these workshops should be directed to Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551 or Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590.

Liquid manure application at fall manure field day. (Angela Rieck-Hinz)