The Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act, passed in 1996, requires producers with more than 300 animal units in their operation to be certified in livestock manure management. Certification issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture is valid for three years and then must be renewed.

According to Dale Baird, University of Illinois Extension specialist with the CLM programme, the focus of the CLM training workshops is to share techniques and new research in manure management with Illinois livestock producers.

"Topics to be presented at this winter's workshops include winter manure storage and management under adverse weather conditions, problems and solutions concerning feed storage runoff control and manure application in no-till systems," said Mr Baird.

"Additional discussion topics will include manure pit storage foaming issues, carcass composting, nitrogen management of livestock manure and planning tools for manure management."

All workshops will be presented by University of Illinois Extension specialists, and Brad Beaver, manager of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Livestock Facilities Programme, will discuss regulations and rules in the Livestock Management Facilities Act. The IDOA Certified Livestock Manager exam will be offered at the conclusion of the training programme.

Workshop pre-registration is strongly encouraged, as seating may be limited.

To register or purchase a CLM Training Manual or CD, call (800) 345-6087.

Registration and manual prices are listed below and producers can register via credit card. If producers have a 2003 CLM manual or newer, they will not need to purchase a new manual. The Illinois Department of Agriculture certification exam is based on the CLM manual.

CLM Training Workshop Registration: $30 per person; same farm registration $30 for the first person and $20 for each additional individual if registered at the same time.

CLM Manual Only: $55 plus $7.50 postage and handling, limited quantities available.

CLM CD Only: $25 plus $7.50 postage and handling.

CLM Manual and CD: $80 plus $7.50 postage and handling.

Workshop Walk-Ins: $45 per person.

The complete 2011-12 CLM Training Workshops brochure is available at www.livestocktraining.com. For additional information contact Dale Baird, Extension Specialist, Certified Livestock Training Program at clmt@illinois.edu or call (815)978-2844