Manure Hauler Certification Program better prepares farmers for worst-case scenario

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Manure Hauler Certification Program better prepares farmers for worst-case scenario

Michigan’s Manure Hauler Certification Program is in its second year to proactively educate farmers and haulers about proper manure handling.

Charles Gould with Michigan State University Extension helped to develop the program to minimize manure’s impact on the environment.

“A manure spill is a manure spill,” he says.

Gould tells Brownfield in the eyes of regulators; size does not matter, and any livestock farm can benefit.

“If we want to do a better job of applying manure, we need to be more vigilant,” he explains.

Three certification levels in the program inspect equipment and educate on effective application with the goal to reduce manure spills and take proactive action ahead of regulations.

Gould says Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance also offers five and 10 percent premium discounts to certified businesses.

Certification credits for the program will be offered during this week’s Michigan Manure Management Summit.