By JEFF BURBRINK
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County

ELKHART COUNTY — One of the reasons I love my job is the good nature kidding that farmers can dish out. There are just some subjects that make it too hard to resist. One of those subjects is manure. In fact, just about every time I host a meeting on manure management, I turn myself into a target. You’ll just have to imagine the jokes.

Manure is an important part of farm life in our community. Our county ranks right up there in most livestock categories in Indiana. Not only do we have a lot of livestock, we have a lot of people living near those animals. Put all that together, and you have a situation where good management of the manure is very important.

I prefer to think of manure as a fertilizer or a resource, and not a waste. The fact of the matter is, when managed and applied properly, it does have value. I look at manure as the original recycling project.

I will be hosting a meeting Friday, Dec. 18 for those interested in the subject of fertilizer application regulations, which includes the application of manure. I’ll also talk about the use of manure and pesticides near produce farms. The program will be held at 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Home and Family Arts Building in the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

There is no cost to attend the program for the general public. I do ask that you contact our office at (574) 533-0554 by 4 p.m. Dec. 15, so we can plan for handouts.

Individuals with a private applicator license can get PARP credit towards the renewal of their license.  PARP credit will cost $10 to be paid at the meeting. You can check your PARP credit status here.

This program has also been approved for CCH credits for people who hold a commercial Category 14 or RT license.