ON THE MOVE
TRAINING SPREADS OUT THE BENEFITS A survey of manure haulers and brokers demonstrated that education positively influenced the knowledge of industry professionals. by Robert Meinen
Figure 1: Distribution of years certified (dashed line marks the average) HAULER 2
HAULER 3 Number
Number
15 10 5 0 1
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10 5
9 10 11 12
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Years of certification
BROKER 1
12.5
7.5
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9 10 11 12
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Years of certification
BROKER 2
Number
10.0
5.5 2.5
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0 0
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Years of certification
manure haulers and brokers in Pennsylvania conducted in 2018 demonstrated that education of industry professionals positively influences worker knowledge. This should, in turn, transfer to field-level decisions that are advantageous on agronomic, economic, and environmental levels. Enabling workers with science-based knowledge can have widespread impacts.
What they learn All levels except Hauler 1 have a continuing education requirement. Hauler 1s were not included in our results since surveys were distributed at educational events that group rarely attends.
22 | Journal of Nutrient Management | February 2021
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0 0
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L
egislated mandatory certification of custom applicators in Pennsylvania began in 2006 with a unique five-level educational format. The three levels of manure haulers included: 1. Those that only transport but do not land apply manure (Hauler 1). 2. Those that can both transport and land apply manure under the supervision of an owner or manager (Hauler 2). 3. Those who can perform all duties of the other levels and also supervise other haulers (Hauler 3). Two manure broker levels were also designated: Those that take ownership and determine the end utilization of the manure but cannot create Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Balance Sheet (NBS) (Broker 1), and those that receive additional certification to write the NBSs (Broker 2). The Pennsylvania NBS determines application rates and setbacks for farms that import manure. Educational requirements expand with each certification category. Those in the Hauler 1 category complete a verification checklist to ascertain their understanding of important manure transport and stacking principles. A Hauler 2 must study a detailed workbook and successfully complete a proctored certification exam. Other categories require attendance at a certification training followed by successful examination. A survey of certified commercial
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Years of certification
The legislation prescribed certification competency criteria includes: • Laws and regulations • Application setbacks • Record keeping • Nutrient behavior and management • Conservation practices • Handling safety and spill response • Biosecurity • Odor and fly nuisance issues At the time of the survey, a total of 808 individuals were certified in the state. The survey asked about knowledge of key certification components, and 171 acceptable surveys were returned. Scores ranged from 28% to 100% correct, with an average across all jofnm.com
