MSU Extension Animal Agriculture

What is the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program?

The Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program is a three level, voluntary training and certification program. The goals of the program are to prevent manure application problems, increase nutrient management plan implementation, improve professionalism among manure applicators, demonstrate manure application, and increase the base level of manure management knowledge of all employees.

Who can participate in the program?

 Anyone who hauls and applies manure can participate in this program. Currently, the online modules are geared towards liquid manure with wet and dry solid manure modules to be added in the first quarter of 2021.

Who runs the program?

This program is operated by a partnership between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies.

What is the purpose of this program?

The purpose of the program is to increase base level knowledge of manure management across the industry to demonstrate that agriculture can and will take the initiative on environmental stewardship through voluntary programs.

How do I get my certification?

This program has three different levels. Each of the three levels involves an on-site inspection of manure application equipment completed by a Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies representative and the following:

• Level 1: Successful completion of online course provided by MSU Extension
• Level 2: Six hours of continuing education credits completed over a two-year period (required for firms, optional for farms) or MAEAP verification in Livestock system (option for farms only)
• Level 3: Creation of and certification of Environmental Management System Plan

Do I have to achieve all three levels?

No, you can decide how many levels you would like to complete based on the needs and goals of your farm or operation.

Do I have to start at Level 1?

 You do need to start at Level 1. This ensures that everyone has basic manure management knowledge.

How do I get started on Level 1?

Details are found at https://www.canr.msu.edu/animal-agriculture/Manure-Hauler-Training/index. Follow the instructions to create your account to take the online course.

Will the program change?

Yes, this is a new program that will be consistently evaluated on how it can better serve participants. Current updates are in the work to add modules to the online course to address solid and wet solid manure application and cover more content.

What are the benefits of this program?

Farm Bureau Insurance is offering a discount for the different certification levels. In addition, the goal is to try to reduce risks of spills or other costly accidents by providing manure management information and non-regulatory inspections of manure application equipment. 

What is the cost to participate in the program?

The cost for participating in the program is $50 per person per year paid to MSU Extension. 

What do I need to do to get recertified?

In addition to a yearly inspection for all levels and the Level 2 & 3 requirements, participants at all levels should attend the annual Manure Management Summit hosted by MSU Extension and Michigan Farm Bureau.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to Tess Van Gorder at Michigan Farm Bureau (tvangor@michfb.com, 517-323-6711) or Charles Gould at MSU Extension (gouldm@msu.edu, 616-994-4547).

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