MSU Extension Animal Agriculture

PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program are to: 

• Prevent manure application problems before they occur.
• Increase nutrient management plan implementation.
• Demonstrate responsible manure application.
• Increase the base level of manure management knowledge of all employees.
• Improve professionalism among manure applicators.

The certification program creates a clear pathway for farms and firms to move from training, to certification, to third party audit - incentivized by reductions in insurance premiums - without implementing a mandatory program.  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The three certification levels are:
Level 1

Becoming Level 1 certified requires all individuals who apply manure, supervise those who apply manure, and farm or firm business owners to complete the Michigan State University Extension online course AND achieve the manure application equipment Bronze Level of Performance. With a Level 1 certification, Farm Bureau Insurance will provide a 5% discount on the liability and personal property sections of the insurance policy.

Level 2

Farm - Becoming Level 2 certified requires completing one of two options AND achieve the manure application equipment Silver Level of Performance. The two options are:

• Become or be currently verified in the Livestock System of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).
• Crew supervisors and farm owners complete six hours of continuing education approved by Michigan State University Extension over a 24-month period.

Firm - Becoming Level 2 certified requires crew supervisors and business owners to complete six approved continuing education credits over a 24-month period AND achieve the manure application equipment Silver Level of Performance. Farm Bureau Insurance continues the 5% insurance discount for farms and firms that successfully complete Level 2.

Level 3

Becoming Level 3 certified requires completion of an Environmental Management Systems Plan AND achieve the manure application equipment Gold Level of Performance. With a Level 3 certification, Farm Bureau Insurance will provide a 10% discount on the liability and personal property sections of the insurance policy.
Retaining Certification - To retain certification, farms and firms must attend the Michigan Manure Management Summit and complete the following each year:
Level 1 certification: The Bronze Level of Performance manure application equipment inspection.
Level 2 certification: The Silver Level of Performance manure application equipment inspection AND maintain MAEAP Livestock System verification OR be actively engaged in completing approved CEUs.
Level 3 certification: The Gold Level of Performance manure application equipment inspection AND review of Environmental Management Systems Plan with Michigan Farm Bureau inspectors.