Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Set for February 2026

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer dry manure applicator certification workshops in February 2026.

These workshops are designed for operators who primarily apply dry or solid manure and need certification for confinement site or commercial manure application.

The workshops will be offered on five different dates and at multiple locations across Iowa. Each session will begin at 1 p.m. and is open to all interested participants.

There is no cost to attend the workshops, making them accessible to a wide range of manure applicators and farm operators.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification but anyFall manure applicationone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

While the training itself is free, applicators must submit certification forms and required fees to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to complete the certification process. These steps are necessary to meet Iowa’s manure applicator certification requirements.

Pre registration is required for all workshops, and walk ins will not be accepted. Participants must contact the county extension office hosting their chosen workshop location at least one week before the scheduled date to register. This ensures proper planning and compliance with program guidelines.

The February workshop schedule includes the following locations and dates. On Feb. 9, the workshop will be held at the Sioux County Extension Office in Orange City. On Feb. 10, the program will be hosted by the Washington County Extension Office in Washington.

A Feb. 12 session will take place at Greenfield City Hall in Adair County. On Feb. 18, the workshop will be offered at the Wright County Extension Office in Clarion. The final session will be held on Feb. 19 at the Buena Vista County Extension Office in Storm Lake.

These workshops focus on responsible manure application, environmental protection, and proper nutrient management. They also help applicators better understand state regulations and best practices for handling dry manure safely and effectively.

By offering these workshops, Iowa State University Extension continues to support farmers and applicators with education that promotes environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and sustainable agricultural practices across the state.