Confinement Site Manure Applicator

About

A confinement manure applicator applies liquid or dry manure stored at a confinement feeding operation to the land, unless they are a small animal feeding operation. A small animal feeding operation is a site with less than 500 animal units. No fees are charged for the manure or the application of manure.

Code Citation Iowa Code 459; IAC Chapter 65

Who Applies Any person who handles, transports or applies manure from a confinement feeding operation, unless they are a small animal feeding operation. Family farm members may be exempt from the certification fee if all the requirements are met.

When To Apply The applicator must be certified prior to any handling, transporting or land application of liquid or dry manure.

Initial Requirements To become certified as an applicator you must either pass a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administered 50-question exam or take training every year for three consecutive years. The certification renewal must be completed by March 1 of the fourth year to avoid a late penalty fee. Any person who handles, transports or applies manure from a confinement feeding operation, unless they are a small animal feeding operation. Family farm members may be exempt from the certification fee if all the requirements are met. Online training can be obtained at the following link: https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/

Duration 3 years.

Processing Time Allow 30 days for certification to arrive in mail.

Fee Structure License: $100 – Initial Certification Education: $25/session Renewal: $100 The fee is an open ended fee and may fluctuate yearly. Fee is assessed when person submits application certification form.

Renewal Requirements Applicant must take training every year for three consecutive years and the fourth year of training must be completed by March 1. This fourth training, after the certificate is expired, will begin the three year cycle over again.

Exam Applicants must take a 50-question Multiple Choice/True or False exam and must score 35 out of 50 to pass. A $25 fee is required upon passing exam or completing training and applying for a certification.