A fully online, professional development opportunity for high school ag and science teachers in Nebraska to learn more about soil science and how it can be incorporated into their curriculum in meeting the Nebraska Science Standards.

Manure Application Training – Liquid Manure is an online training for manure applicators, especially for those who are new to the industry. Learners will be guided through the seven steps of manure application—Equipment Inspection, Loading Manure, Driving to the Field, Preparing to Spread, Manure Spreading, Visiting Potential Clients' Farms, and Handling Manure Spills. 

After the training, learners will know how to apply manure properly, improve manure handling safety, and increase professionalism in the industry. Please note that learners should practice the steps outlined in this training in their daily work in order to master the knowledge and skills for manure application.

For more information or to enroll please contact: 

• Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Extension, kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu
• Charles Gould, Michigan State University-Extension, gouldm@msu.edu
• Mary Keena, North Dakota State University, mary.keena@ndsu.edu
• Melony Wilson, University of Georgia, mlwilson@uga.edu
• Douglas Hamilton, Oklahoma State University, dhamilt@okstate.edu

The Sustainable Bioeconomy course examines the current and future opportunities and challenges of bioproducts and bioenergy in society. This course explores relationships between society’s economic demand for inexpensive energy and products and our responsibility to produce these products in environmentally and socially responsible ways. Students explore a range of bioproduct categories including biofuels, virgin and recycled paper and wood products, and advanced biomaterials. A panel of instructors from multiple disciplines and bioeconomy stakeholders will share their diverse perspectives and experiences in the bioeconomy. Students will learn about careers available in the growing bioeconomy sector and the knowledge and skills necessary for these jobs.

This eight-hour online course is designed to prepare agriculturists to work with farmers as employees of a bio-refinery to provide its feedstock needs. Course topics include site selection, soils, drainage, fertility, varieties, weed control, selecting growers, contracts, production systems and other switchgrass production issues. Course instructors are specialists from Auburn University, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky and Genera Energy. For more information or to enroll contact Mark Hall (hallmah@auburn.edu).