Nitrogen Certification & Water Conservation Training Classes
One of the primary requirements of the Lower Platte North NRD's Groundwater Management Area is that all operators of irrigation, municipal, and industrial well systems, as well as operators who use any type of fertilizer (either commercial or organic) in production agriculture, are required to obtain NRD certification by attending NRD education classes or by passing a take home test designed by the LPNNRD.
Certification is valid for four years, after which recertification is required. Uncertified producers are not eligible for any of the NRD’s cost-share programs or for irrigated acre certification.
Certification Classes
Certification classes are held at various locations throughout the NRD from January through March each year (see below for 2010 schedule). The certification classes are primarily geared for area producers and cover several topics, including nitrogen management and application, water quality, water conservation and quantity, University of Nebraska research and recommended practices, and any recent legislation related to water use. The classes are conducted by NRD staff in cooperation with University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension personnel.
The training sessions are free and no preregistration is required. Producers may attend whichever session works best for their schedule. Training sessions last approximately two hours. For more information, contact Water Resources Specialist Russell Oaklund or call (402) 443-4675.
Take Home Tests
The District also offers two different take home tests. One test is geared for agricultural producers, which covers the same general information as the classes, while the second take home test focuses on operators of municipal and industrial water systems.
The District encourages agricultural producers to attend the certification classes if possible, since District and Extension staff are better able to present the latest information on production agriculture and current water issues being addressed by the Legislature, which could affect them in the future.
There is a $10.00 fee for the take home tests.
NITROGEN CERTIFICATION CLASSES 2010 |
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| Wednesday, January 6th | 3:00 p.m. (after Corn Expo) | Fremont - Christensen Field |
| Friday, January 15th | 1:00 p.m. | Mead/Ithaca - ARDC |
| Friday, January 22nd | 3:00 p.m. (after No-Till Workshop) | Columbus - Ag Park |
| Tuesday, February 9th | 1:30 p.m. (pesticide classes at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.) | David City - Hruska Library |
| Thursday, February 11th | 1:30 p.m. | Lindsay - City Office |
| Tuesday, February 16th | 8:30 a.m. | Schuyler - Benedectine Center |
| Friday, February 19th | 9:30 a.m. | Fremont - Extension Office |
| Tuesday, February 23rd | 9:30 a.m. (pesticide classes at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) | David City - Hruska Library |
| Monday, March 15th | 7:00 p.m. (pesticide class at 1:30 p.m.) | David City - Hruska Library |
| Thursday, March 18th | 7:00 p.m. | Mead/Ithaca - ARDC |
| Monday, March 22nd | 7:00 p.m. | Columbus - Ag Park |