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Development and Implementation of an Environmental Training Program for Manure and Compost Haulers/Applicators in the Texas High

This project will be the first of its kind that targets a diverse group of stakeholders and is specific to the independent business relationship (feedyards, manure/compost haulers, certified crop advisors and crop producers) and cropping systems that are implemented in the Texas High Plains. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) is uniquely situated to facilitate the development and implementation of this environmental training curriculum. TCFA represents the cattle feeding industry in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico and has nearly 200 Feedyard Members with a total membership around 5,000. As a result, this environmental training program has the potential, if successful in Texas, to expand to Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Project Goals/Objectives: To facilitate the development and implementation of an education, training and demonstration program to improve the understanding of environmental protection principles by manure/compost haulers, equipment operators, certified crop advisors (CCAs) and crop producers.

  • Assess the current level of environmental knowledge of custom manure/compost haulers and the extent of training provided to equipment operators.
  • Design and develop an environmental training curriculum for custom manure/compost hauler owners, equipment operators, CCAs and crop producers, including materials in Spanish.
  • Promote adoption of sound water quality protection practices by custom manure/compost haulers, equipment operators, CCAs and crop producers through program delivery in at least two pilot watersheds.
  • Utilize workshops, field days and hands-on demonstration of best management practices and ensure availability of education materials through website.

Project Location:  Texas High Plains - Sweetwater Creek Watershed in Gray and Wheeler Counties; Buck Creek Watershed in Childress, Collingsworth and Donley Counties.

Project Costs: Federal ($326,011); Non Federal Match ($200,198); Total Project: ($526,209)

Project Participant(s): TSSWCB, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas AgriLife Extension Service at Amarillo, Texas AgriLife Research at Vernon, West Texas A&M University

Project Website: Under Development

Project Workplan: 09-04

Quality Assurance Project Plan: 09-04

Final Report: 09-04

"Protecting and Enhancing Natural Resources since 1939."

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