By Andi Anderson
The Certified Livestock Manager Training (CLMT) is essential for Illinois livestock facilities with 300 or more animal units to ensure efficient manure management and compliance with environmental standards.
Required under the Livestock Management Facilities Act, this certification is valid for three years and is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDoA).
Certification Requirements: Livestock managers must be familiar with the farm's manure management system, be reachable by phone, and reside within an hour of the facility. Individuals under 18 can take the training but cannot serve as the sole certified manager.
The certification process varies based on the number of animal units:
300-999 animal units: Complete an in-person workshop or online training. 1,000 or more animal units: Attend a workshop and pass the IDoA exam or complete the online training with the final test. The test comprises 50 questions with a passing score of 70%. A Spanish version of the exam is also available.
Training Options: Farmers can choose between in-person workshops, held January to March, or online training modules available year-round. Workshops begin at 9:00 AM, with check-in starting at 8:30 AM. Online modules allow flexibility, consisting of nine short videos that can be completed at one's pace.
2025 Workshop Dates: Workshops are scheduled in several locations, including Effingham, Breese, Pittsfield, Monmouth, Springfield, Freeport, and Sycamore. Details and updates are available online in case of weather changes.
Online training costs $40, with an additional $30 certification fee. Once registered, participants have access to the course materials for three months.
The CLMT program ensures Illinois farmers maintain high standards in manure management, promoting environmental protection and compliance.
Photo Credit: cattle-eye
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle