Commercial manure applicators are representatives of a commercial manure applicator service. The applicator must be certified on an annual basis and the company must be licensed annually. Commercial manure services and representatives must be certified regardless of the source of the manure (confinement or open feedlot) or the size of operation.

For the one-year commercial certification program, the commercial manure service representative may qualify for certification by taking a three-hour training session, by passing a test or by watching a three-hour training video. A statewide training session for commercial applicators is offered early in January via satellite downlink.

The license fee for a commercial manure service is $200 annually. Commercial certificates expire on March 1 of each year. The license fee is due on or before March 1 of each year and includes the certification fee for one manager. The manager must complete the training or pass a test to become certified. An education fee will also be charged for the manager of the commercial manure service.

All other commercial manure service representatives must complete a training session or pass a test to become certified. Certificates are issued annually and a fee of $75 will be charged. In addition to the certification fee, applicators are charged an education fee each time they attend a training session or take a test. Certificates must be renewed on or before March 1.

For more information, see the commercial manure service applicator fact sheet (DNR 115) (*.pdf file). For a list of training locations and dates, see the Manure Applicators Certification Program. To schedule a training session, contact the appropriate county Extension office. To schedule a testing time, contact one of the DNR field offices.

Managers: Please report changes in employee status (terminations or new hires) within 30 days to the DNR using DNR form 542-4023 (*.pdf file).