The objective of this program was to provide producers and ag advisors the skills needed to apply for and maintain the non-engineering components of a Nebraska permit to operate a livestock waste control facility. This includes a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Eighty six producers and advisors participated in an intensive three-session hands-on class with a total of nine contact hours at four sites in eastern Nebraska in the spring of 2002. The workshop included lecture and participant use of spreadsheet tools to assist with performing the necessary calculations. With an average of 68 % responses per session, 58% rated the sessions easy to understand, and only 4% rated them difficult. The classes helped participants develop eight specific skills required to complete and maintain a livestock waste storage operation permit application. These skills were: estimate total land requirements, calculate manure credits, calculate crop nitrogen need, develop a nutrient management plan, write an annual manure application plan, identify key records needed to maintain a permit, and prepare required maps. Over 60% reported they could do these tasks after the workshop, and an additional 30% reported they could accomplish these tasks with some help. Overall, 62% thought they could complete the land application part of the permit. Comments from the evaluation stressed the benefits of using computer-based tools in conjunction with explanations by various presenters
