Certify the importance of livestock health with livestock manager training. 

Having individuals who complete livestock manager certification training shows dedication and responsibility to the overall well-being of livestock. One option of training and testing is being hosted on Feb. 11 at the Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center in Springfield during the Illinois Pork Expo.

The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities designed for 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in environmentally aware manure management techniques.

• Facilities designed for 301 to 999 animal units must have at least one employee attend a workshop or complete the online training.
• Facilities with more than 1,000 animal units must have a certified livestock manager attend a workshop and pass the Illinois Department of Agriculture exam or complete the online training and pass the online test.
• Youth under 18 years of age are welcome to take the training but cannot be the only certified manager at their facility.
• The Extension training fee is $40, and IDOA’s certification fee is $30.

2025 In-Person Training Schedule

Choose from seven in-person workshops offered by Illinois Extension and the IDOA. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

• Feb.4, Effingham
  Effingham County Farm Bureau Building, 1102 W. Evergreen Ave., Effingham
• Feb. 5, Breese
  University of Illinois Extension Clinton County Office, 1163 North 4th St., Breese
• Feb. 6, Pittsfield
  University of Illinois Extension Pike County Office, Pike County Farm Bureau Bldg., 1301 E Washington, Pittsfield
• Feb. 10, Monmouth
  University of Illinois Extension Warren County Office, Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau Bldg., 1000 N Main St., Monmouth
• Feb. 11, Springfield
  Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield
• Feb. 18, Freeport
  Stephenson County Farm Bureau Bldg., 210 W. Spring St., Freeport
• Feb. 19, Sycamore
  University of Illinois Extension DeKalb Count Office, 1350 W. Prairie Dr., Sycamore

Process and Fees

Sites open at 8:30 a.m., with the training program starting promptly at 9 a.m. The training lasts 3.5 hours, and IDOA staff will administer the exam after the training. The Illinois Extension training fee is $40, and IDOA’s certification fee is $30. If you have questions about the program, contact Extension Educator Stanley (Jay) Solomon at jssolomo@illinois.edu.

Content

A range of topics related to the operation, management, and utilization of livestock waste and waste facilities will be covered. Additionally, the latest regulations, best management practices, and research for manure-related issues will be discussed. The training manual is Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship, available online at go.illinois.edu/manual.

Cancellation

Under the circumstances of event cancellation, please check online at go.illinois.edu/CLMT for weather or other cancellation issues. Registered participants will also receive a cancellation email, but website updates will be the first response.

Testing

The 2025 test includes 50 questions on both paper-based and online tests. To pass the exam, 70% of the questions, 35 of 50, must be answered correctly. A Spanish version of the test is now available upon request. Young family members under 18 are welcome to take the training, but they cannot be the only certified managers at the facilities.

Online Training

Cannot attend a workshop? An additional option includes online training and testing, which are available all year and follow the same format as the in-person workshops. Online training includes nine modules of 10- to 20-minute videos that can be viewed at an individual's own pace. Those needing certification for over 1,000 animal units may take the test online following the training. Access the online training at go.illinois.edu/CLMT.