Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in collaboration with the University of Illinois Extension, has announced the Certified Livestock Manager Training (CLMT) for 2025. This year, participants have two options: seven in-person workshops and an online training program. These initiatives aim to provide Illinois livestock producers with necessary manure management training to comply with the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act.

IDOA Director Jerry Costello II highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, "This partnership between IDOA and the University of Illinois Extension provides the tools, education and training for our state's certified livestock managers to become skilled in best management practices." He also emphasized efforts to increase accessibility by offering bilingual options.

For those interested in attending an in-person workshop, registration is required at go.illinois.edu/CLMT. The fee for the U of I training is $40, while IDOA's certification fee is $30. Workshops will be held across various locations from February 4 to February 19 and will last three and a half hours each.

The online training option consists of nine modules featuring videos that can be accessed at any time through Moodle via go.illinois.edu/CLMT. Participants with more than 1,000 animal units must complete both lessons and an exam, which is available all year round online or as a paper-based test post-workshop.

Both English and Spanish versions of exams are available for all participants. The exam comprises 50 questions, requiring a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The Livestock Management Facilities Act mandates facilities with varying numbers of animal units to ensure proper certification in manure handling procedures through these training programs or examinations.

For further inquiries regarding the CLMT program, contact can be made with the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 235-4125 or via email at jssolomon@illinois.edu.