All swine farms in the State of North Carolina with more than 250 hogs on site must have a designated Certified Animal Waste Operator (CAWO) that is registered with the state. Before an individual can be designated as a CAWO, they must attend an extensive training class to learn how to execute the specific animal waste plan for a particular farm, and they must pass an extensive exam. In addition to this initial certification, CAWOs are required to receive at least six credit hours of approved continuing education every three years. If a CAWO fails to receive these credit hours, they must forfeit their designation as a CAWO, complete another certification class, and pass the certification exam to become recertified.

CAWOs can access their need for continuing education credits, by contacting the Operators Certification Program in the NC Division of Water Resources at 919-807-6353. Sampson County CAWOs should feel free to contact Max Knowles at the Sampson County Cooperative Extension office at 910-592-7161 with any questions about CAWO certification or continuing education credits.

We are excited to announce the opportunity for a complete six hours of approved continuing education credits at the Sampson County Center, 55 Agriculture Place (livestock arena), Clinton from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. Lunch will be provided courtesy of the North Carolina Pork Council. The NC Department of Transportation will offer training on transportation regulations related to agriculture, staff from the NC Division of Water Resources will offer training related to farm inspections, the NC Natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss their latest programs, and the NC Pork Council will offer regulatory and legislative updates.

Preregistration for this class is required by calling (910) 592-7161.

Max Knowles
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Max-Knowles.jpgMax Knowles

By Max Knowles

Contributing columnist

Max Knowles is an extension agent specializing in livestock with the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Center. He can be reached by phone: 592-7161 or e-mail: [email protected].