The Natural Resources Conservation Service funded 12 land-grant universities in 2005 to develop and implement an education program related to its Feed Management Practice Standard 592. This national project focuses on preparing nutritionists and other feeding experts to help farmers implement feed management practices on their client's farms and provides the farmers with an assurance that the individuals preparing their plans are qualified. As of June 2007, 45 states were using the NRCS National 592 Standard or had not adopted the standard yet. Five states have modified the standard to meet local needs and conditions. Local standards can be found on the NRCS e-FOTG Web site for your particular state.
For information on the training program, go to National Feed Management for Livestock and Poultry, or contact Joe Harrison at Washington State University.
Joe Harrison, Washington State University
