2015 Nitrate Quick Test Trainings set for May 19 and 22

BROOKINGS — 2015 Nitrate Quick Test Trainings held May 19 & 22 throughout South Dakota. Weather patterns could suggest that this might be a dry year similar to the one we experienced in 2012. With this in mind Karla Hernandez, SDSU Extension Forages Field Specialist said cattle producers need to begin thinking about the risk of nitrates in feed supplies and how it will affect their livestock operations.

“It is well known that certain plants are nitrate accumulators and can contain toxic levels of nitrate when consumed by cattle and sheep. One of the results of nitrates is reduction in animal performance, resulting in death of some animals,” Hernandez said. “Performing a Nitrate Quick Test will help producers to determine whether they have problems with nitrates and if they are in risk and how further proceed with laboratory analysis if they are needed.”

Quick Test Training

SDSU Extension will be hosting Nitrate Quick Test Recertification and New Certification Trainings in May.

If you were not trained to perform the Nitrate Quick Test in 2014, you will need to attend one of the 2-hour New Certification Trainings.

If you were trained in April 2014, you can attend one of the recertification sessions, which is 1 hour in length. Both the New Certification and Recertification will be offered twice to give more people an opportunity to participate.

Training Details

The trainings will be held May 19 and 22 at eight locations across the state.

On May 19, all one-hour Recertification classes will begin at 1 p.m. (MDT) and 2 p.m. (CDT). On May 22 all one-hour Recertification classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. (MDT) and 9:30 a.m. (CDT).

The 2-hour New Certification classes on May 19 will begin at 2 p.m. (MDT) and 3 p.m. (CDT). The 2-hour New Certification classes on May 22 begin at 9:30 a.m. (MDT) 10:30 a.m. (CDT).

Pre-Registration Deadline is May 13

Pre-registration is required by May 13 to ensure each location has adequate supplies. Registration for the New Certification Training is $35. It will cover the supplies needed to do the testing, as well as the test solution. Recertification registration is $20 and is required on an annual basis. To register call 605-882-5140.

Training Locations

• Aberdeen: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 13 Second Ave. SE, 605.626.2870.

• Lemmon: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 408 Eighth St. W., 605.374.4177.

• Mitchell: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 1800 E. Spruce St., 605.995.7378.

• Pirre: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 412 W. Missouri Ave., 605.773.8120.

• Rapid City: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 1530 Samco Road, 605.394.1722.

• Sioux Falls: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 2001 E. Eighth St., 605.782.3290.

• Watertown: SDSU Extension Regional Center, 1910 W. Kemp Ave., 605.882.5140.

• Winner: SDSU Extension Winner Regional Center, 325 S. Monroe St., 605.842.1267.