Horse and small livestock owners are invited to attend a workshop on best management practices for dealing with manure sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension and the Hooved Animal Humane Society. The workshop will take place Monday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. CDT at the Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock.

The workshop will share information on best management practices regarding neighbor-friendly manure storage, understanding the science behind composting manure, simple composting techniques and Illinois rules and regulations on manure storage and composting.

"We want to help horse and small livestock owners understand best management practices available to them and offer some ideas for other things they can do with manure beyond putting it on a field or in a dumpster," said Ellen Phillips, U of I Extension educator. "Composting decreases the seed and parasite content of manure. In addition, it significantly reduces the volume of manure. Compost is an excellent soil amendment that can be used on pastures or sold."

Instructors include Phillips and Randy Fonner, U of I Extension certified livestock manager training coordinator