In Texas, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Any CAFO with more than 300 animal units (more than 200 mature dairy cows) located in the dairy outreach program area (DOPA) must meet the following training and educational requirements (the DOPA includes Bosque, Comanche, Erath, Hamilton, Hopkins, Johnson, Rains, and Wood Counties):
- Complete an initial 8-hour training course on animal waste management within 12 months after permitting or authorization.
- Receive an additional 8 hours of continuing education in animal waste management for each subsequent 24-month period. Important: A CAFO may be considered out of compliance if these requirements are not met within the time periods specified.
Frequently asked questions about the DOPA training and education requirements.
- Who needs this training and the continuing education? The owner or the person (designated by the owner) who has operational responsibilities is required to take the training and the continuing education. Who provides this training and the continuing education? The Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides the training. The minimum criteria for the training and continuing education are developed by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Executive Director of TCEQ.
- How do I request the training or continuing education? Request either session through the county Extension office in one of the DOPA counties.
- How am I certified for the training or continuing education? After the training or continuing education you will receive a certificate signed jointly by representatives from TCEQ and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
- Where do I keep records of the training or continuing education I receive? The certificate of completion, with the date and time of the training or continuing education, should be attached to the CAFO’s pollution prevention plan.
- How do owners of multiple CAFOs certify for training or continuing education? If one owner has several CAFOs, each operator of a CAFO is required to attend the training and the subsequent continuing education. An alternative is for the owner to attend, and document his attendance on the pollution prevention plan of each CAFO.
- How do county Extension agents and Extension specialists get meetings/demonstrations approved as part of this training program? Continuing education programs can be approved by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s DOPA training coordinator. To satisfy with the training requirements, we have planned a DOPA Training Session for October 31, 2018 at the Southwest Dairy Museum starting at 9:30 AM. The training will cover talks and material required to complete 4 DOPA credits. There is a $10 fee for the training. Call The Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to RSVP.
