More Composting

We hope you aren't too tired of our behind-the-scenes composting updates but thought we'd share a little more about the other composting method we are going to use this winter.

The winter is generally a time when we have to store manure from our barns because we can't spread it back on the fields when they are muddy. Traditionally we have stored it on concrete pads or piled it up in the back part of the barn. This year we are going to try out storing it piled in rows that we can easily "turn" with our excavator. This will allow the manure to compost more easily and will be great to spread on the fields in the spring. We spent this week working on making sure the area safely drains into small holding ponds/lagoons for environmental reasons.

We make sure all of our cattle that are in the barns for any amount of time have a thick sawdust bedding to lay on. This sawdust bedding absorbs the manure and creates a more compost-able mixture when we clean out the barns. Manure by itself would not compost quite as well (and would be a lot messier in the barns!). 

Pic: our cows enjoying a Thanksgiving-worthy buffet!