What do farmers do with all that manure?
Initially one may think that all this manure, or cow poop goes to waste. I mean what benefit could there be from cow poop? Luckily for us farmers are always thinking of ways to refurbish and reuse items- including cow poop. One way that cow poop is made better so we can reuse it is by making it into compost.
You may have heard of compost before since many people use it for their personal gardens, and some people even compost a small amount at their home. Growing plants get their nutrients from the soil which is why it is important to ensure that the compost being added to the soil is going to give the plants the nutrients it needs.
Composting is both an art and a science because different practices work best in different locations. It can take 6-8 weeks in the summer and 3-4 months in the winter to get the final product. Composting lowers the greenhouse gas footprint of food and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Farmers can use this nutrient compost on their own farmland, neighboring farms, or sell it at a local gardening store. This is a practice on small and large dairy farms, and is just another way farmers take care of their cows, the planet, and the people.
Answered By:
Dairy West represents dairy farm families in Idaho and Utah and promotes the dairy industry and dairy products locally, nationally and globally.
GOT A QUESTION?
Ask away! No question is too big, too small or too out-there for our experts.
SUBMIT A QUESTION