Here is the conclusion to the Finding fertility without livestock story:
Craig Mathews decided that his best option was to purchase manure for his farm. He didn’t like the hassle of turkey litter and wasn’t confident he could continue to get competitive yields using other inputs or cropping systems. As luck would have it, a young conventional hog farmer in his area approached him about selling him manure. It couldn’t have come at a better time!
Craig arranged a contract with the farmer that outlined what he needed in order to buy the manure and use it within his organic production system. According to National Organic Program (NOP) standards, organic farmers who purchase manure from a third party must have their manure tested annually to confirm that it does not have non-approved synthetic additives added to the manure pits or piles. Craig’s contract included a clause outlining payment to the farmer to have the manure analyzed and reported in the manner required for organic certification. As a result, the supplier reliably provides the needed paperwork in a timely manner. Craig’s contract also covered the farmer pumping, hauling and applying manure to his fields.
This arrangement worked well for both Craig and his manure supplier. In fact, his supplier invested in high-tech application equipment that applies the manure with greater precision, allowing for more efficient nutrient usage and less nutrient runoff. Craig continues to see competitive yields in his organic cropping and is thankful that such an ideal solution appeared just when he needed it.
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Organic Transitions Program under award number 2013-51106-21005.
This project was also supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program under the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the Midwest region.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.