Composting dead livestock Composting is a practical and environmentally safe way to handle yard waste. Homeowners have been doing it for several years and are happy with the results. Why can’t this approach be used to dispose of dead animals on livestock farms? If done correctly, composting dead animals is a safe and odor-free way to dispose of livestock. Composting breaks the carcass into carbon dioxide, water, minerals and humus – all natural components that can be utilized by plants. For best results, compost should have 55 percent moisture content and a feedstock base made of straw or sawdust. If the compost is too dry, decomposition is slowed down. If too wet, odors are given off and flies may be attracted. To quickly break down the carcass, temperatures should reach 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, any type of pathogen including insect larvae and weed seed dies. Compost piles should start with a base of straw or sawdust 1-2 feet deep. Carcasses can then be placed on the base. If carcasses are piled on top of each other, allow space for six inches of compost between layers. Compost piles should be topped off with at least one foot of straw or woodchips. If decomposition is slow, add more water. If odor is a problem, add more mulch to reduce moisture. Mix the pile at least once when temperatures begin to decline to stimulate more decomposition. Naturally, the compost pile should be located a safe distance above the water table and far enough from households so odors won’t be an issue. Composting can be an environmentally sound, safe and inexpensive way for livestock producers to dispose of carcasses. Grain marketing meeting The grain market slipped this summer until the drought in August. To help growers decide if they want to store grain this fall, a number of grain marketing meetings have been set up around the state. The nearest meetings will take place in St. Cloud from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 2, and in Willmar from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 8. The program at Willmar is designated for women. The workshops will look at the current price situation, opportunities for storage and development of a post-harvest marketing plan for corn and soybeans. To register call (800) 234-1111. Scout now for SCN Soybean cyst nematodes are easier to find in droughts be-cause nematodes feed on roots, add stress and weaken plants even more than the drought alone. Symptoms to watch for are stunting, yellow leaves, and plants that are slow to canopy. In such areas, check roots for cysts. They are a yellow to cream color and can be seen with the naked eye. Oftentimes, plants infested with SCN have less nodules. It’s important for growers to positively identify SCN in their fields and then develop a management plan to minimize yield loss. Cysts should be visible on roots through mid-September. If you would like assistance, call Dave Schwartz at (320) 693-5275. West Nile Virus update Extension Offices are receiving calls from homeowners who are finding dead birds in their yards. Some of these birds most likely died from West Nile Virus. Many of the cases in humans nationwide seem to be found in the Great Plains States. This may explain why the majority of cases in Minnesota are in the southwest quarter of the state. As of Aug. 21, Minnesota had 13 confirmed human cases of West Nile. Health department officials say there are less reported horse cases this year than in 2002. Health officials believe late August through early September is the peak period for infection. It is important to be aware of the risk, but not to overreact. Only 1/150 people infected with the virus have a severe reaction to the disease. Using insect repellents with Deet will help reduce mosquito bites, and covering skin with long-sleeve shirts and pants will help reduce insect bites. The Extension Service has a USDA fact sheet on West Nile Virus available at no charge. Call the Meeker County Extension Service for a free copy at (877) 993-5275.
