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For more: http://www.extension.org/67568 Increased local or regional food marketing opportunities have allowed commercial success in livestock and poultry operations with relatively small herds and flocks. The Census of Agriculture recently reports an increase in the number of small farms, as a proportion of all farms, across much of the U.S. Small animal feeding operations, less than 300 animal units, are a productive component of the animal ag sector. Finally, there continues to an interest in the development of hobby farm and equine related properties. All of these scenarios result in the necessity to manage manure resources, often on small acres, and often in close proximity to a neighbor. Knowledge about, access to, and acquisition of, appropriate manure handling equipment is a requirement to proper manure and nutrient management on all of these types of commercial or hobby farms and ranches.
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Overview: Manure Management Equipment for Small Farms
Part of the Small Farms Special SessionWaste-to-Worth Conference 2013
Thomas M. BassLivestock Environment Associate Specialist
Animal & Range Sciences [email protected]
Very Small Farm Manure Equipment
Small Farm Spectrum• Animal Feeding Operations– under CAFO threshold
• Small Scale Commercial Production– very small herds or flocks– small acreage, possibly mixed zoning
• Hobby Enterprises– equine– show, heritage and exotic breeds– small acreage, possibly mixed zoning
Appropriate Small Farm Equipment
• Presentation emphasis is placed on: – small commercial and hobby scale– solid manure handling– small acreage land application– light duty compost production equipment
• Examples are based on Internet and literature reviews, as well as personal field experiences.
• Examples do not imply endorsement!
Now what? The need for POWER!
?
Considerations
• Size, Power, and Versatility– Power Take Off (PTO)– attachment types and points– accessories– multiple tasks– operator safety and ease of operation
Compact Tractors
• JD 3038E• 37HP• PTO• ~$20,000 New
Compact Tractors
• Kubota B Series– loader– back-hoe– front blade– others– 18-32HP
$18,000 - $22,000 New
Skid Steer Loaders
• Multiple lifting and tillingaccessories
• Safe
1990s under $10,000;Newer $15,000
to $30,000
Pickups and Dump Trucks
ATVs and Hybrids
~ $2,000 - $8,000+ Used and New
Utility and Dump Trailers
Small Spreaders
• Power Take Off
Small Spreaders
• Power Take Off• Compact end of spectrum: 40+ cubic ft.
models
Some are under $5000 new.
Small Spreaders
• Ground Drive
• 20 – 40 cubic ft.models
$2,600 – $3,800 new
Small Spreaders
• Ground Drive – Hobby Scale
$900 - $1200 new
Chain Harrow
Compost Turning
• Towable• Contained
power or PTO
Leased to purchase for $18,000 Used
Compost Turning
• Skid Steer Attachment
Sold for $3,400 Used
Compost Turning
• Skid Steer Attachment
Compost Turning
• Small Loader
Compost Turning• Manure spreader to start windrows• Push up and turn with loader
Homemade Compost Screen
Small Manure Vacuums
• Solid to slurry• 105 & 210 gallon
models
$2,900 & $3,700 New
What about Liquid and Slurry?• Small tankers
900-1200 gal(Europe)
• Large bore movable irrigation
Alternatives to purchase
• Lease• Shared Ownership• Borrow and Rent• Custom Haulers
Subaru Manure HaulerProminent in Boulder, Bozeman and Burlington!
• 1 cubic yard+ of compost
• Pre 2008Outback
Conclusion
• Comments?• Questions?• Suggestions?
Thank you for your time and attention!
