On-Farm Mortality Composting Training Scheduled

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (June 25, 2024) – Composting is one of the effective, practical ways to dispose of animal carcasses on the farm in New York State. It results in the destruction of pathogens and creates a stable, nutrient rich fertilizer that can then be applied back to the land.

Join CCE Steuben, the CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program, and Cornell's Waste Management Specialist, Jean Bonhotal, to discuss properly constructing and maintaining mortality compost piles on your farm. The classroom session will be followed by lunch and a visit to a local farm to see their composting site and to dig into a pile to gain practical exposure to a successful composting process. We will also receive a composting regulation update from Steuben County Soil and Water and the NYS DEC. We encourage you to bring your questions to discuss in this open sharing space.

At 10am, we will start with a classroom session and lunch in the Steuben Civil Defense Building (7220 NY-54 Bath, NY). Following lunch, we'll take a trip out to Bluegill Farms (7400 County Route 13, Bath NY) to dig into their compost pile and continue the discussion from the morning. The event will run from 10am – 3pm.

The event is free to attend due to the generous support of CCE Steuben. Registrations are required by July 10th by contacting Anne at 607-664-2568. For program questions, please contact Susan Walker at smw272@cornell.edu / 607-664-2574 or Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu / 716-640-0844.

SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Management (716-640-2047); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Kelly McDonald, kmm525@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated June 25, 2024