Project Overview
FNE06-581
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2006: $9,975.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Pennsylvania
Project Leader:
Cory Miles
Helluvahill Farm
Commodities
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: housing, manure management
- Crop Production: conservation tillage
- Education and Training: extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: whole farm planning
- Soil Management: organic matter
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities
Proposal summary:
This project will look at the impact of converting a traditional free-stall barn into a composting bedded pack barn for a dairy herd. Bedding material will be added to the barn as needed, the pack will be aerated each day, and natural ventilation and fans will help the pack compost. The compost will then be spread on the fields two times a year. Cow comfort and production parameters will be measured. Outreach will be through open houses, presentations, news releases, and a web site.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.