UMaine Extension offers livestock carcass composting workshop for farmers and homesteaders

Winterport, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a workshop on On-Farm Composting of Animal Mortalities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16 at Waldoview Farm, 238 Goshen Road, Winterport.

This hands-on workshop is designed for farmers seeking natural and respectful ways to manage livestock losses. Hosted on a working farm, this session will walk participants through the composting process using real-life examples, including actual livestock mortalities. Participants will learn the science, the steps, and the tools to do it safely, legally and sustainably. Topics covered include compost biology, feedstocks, site selection, troubleshooting, compost pile construction and compost end use. 

The cost of the workshop is on a sliding scale from $45-65. Registration is required and can be found on the program webpage. Registrants will receive a complimentary pass to an optional webinar on livestock and equine death and grief management on August 15. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sue Beaz at 207.667.8212 or sue.baez@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.