NERC in the News

The End Game of Horse Care: A USDA Program Educates Owners on Managing Manure

Mid-Atlantic Horse, January 2009
(Supplement to Lancaster Farming, January 3, 2009)

By Guy Steucek

There may be more horses in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states today than during the revolutionary times. For example, USDA statistics state that 7,600 equine facilities exist in New Jersey caring for 49,000 horses. This represents a $682-million industry. As many as 30,000 horses live in New Hampshire today. Most of these equines are on small, hobby farms or in suburban environments . . .

While horse owners love their animals and spend substantial amounts on feed and health care, they often put manure concerns on the back burner. Just pushing manure out the barn can influence the health of animals and the environment. For this reason, a USDA Rural Development Solid Waste Management Grant has funded a program developed by the Northeast Recycling Council to help the small farm and suburban animal owner deal with animal waste.

As a result of this effort, Athena Lee Bradley, projects manager at the recycling council, has conducted 20 workshops on manure management in New Jersey, New Hampshire and Vermont for more than 350 livestock owner s. . .

Athena has written a wonderful 26-page hand booklet entitled "Manure Management for Small and Hobby Farms." This text is well organized and will be welcome reading during the cold winter months while the manure is steaming next to the barn . . .

For the full story, go to the January 2009 Mid-Atlantic Horse supplement of Lancaster Farming.