On-Farm Composting Video Series

Video Series Explores Benefits of On-Farm Composting
4-video case-study offers local farmers solutions

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(Carlisle, PA) – Successful, on-farm composting is showcased in four videos available free on the Capital RC&D website, www.capitalrcd.org.  These videos were created by Capital RC&D staff with the help of five Pennsylvania farmers and researchers at Rodale Institute. The video case studies exhibit successful examples of on-farm composting and provide insight about each farm’s methods. 

The videos, along with a corresponding written overview and bibliography, showcase five composting techniques including turned windrows, static aerated piles, in-vessel, vermicomposting, and bedded pack composting. In addition to the benefits of each system, the videos provide detail about the inputs used by each farmer featured and how they use the finished compost. Viewers can also learn about research undertaken at Rodale Institute focused on using compost to increase disease and pest control.

Farmers and researchers featured in the videos include John Shenk, Shenk’s Berry Farm in Lancaster County, PA; Mike Brownback, Spiral Path Farm in Perry County, PA; Ned Foley, Two Particular Acres in Montgomery County, PA; Kenny and Cyrus Gehringer, Four Springs Farm in Lehigh County, PA; Rick Carr and Dr. Gladis Zinati, Rodale Institute, Berks County, PA.  

Finished compost from Rodale Institute is ready for field application or other use, such as vermicomposting or compost tea.

A static aerated pile compost system processes materials including landscape and food waste at Two Particular Acres in Montgomery County, PA.

Spiral Path Farm uses red wiggler worms in their vermicomposting system.

USDA-NRCS provided funding for the series and can provide technical assistance for farmers looking to implement or expand an on-farm composting system as part of their conservation practices. Farmers should contact their local NRCS office to learn more about this and other conservation practices. 

For more information contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email at [email protected].  

The Capital Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area Council is a seven-county, non-profit that provides leadership to promote regional partnerships for the responsible use and conservation of our natural, community, and economic resources. The Capital RC&D serves Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.
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These and other photographs related to the on-farm composting video series are available for use upon request.

Bedded pack composting in the dairy barn at Four Springs Farm in Lehigh County, PA.

Turned windrow systems may require large tractor powered turning equipment.

Sawdust is applied and tilled into the surface in this bedded pack composting system.

Straw, sawdust, and other dry material help reduce moisture, odors, and potential pests from food waste tipping areas.