Composting Manure on the Smaller Horse Farm Operation

An average sized horse can produce as much as 20,000 lbs. of manure each year! While many farms opt to land-apply manure, smaller horse farms housing less than 6 horses typically have fewer acres, so continuous, environmentally responsible land-application of manure is not an option. While manure removal services are available, these services can be expensive for small horse farm owners. One alternative option is manure composting!

Sustainability Challenge Grant project, Aerated manure compost facility for the smaller horse-farm operation, is constructing a cost efficient, aerated, manure composting facility at UK’s North Farm that can be replicated or adapted by small horse farm owners. The team behind the project believes that UK should be a leader in innovation and provide ideas for horse farmers dealing with responsible manure management issues, regardless of the size or financial capacity of the horse farm.

Their hope is that faculty will be able to use the facility as a hands-on learning experience for undergraduate classes related to horse facility design and management. 

Additionally, year-round use of the facility for research and general farm use will provide a constant supply of compost to local community gardens. UK’s North Farm horses will therefore contribute to a more sustainable community!

This project was funded by the Sustainability Challenge Grant, a collaborative effort between the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, and the Office of Sustainability, and the Student Sustainability Council.