An Assessment of Manure-based Compost Markets in Michigan M. Charles Gould, Extension Bioenergy Educator Michigan State University Extension Ramjee P. Ghimire, Research Associate Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University Acknowledgments Funding for this publication was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant Agreement No. AM180100XXXXG154 and by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or EGLE. Authors • M. Charles Gould, Extension Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University Extension • Ramjee P. Ghimire, Research Associate, Department of Animal Science, MSU The authors would like to thank the following individuals for their insightful review comments: • Laura Campbell – Manager, Agricultural Ecology Department, Michigan Farm Bureau • Jeremy Jubenville – Floriculture and Greenhouse Educator for Southwest Michigan, Michigan State University Extension • William (Bill) Knudson PhD – Professor, Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics • Jean Ligon – President-elect, Michigan Horse Council • Stephen J. Mahoney, CCA/CPAg – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Right to Farm/Biosolids Programs • Kerrin O’Brien – Executive Director, Michigan Recycling Coalition • Aaron Rice – President, Michigan Equine Partnership • Val Vail-Shirey – Michigan Equine Partnership • Christine Skelly, PhD – Equine Specialist, Adult Programs, Michigan State University Extension • Fred Thompson – Owner, Indian Summer Recycling The authors would also like to acknowledge Dr. Bill Knudson as the author of the section titled “Compost Cost of Production.” Produced by the MSU Extension Educational Materials Team for MSU Extension (www.extension.msu.edu). Suggested Citation (APA 7th ed., 2020): Gould, M. C., & Ghimire, R. P. (2021). An assessment of manure-based compost markets in Michigan. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/an-assessment-of-manure-based-compost-markets-in-michigan An Assessment of Manure-based Compost Markets in Michigan. © 2021 Michigan State University Board of Trustees. All Rights Reserved. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Patrick I. Cudney, Acting Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. 1P-03:2021-Web-RM/MCG WCAG 2.0 AA Disclaimer This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the State of Michigan and the United States Government. Neither the State of Michigan and the United States Government, nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the State of Michigan and the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the State of Michigan and United States Government or any agency thereof. 2 © 2021 Michigan State University Board of Trustees | MSU Extension Contents Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................................................2 Authors ....................................................................................................................................................................2 Disclaimer ...............................................................................................................................................................2 Contents ....................................................................................................................................................................3 List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................................4 List of Figures ...........................................................................................................................................................6 Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................................7 Executive Summary..................................................................................................................................................8 Findings ..................................................................................................................................................................8 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................................9 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 10 Agricultural conditions (2000–2018) .................................................................................................................... 10 Agricultural conditions (2018 to now) .................................................................................................................. 10 Literature Review ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Study Limitations ................................................................................................................................................... 17 Methods .................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Objectives 1 to 5 .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Objective 6 ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 Objective 7 ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 Data Analysis ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 Results .................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Response Rates .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Agricultural Operations ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Landscape Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 27 Greenhouse & Nursery Operations ..................................................................................................................... 39 Equine Operations ............................................................................................................................................... 47 Michigan Biomass Production ............................................................................................................................. 55 Compost Cost of Production ................................................................................................................................ 56 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................................... 58 Estimated Greenhouse & Nursery & Landscape Disposal Costs ........................................................................ 62 Estimated Agricultural, Greenhouse & Nursery, & Landscape Compost Production .......................................... 63 Potential Demand for Compost ..........................................................................................................................