Composting dead livestock has not been standard operating procedure on some farms because other processes are used. New or potential situation changes have led to renewed interest in composting. A new publication from Iowa Pork Industry Center offers information to start composting or updating on-farm composting methods.
Source: pig333.com, May 5, 2021. Link.
Two primary worries about composting are odor and leachate, which is the water that has percolated through a solid. Both of these are easily addressed by selecting and managing appropriate co-compost materials.” – Dave Stender, MS
INSIGHTS: Composting and incineration are modern methods that strengthen biosecurity. Rendering trucks traveling across country can be biohazards. This is a good resource when encountering a dead pile on a farm. Consider sharing the benefits of composting with producers to improve on-farm biosecurity.