I remember sitting in a meeting a few years ago with Floyd Gilzow. At the time, Floyd was executive director of the Upper White River Basin Foundation (the position I now hold). The topic of discussion was poultry litter and how it could be transported to farming areas where it is needed for crop fertilizer. I remember Floyd saying that corn from Iowa and Nebraska is brought to Arkansas by train as feed and what if those empty rail cars could haul litter back north to use on the farmer's corn fields. Of course, the problem is that litter is messy and there would be considerable cleanup involved to allow the hopper car to again be used for corn. We were brainstorming and Floyd said what if we could use a plastic liner that would fit inside the hopper car and keep the car clean. The liner could just be disposed of and the car filled with corn. It seemed like a good idea but as many good ideas there was no one interested in testing it out at the time.

Earlier this week, I was browsing archived Arkansas news articles with the key word search of "water quality". An article entitled "Litter Bales Prove Popular" caught my eye. The tag line on the article read, "White River Fertilizer Supply looks to expand chicken litter market". Now I was hooked. My next search took me to the White River Fertilizer Supply web site. It seems someone has indeed taken a good idea and turned it into a successful business model.

litter bale 1

They take broiler and turkey litter, compress it into a 4' x 4' bale that is plastic wrapped and then transport it by flatbed trucks where ever it is needed.

litter bale 2 baled litter loading

Not only do they sell the baled litter but also have the equipment to move and spread it.

It seems baled litter has many advantages over raw litter:

� Easy to transport and quick to unload

� Can be stored on-site

� No odor problems and no gas emission from decomposition

� No leaching solves water quality issues

� 99% E coli kill rate after 110 hours of being baled (according to studies)

� Can be stored long term - no need for storage shed

litter bales stored

I am going to make it a point it stop by and visit White River Fertilizer Supply. Hopefully it will be a very successful business for years to come. It is always exciting to see environmental innovation and the business community work hand in hand! For many years, Missouri Congressman (now US Senator) Roy Blunt hosted Ag Tours in Southwest Missouri.

0.9726651480637813

I was fortunate to be invited to attend these tours. It was a highlight of my year! We would visit many small farm owners with most being the second or third generation of family on that land. What was evident was their love for their land. They loved their 0.9218241042345276 heritage and were proud of what they had accomplished. It was always interesting to hear how they incorporated new environmentally friendly techniques into their operation as they were developed and became available. Many times these innovations also came with an increase to their bottom line. As I've said before, Americans are innovative, as with this company in Arkansas, turning brown (waste) into green (dollars & plants)!

Quote of the Week

"Rain is a blessing when it falls gently on parched fields, turning the earth green, causing the birds to sing."

-- Donald Worster

Current News Articles

Ozarks Water Watch opens second office

News-Leader.com, April 4, 2011

Ozarks Water Watch - formerly the Upper White River Basin Foundation - has opened a second office in Rogers, Ark.

The Kimberling City-based organization opened its new office at the Center for Nonprofits.
The center is in the former St. Mary's Hospital campus in Rogers, according to a news release.
Made up of a board representing residents living in Missouri and Arkansas, Ozarks Water Watch is involved in water quality issues in the Upper White River basin waterways and reservoirs.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110404/BUSINESS/110404028/Ozarks-Water-Watch-opens-second-office?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

River's powerful current churns out compelling shots on road trip

News-Leader.com, April 3, 2011

When I think of Missouri rivers, I picture peacefully canoeing down a slow-moving, winding river -- not paddling hard through Class 3 rapids in a kayak.

But that's exactly the treat I was greeted with on my recent trip to photograph the Missouri Whitewater Championships. For more...

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110404/NEWS0102/104040321/River-s-powerful-current-churns-out-compelling-shots-road-trip?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

SOUTHWEST TREATMENT PLANT, STAFF WIN HONORS

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 5 -- The City of Springfield issued the following news release:

The City of Springfield's wastewater treatment plants and Springfield Clean Water Services Division staff received recognition at the Missouri Water Environment Association (MWEA) Conference at Lake of the Ozarks during award ceremonies held Monday, March 28. The MWEA is a non-profit industry organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of water quality and water resources, and the relationship of these resources to the environment.

The Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant (SWTP) received the top honor -2010 Plant of the Year for plants treating more than 5 million gallons per day. The plant was given this honor based on outstanding operations and maintenance, and a track record of consistent compliance. Ed Malter, Superintendent of Clean Water Services for the City of Springfield, accepted the award. To read more...

http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1393815426.html

Proof Not There: Prof: Drilling, Earthquakes Not Connected

Wheeling News Register, April 3, 2011

WHEELING - A West Virginia University professor has joined Chesapeake Energy officials in disputing a notion that natural gas drilling activity contributes to earthquakes, despite officials in Arkansas making such a connection.

The number and magnitude of earthquakes in central Arkansas have declined noticeably since Chesapeake and another company shut down two of its underground injection wells in the area last month, Arkansas officials said. More...

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/553713/Proof-Not-There--Prof--Drilling--Earthquakes-Not-Connected.html?nav=515

Contact Info
OZARKS WATER WATCH

David Casaletto, President
(417) 739-4100

[email protected]