During a demonstration held today in Saskatoon, onlookers discovered how the feedlot manure composting equipment system works. U of S agricultural and bioresource engineering masters student Holly Annand loaded 76 tons of feedlot manure into 200 feet of plastic composting bag. The system, new to Saskatchewan, is designed to control composting odour and debris while also operating at a reduced cost compared to traditional wind-row composting.

PAMI, in partnership with the U of S, Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Canada will use the system in a solids-content anaerobic digester project. The digester will help researchers evaluate the economic feasibility of livestock operations and municipal landfills producing their own sustainable energy sources from waste organic material. The project is under construction and is expected to start producing biogas from feedlot wastes at the Western Beef Development Centre before 2010.

“I expect that introducing a composting phase will improve the cost-effectiveness of the project and provide a premium compost product to consumers,” Annand said. Annand is researching the potential of implementing a composting cycle into PAMI’s solids-content anaerobic digester project. Compost is a nutrient rich organic material that enhances soil structure and benefits plant health.

Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Holly Annand, Masters Student
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 291-2495
Email: holly.annand@usask.ca

Phil Leduc, Senior Manager, R & D
Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
Tel: (306) 682-2555 ext. 224 OR (306) 934-1950 (Saskatoon)
Email: pleduc@pami.ca