Making the most of manure: 4 case studies of sustainability success
15 November 2023
Manure is an inevitable by-product of egg production. But today, the global egg industry is exploring ways we can transform this waste into a resource, benefitting business and environment.
At the recent IEC conference in Lake Louise, four engaging speakers shared their innovative solutions to the industry-wide issue of manure management. Watch their member-exclusive presentations now.
“The Mother Hen Fertilizer”: A natural and sustainable solution to manure
Claudia Désilets shares the inspiring story of Acti-Sol, a Canadian family business which transforms waste into a value-added product by generating fertiliser from their layer hen manure.
Founded in 1995, Acti-sol provided a much-needed solution to the 3,000 tons of manure that was generated on the family layer farm annually. Since then, they have developed their unique technology and worked strategically with markets, resulting in an energy efficient complete line of manure-based fertiliser.
“We are taking waste and transforming it into something very positive, and we’re really proud of it.”
Watch Claudia’s presentation now to hear Acti-sol’s story first-hand, and discover the benefits this innovation has made to farm, community and environment.
Watch nowFrom waste to clean energy: Powering egg production with hen manure
Michael Griffiths proudly explains how the UK’s Oakland Farm Eggs have partnered with leading technology companies to use their hen manure to power their business, becoming 100% self-sufficient.
The story began with the family farm’s switch to barn housing, reducing bird numbers and increasing energy consumption. “With this in mind, we had to look for an innovative new way to try and maximise our potential revenues”, Michael explains.
The solution became clear. Create an enclosed, perpetual system on site that converts the hen manure into energy, which the Griffith’s family believe has secured the future of their farm.
Watch Michael’s presentation now to learn about their circular system, and its transformative impact on their business.
Watch nowRecognising resource potential: 40 years of manure management
In the early 1980s, Rose Acre Farms began selling manure to farmers. Today this same resource is used to fertilise some of the top golf courses in the US. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Wesner, provides an anecdotal presentation on this manure management journey.
The first step was seeing manure as a resource, not waste: “We utilise every resource possible to make a profit and stay in business.”
Using an experimental approach and expertise in agronomy, Rose Acre overcame challenges, improved standards and evolved their practices, resulting in a higher quality product and better sustainability.
Watch Tony’s presentation now for a fascinating overview of their steps to success.
Watch nowSolving the costly and complex issue of poultry manure in Europe
IEC Economic Analyst, Peter van Horne, provides exclusive insight into managing manure in the European Union (EU). He explains that manure disposal poses a particular challenge in countries with dense livestock populations, and the EU enforces restrictions meaning a number of methods are not an option.
“In Europe we have to find other solutions, because of regulations on nitrogen, ammonia emissions and also fine dust.”
Peter uses his own nation, the Netherlands, as a case study, spotlighting a preferred approach which not only offers a reduction to cost of manure disposal, but a lower environmental impact too.
Watch Peter’s presentation now to discover more about the Dutch, “hassle-free” answer to the costly issue of manure.
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IEC Lake Louise presentations on-demand
All presentations from the Global Leadership Conference in September 2023 are now available to watch online (member-access only).
Watch the presentations from IEC Lake Louise