Engineering a Compost PadStudents from Brian Waitrovich's classes worked with farmers Jennifer and Jason Slagle to design a compost pad that will serve the farm as it expands. Students toured the farm to learn about the diversified business model, which includes produce and meat marketed through CSA, farmers markets, and wholesale outlets. The farm is expanding to include a commercial kitchen for value added products and meat processing. To understand how the farm can close a loop by utilizing nutrients on the farm, students interviewed the farmers to find out how much and where they compost, and then began studying the biological process of composting in the classroom. Students have investigated how the watershed, property lines, and cost will influence the placement of the compost pad they design. Through partnerships with MSU Extension Educator Monica Jean, NRCS District Conservationist Tom Berendt, and MAEAP Verifier Erin Satchell, students planned an optic survey of the site and made recommendations about compost pad placement and design. | In the news... |