Composter

Composting Market Analysis

A comprehensive study of composting technology needs for

small farm applications

Background Market Information

Market Farms: • Multi crop farms: 0.5 and 5 acres in size• 5-10 cubic yards of compost per acre

Composting: • Organic waste Disposal and Soil Conditioner• Cubic yard of compost: Retail price = $30• Requirements: mixing, watering, and aerating

Current TechniquesLarge Scale Farms

• Windrow farms• Capacity to process

hundreds of tons per hour

• Over $100,000

Moderate Scale Farms• Tractor Attachments• Stand alone units• $15,000 to $80,000

Windrow Composter Composter Tractor Attachment

…Current TechniquesMarket / Specialty

Farms• No specialized tools• Makeshift method

using front loader / manure spreader

• $2,000 - $5,000

Home Gardening

• Piles and open pits• Compost bins• Tumbler • $0 - $400

Manure Spreader TumblerCompost Pile

Market Findings

Purpose: To evaluate the need of for affordable composting technology for Market Farmers

Process: A survey was administered individuals in the market framing community via phone, email, and personal interview. Responses were compiled and assessed.

Sample Survey Questions1. Do you compost? Why or why not?2. If so, how do you compost?3. How long does it take to produce usable

compost? How fast would you like to produce it?

4. How much time and money do you spend on composting?

5. What are the problems you’ve encountered?

6. Do you have any recommendations for our design team?

Consumer NeedsTechnology for Market Farmers

Proposed product: BCS attachment

• Process capacity of 5 to 20 cubic yards of compost

• Priced below $3,000

• Attachment rather than stand alone unit

Acknowledgements1. Benjamin, Nate. Charlton Orchards Farm. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.2. Busa, Francis. Owner and Grower for Busa Farm. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.

3. Diver, Steve. NCAT Agriculture Specialist. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.

4. Hill, Luella. Brown University. Personal Interview. 29 Sept. 2005.

5. Johnson, Sue Allen. New England Small Farm Institute. Personal Interview. 29 Sept. 2005.

6. Kimball, Ellery. Bluetteron Organic Farm. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.

7. Konoug, Jon. River Rock Farm. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.

8. Niemi, Peter. Home Gardener. Personal Interview. 4 Oct. 2005.

9. Rose, Al. Owner of Red Apple Farm. Personal Interview 4 Oct. 2005.