This page contains links to several tools you can use to gather information and make decisions about composting or disposing of swine carcasses. Most of the information is focused on composting and comes from an April 29, 2020 webinar hosted by IPPA.
CALCULATORS
USDA-APHIS Carcass Disposal Calculator
This calculator from USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a calculator that will help determine resources for any type of carcass disposal you are considering on your land. You will need to download this Excel Sheet to plug in your own numbers.
Calculating Carbon Volumes and Space Requirements for Carcass Composting
This calculator from Dr. Bill Seekins, University of Maine, helps determine the amount of carbon you will need for composting based on the length of windrows you’ll be using. You will need to download this Excel Sheet to plug in your own numbers.
Swine Composting and Above-ground Burial Calculator
This calculator from Gary Flory at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality helps determine the resources you will need for above ground burial. You will need to download this Excel Sheet to plug in your own numbers.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
Above-Ground Burial
A two-page description of SOP for Above Ground Burial developed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Although the document says ‘Draft’ it contains the most up-to-date information on the process.
Processing Swine with a Horizontal Grinder
A three-page description of SOP for Processing Swine with a Horizontal Grinder. Although the document says ‘Draft’ it contains the most up-to-date information on the process.
WEBINAR
Emergency Carcass Disposal Webinar, Recorded April 29, 2020
Video Segment Breakdown — This webinar is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes long. If you need to jump to a specific section, here is a breakdown of the segments.
PDF SLIDES FROM THE VIDEO
Above Ground Burial Methodology
Slides from Gary Flory demonstrating Above Ground Burial Methodology. Download the calculator spreadsheet shown on slide 17 and the USDA_APHIS calculator on slide 19. Flory is with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Emergency Carcass Disposal: Environmentally Sustainable Options, Process and Support
Slides from the presentation on Emergency Carcass Disposal: Environmentally Sustainable Options, Process and Support Download the calculator spreadsheet on slide 18. The presentation was compiled by March Hutchinson, University of Maine; Gary Flory, Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality; and J Craig Williams, Penn State University.
Hog Barn Compost Siting on Farm
Slides from the presentation on Hog Barn Compost Siting on Farm outline factors to consider for siting. The presentation was compiled by J Craig Williams, Penn State University.
CHAT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM VIDEO
Review the questions and answers generated during the video.