Day 10: Raising a 'Stink'

Let's face it - most creatures poop - it's a fact of life.  In fact, there has been a children's book, Everyone Poops, dedicated to the end process of most organism's digestive system - defecation!

As bizarre as it may seem, it's a very matter of fact subject that is more often than not considered a form of taboo... However, in the livestock industry it often raises a big 'stink.'  So, let's discuss this a bit.

Today, many of ny students and myself cleaned Peaches' pen to provide a clean, fresh, and sanitary environment for the piglets to grow and mature.   Why did we choose to do it on a Sunday?  To be honest, because it could have potentially raised a big stink within the school due to initial odiferous fragrances that were present due to the turning over and 'mucking' of soiled bedding.

Obviously, no one would enjoy the smell of manure - think about what it smells like when you use the restroom - surely doesn't smell like a freshly bloomed flower patch!  Again - it's all a natural part of digestion - it's just how the body works and functions.  To combat the disruption in the daily activities of the school, we made sure that all potential odors would be free and clear before faculty, staff, and students arrive for Monday morning classes.  Truth be told - the odor had disappeared within 30 minutes of putting down fresh bedding.

Fresh bedding: What does that mean?

For starters, once the soiled bedding was removed, the floor was lightly dusted with pulverized limestone.  Why?  Because the limestone neutralizes the odor and helps to cut down on bacterial growth.  Then, we added plenty of fresh straw - not to be confused with hay.  Straw is the primary bedding we are using for pig comfort, moisture absorption, and manure control.

Straw - Comes from dead stubble and stems of plants like wheat, oats, rye, barley, etc... VERY LITTLE NUTRITIVE VALUE

Hay - Comes from alfalfa, timothy, orchard grass, clover, etc.. VERY HIGH IN NUTRITIVE VALUE

What did we do with manure?  

After the manure was loaded into the back of my truck, we took it to the 6-acre garden we have on our school's campus as a part of the Agricultural Sciences program and FFA.  The nutrients available in the manure will help replenish the rich and robust soils for when we plant our crops this spring.  Did you know?  Some of the most fertile soils in Cumberland County are located in Silver Spring Township.   It's true!  And, CVHS is located in the heart of the township - how exciting!  

What happened when we were finished?

As stated in FFA Opening Ceremonies... 'Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much...' And, for high school students involved with the MANY opportunities presented through Agricultural Education and FFA - the bountiful harvest of an honest day's work is simply awesome!  Just take a look below of FFA members enjoying a bit of socializing with Peaches and her piglets in their freshly mucked pig pen.  One of the many reasons I 'Do what I Love - and Love What I do... Teach Ag.'

One final note: Please remember that Live Streaming will now be limited during the school day, starting on Monday, March 4.  Video feed will not be available from 7:00 AM till 3:00 PM daily, Monday through Friday.  

Streaming will resume from 3:00 PM till 7:00 AM and will run continuously on Saturday and Sunday.  

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