Horse Manure Management by Commercial and Old-Order Amish Equine Operators: Economic and Conservation Implications

Abstract

Horse operations may produce high amounts of manure per acre/ha and be less aware of recommended manure management practices than livestock farmers, leading to negative environmental impacts. This study compared the manure management practices of two populations of horse owners in the USA state of Missouri, commercial horse operations and an Old-Order Amish community, using data from a 2019 mail survey with a 50% response rate. In commercial operations, manure was more likely to be piled rather than spread directly on fields, which was the Amish practice. The Amish were more likely to use manure for crop production, to indicate that was why they had not explored markets for manure, and to test soil for nutrients. Regression results for factors affecting previous sales/transfers of manure or compost showed that selling was more likely for commercial operations, female operators, and those who had composted manure. Compared to respondents who agreed that manure management had an impact on water quality, those who did not know or were neutral about that statement were more likely to have sold manure. While both groups can improve manure management and are underserved by traditional agricultural information channels, educational efforts should be tailored to their different circumstances.

Maintaining traditional values and looking for novel uses assure equines' survival as a species

“…However, the loss of biodiversity caused by rural road expansion can be halted by using equines to transport people and goods in biodiversity hotspot areas. Lessons need to be learned from the Amish philosophy in the USA, in that their religion forbids them from driving cars, which can be used to preserve the traditional use of working equines in rural agriculture (Dijak et al., 2020). However, products derived from this type of farming must be treated as specialty products and command premium prices.…”