The Role of Poultry Litter Handlers in Tennessee's Off-Farm Litter Market

Twelve poultry litter handlers were personally interviewed in 2001 regarding their role in the Tennessee off-farm litter market. The litter removed from growers’ farms by these handlers accounted for nearly one-quarter of the litter generated in the state. On average, these handlers cleaned 40 poultry houses, stored litter for 3 mo, and transported litter 25 mi to 18 different customers. These handlers charged $15.00/ton on average for land application of litter. Land application rates were highly consistent with nitrogen requirements of crops to which litter was applied but 3 to 6 times higher than phosphorus needs. These handlers were generally aware of how proposed confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) regulations might affect the industry and their businesses and were open to training programs leading to voluntary certification of litter handlers.