Mizzou Researchers Help Farmers Prevent and Manage Livestock Losses

Strategic Insights -

University of Missouri researchers have been traveling across the state, leading hands-on workshops on proper and safe composting methods to help farmers manage the risk of disease spread from dead livestock. The trainings have also informed a study showing that measured amounts of wood chips, sawdust, and old compost help carcasses decompose safely while preventing the spread of disease. By improving biosecurity practices, farmers can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and protect their herds or flocks.

Key Takeaways:

  • University of Missouri researchers have been leading hands-on workshops across Missouri to teach farmers proper and safe composting methods to manage livestock losses.
  • The trainings, led by Teng-Teeh Lim and Mizzou graduate student Rana Das, aim to raise the internal temperature inside the compost pile to 131 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three consecutive days to inactivate pathogens.
  • The research and trainings build on a decade of collaboration between MU Extension, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help farmers proactively prevent outbreaks of disease.
  • Alongside composting, the sessions promote MU Extension's Biosecurity Outreach Program, which emphasizes practices such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes and clothing to reduce the chance of outside pathogens being brought onto a farm.
  • A recent study published in Compost Science & Utilization found that measured amounts of wood chips, sawdust, and old compost help carcasses decompose safely while preventing the spread of disease.
  • The Biosecurity Outreach Program has received positive feedback from farmers, making big impacts throughout Missouri in preparing the state to prevent outbreaks of disease.
  • The program has been led by Teng-Teeh Lim, extension professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and graduate student Rana Das, who have seen farmers interested in learning specific details about composting specifically related to nitrogen and carbon ratios and moisture content.
  • The hands-on workshops have shown farmers how to construct compost piles effectively, which has been crucial in gaining knowledge and improving their biosecurity practices.

Statistics:

  • 131 degrees Fahrenheit: the internal temperature needed inside the compost pile to inactivate pathogens.
  • At least 3 consecutive days: the minimum duration required to ensure pathogens are inactivated in compost piles.
  • 10 years: the duration of collaboration between MU Extension, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
  • Compost Science & Utilization: the publication where the study "Enhancing on-farm biosecurity education and mortality composting practices in Missouri, USA" was published.
  • Unknown number: the number of farmers who have attended the hands-on workshops across Missouri.
  • Unknown number: the number of farms that have benefited from the Biosecurity Outreach Program.

Sources:

  • "Mizzou researchers help farmers prevent and manage livestock losses" (https://showme.missouri.edu/2025/mizzou-researchers-help-farmers-prevent-and-manage-livestock-losses/)
  • "Enhancing on-farm biosecurity education and mortality composting practices in Missouri, USA" (Compost Science & Utilization)