News
Texas A&M AgriLife Hosts Animal Mortality Management Workshop
May 20, 2025 – College Station, TX
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosted a workshop on animal mortality management yesterday in College Station, providing livestock producers and pet owners with essential training on the safe and biosecure disposal of deceased animals.
The event was also shared on X by @TexasManure, featuring hands-on demonstrations in composting, hydrolysis, and other techniques designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Dr. Zong Liu of AgriLife highlighted the growing need for proper carcass disposal amid increasing animal health concerns.
Supported by a USDA grant, the initiative aims to strengthen both routine and emergency carcass management practices. Educational materials from the workshop will soon be available through AgriLife’s online platforms.
Improper animal disposal can significantly elevate pathogen risks, such as Salmonella, in livestock environments, making biosecurity a central focus of the program.
Poultry Farming Updates
May 20, 2025
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) recently announced a global initiative to establish sustainability metrics for poultry farming, focusing on practices that promote soil health and reduce emissions. This effort aligns with the pasture-based methods used at Reber Rock Farm, as featured on worldwildlife.org.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M AgriLife continues to advance its research into organic poultry systems. As highlighted in a post by @TexasManure, current studies are addressing key challenges such as parasite control and optimizing range use—essential components in methods like daily pasture rotation.
In the featured video, the farm owner demonstrates a simple yet effective approach: moving the chicken tractor each day to ensure birds have access to fresh pasture. This not only supports animal welfare but also improves land fertility, as the chickens consume grass and insects while naturally fertilizing the soil.
With rising consumer demand for ethically raised poultry, these integrated efforts represent a promising step forward in sustainable agriculture. Learn more at agriliferesearch.tamu.edu.
Biogas Samples Collected from Anaerobic Digester at Mykawa Farm
May 15, 2025
The Texas Manure team collected gas samples from the anaerobic digester at Mykawa Farm’s Food & Agriculture Literacy Center, part of @HoustonISD. The samples will help assess methane production and explore sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.
Anaerobic digestion not only reduces organic waste but also produces biogas, a renewable energy source that can power farms and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Stay tuned for more updates on how these systems are shaping sustainable agriculture in Texas.
Sustainable Farewell: Pet Composting Offers a Greener Goodbye
May 12, 2025
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. But what if that farewell could also honor their memory in a meaningful, sustainable way?
Our latest video explores pet composting, an eco-conscious alternative that transforms loss into life. By composting your pet’s remains, you’re not only reducing environmental impact but also nourishing the earth in the process.
It’s a gentle, thoughtful way to say goodbye and to give your pet a second life in the soil they help enrich.
From Waste to Taste: Mushroom Farming in Action
May 5, 2025
A big thank you to Monterey Mushrooms LLC for hosting us on an insightful mushroom farm tour!
Did you know? Mushrooms are grown on compost! This naturally growing medium not only supports the fungi but also highlights the powerful connection between food production and sustainable waste recycling.
Visitors got a behind-the-scenes look at how agricultural byproducts are transformed into rich compost, forming the perfect foundation for mushroom cultivation. It’s a fascinating reminder of how food, farming, and sustainability are deeply intertwined.
Compost Infrastructure Expands: From High Schools to Lab Testing
May 2, 2025
We’ve just completed building compost bins for a local high school in partnership with @HoustonISD! These bins will be installed later this month, helping students engage with hands-on sustainability practices right on campus.
Meanwhile, back in the lab, our new compost tumblers are officially ready for small-scale testing. These compact systems allow us to experiment with composting methods on a more controlled scale, perfect for research and educational outreach.
The compost journey continues as we bring innovation and awareness from classrooms to labs and beyond.
Texas A&M to Be Featured at National Workshop on Dairy Manure Innovation
April 29, 2025
We’re excited to share that Texas A&M AgriLife will be featured this summer at the Advancing Innovation in Dairy Manure Management Workshop, hosted by @FoundationFAR at @CSUSpur.
The event marks the official kickoff of the U.S. Dairy Manure Management Review Project, a collaborative effort funded by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). This national initiative brings together research institutions, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to explore innovative solutions for managing dairy waste.
Texas A&M joins a powerful coalition of partners, including:
Agricultural Research Service, CSU Spur, Starbucks, Texas Dairymen, Dairy MAX Dairy Management Inc, Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M BAEN, TAMU Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Department of Biology at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University.
Compost Temperature Plays Role in Weed Control
April 28, 2025
Dr. Liu’s research group continues to explore innovative composting techniques, with a recent focus on how compost temperature contributes to weed suppression.
Featured in a recent YouTube Short, the project highlights the science behind effective compost management for both backyard gardeners and small-scale farmers. By maintaining optimal heat levels, compost piles can not only break down organic waste but also help reduce weed seed viability, offering a natural method for weed control.
The team’s work supports broader efforts in sustainable waste reduction, soil health, and agricultural resilience.
Compost Moisture Check: The Squeeze Test
April 21, 2025
Proper moisture levels are essential for effective composting. In a recent demonstration, Dr. Zong Liu explained how to assess compost moisture using the simple but effective squeeze test—a hands-on method that helps determine whether your compost pile has the right water content.
Maintaining ideal moisture ensures efficient decomposition, reduces odors, and supports microbial activity—critical components of successful composting for both backyard gardeners and larger-scale operations.
This topic is part of Dr. Liu’s ongoing work in compost science and agricultural waste management.
Dr. Zong Liu Receives Prestigious Award for Innovation in Wastewater and Manure Management
April 17, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Zong Liu for receiving a prestigious and groundbreaking award recognizing his pioneering work in wastewater treatment, manure lagoon management, and satellite imaging technologies.
This achievement marks an important milestone not only for Dr. Liu but also for Texas A&M’s leadership in agricultural innovation. His research integrates advanced technologies with real-world agricultural practices, offering scalable solutions for more sustainable and data-driven waste management.