WW-07082     1998  

Worksheet: Relative Value of MSW Compost

Use this worksheet to estimate the value of MSW compost relative to bedding material currently in use.

Instructions for Worksheet

a. Enter a value for leaving bedding source as crop residue in the field (as for cornstalks, straw, etc.) or as feed, or other uses in $ per ton.

b. Determine your harvest costs (usually between $10 to $13/acre for large bales or stacks) and enter it on this line as $ per ton.

c. Determine storage costs (building depreciation, maintenance, etc.; usually $6/ft2/year) and enter on this line as $/ton.

d. Estimate costs of processing bedding prior to delivery in pen as $/ton.

e. Add lines a through d. This is the total cost of bedding material in use, $/ton.

f. Obtain cost/lb by dividing total on line e by 2,000.

g. Estimate your current summer bedding rate in lb/head/day.

h. Calculate the bedding cost/head/day by multiplying line f by line g.

i. Enter use rate of MSW compost in summer (use 4.4 lb/head/day as a guideline).

j. Calculate the break-even value for MSW compost in $/lb in the summer by dividing line h by line i.

k. Calculate the break-even value for MSW compost in $/ton in the summer by multiplying line j by 2,000. This is the maximum price you can pay for MSW compost to substitute for the bedding material you are currently using in the summer.

l. Estimate your current winter bedding rate in lb/head/day.

m. Calculate the bedding cost/head/day by multiplying line f by line l.

n. Enter use rate of MSW compost in winter (use 14.4 lb/head/day as a guideline).

o. Calculate the break-even value for MSW compost in $/lb in the winter by dividing line m by line n.

p. Calculate the break-even value for MSW compost in $/ton in the winter by multiplying line o by 2,000. This is the maximum price you can pay for MSW compost to substitute for the bedding material you are currently using in the winter.

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636.

The information given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Minnesota Extension is implied.