TyraTech Inc, a relatively new pesticide research and product development company, launched a manure management system in February 2008 that claims to help large dairy operations produce more milk and become more profitable.

The Sustainable Solutions Division of TyraTech has developed “WasteSolver” and “Natural Bedding,” which the company says can save producers thousands of dollars annually in bedding and manure management costs. How it works Manure is converted to bedding in a two-step automated process using WasteSolver.

In the first step, manure is separated into liquids and solids with hydro-cyclone separation technology. Liquids are returned to the manure lagoon, while the solids remain in the system for the next step. In order to create the dry and odor-free bedding, the system uses in-vessel accelerated composting technology in the second step. Although it is not necessary to make the system work, TyraTech recommends producers add a natural insecticide called Negate that ensures the bedding product is free of pathogens and insects.

Advantages for the cows and producer
The developers of the system say their bedding product is more comfortable for cows and is less expensive than sand bedding. As a result, producers should be able to increase cow comfort, milk production and overall profitability.

Additional benefits for the producer include reduced labor costs and the opportunity to increase herd size. TyraTech representatives also believe producers will be able to improve community and neighbor relations with the system’s odor reduction and increased manure management and pollution control.

Two of the first systems were installed on Irish Acres Farms’ 1,500-head operations in Indiana and Ohio.

“As a growing dairy farm, bedding expenses and waste management considerations are two significant limiting factors in our operations,” says Eddie O’Donnell, general manger of Irish Acres Farms. “This system has dramatically decreased our bedding costs, lowered waste management labor costs and should enable us to increase herd size and milk production without hitting regulatory nutrient effluent limits.”

Partnering for more profits
In addition to helping producers to become more profitable in their operations, TyraTech developers have an added incentive for producers.

Through the unique partner program, a dairy producer can purchase the system and then contract to sell two-thirds of the compost back to TyraTech. The company will regularly pick up the compost to be used in the horticultural products it offers.

About TyraTech
TyraTech Inc. was created in May 2004 by XL TechGroup. The company focuses on developing pesticides from natural plant oils with the intention that the products will be environmentally friendly and harmless to humans and animals.

TyraTech markets its products to five categories:
1. Consumer: home, lawn and garden
2. Agriculture and horticulture
3. Commercial business such as food service and hospitals
4. Vector control such as malaria-bearing mosquitoes
5. Human and animal health

TyraTech’s other agricultural products include Nature’s Natural and Natural Blend, two soil modifications designed to replace or enhance sphagnum peat moss. More information can be found at www.tyratech.com or www.wastesolver.com

Emily Caldwell
Freelance author in State College, Pennsylvania