​Steer Manure. Do You Really Know Where It Comes From?

Steer manure is mainly from dairy cows.

Are you looking for a natural way to feed your plants and improve the quality of your soil? If so, steer manure is an option.  Interestingly enough we call it Steer Manure but most of it comes from dairy farms from cows (don’t try to milk a steer).  Steer manure has been used by gardeners for centuries as a source of rich nutrients that can help promote healthy plant growth. The thought is probably because of the recognizable stench.  Not only does it provide essential nutrients, but it also helps increase the water retention capacity of soils and prevents nutrient leaching from occurring.
 
The history behind using steer manure dates back thousands of years when ancient civilizations began using animal waste to fertilize their crops. In modern times, farmers have continued this practice by collecting cow dung from their herds and applying it directly onto fields or into compost piles where its beneficial properties can be released over time in order to nourish nearby vegetation without having any negative environmental impacts associated with chemical fertilizer use such as runoff into waterways or air pollution caused by burning off excess nitrogen compounds during application processes.  Manures must be watered heavily to leach the salts out of it during the composting process.  They only cause salt damage if the manure isn’t aged well.  Oh, did I mention that the stuff stinks?

On a side note cows and steer get a bad wrap for methane gas.  It's all nonsense.  I have an uncle that's the king of flatulence.  He's the reason for the hole in the ozone.  It's not the animals fault.
 
Using steer manure in the garden is easy – keep in mind where it comes from when you touch it with your bare hands; simply spread aged composted droppings around existing plants or mix them into new beds before planting seeds/saplings.  This will add valuable organic matter which helps retain moisture while providing key macro-nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium & magnesium needed for optimal root development & flowering production throughout the months!  Additionally - adding some aged composted material first will ensure that there are no ‘hot spots’ where too much nitrogen might burn delicate foliage due its high levels compared with other macro-nutrients present within this fertilizer type – making sure everything stays balanced at all times!
 
Overall – incorporating small amounts of well-aged steer manure mixed with other organic materials like ground wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, mulch etc., could make all difference between success or failure when trying grow vegetables & flowers - so why not give yourself best chance possible today.  Steer manure....it does a garden good!
 
Want to talk about this blog or how to use steer manure properly in the garden?  Call NICK.  Really, call NICK.  1-800-405-NICK (6425).

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