The Newfarm Forums

[Chris]

So we've been using Bio-Gro 8-5-3 with great results to balance out our compost and cover crop program. Unfortunately, Bio-Oregon, who makes Bio-Gro is going out of business or something of that nature. None-the-less no more Bio-Gro.

Anyone know of another source for pelletized fish? We like the fish as opposed to meat/blood meal based mixes because of the conditions their harvested in and just the overall results. And we like the pellets due to their slow release nature and the fact that we just bought a dandy drop spreader this past season.

Would like to find something with a similar N-P-K reading. If we don't find anything we'll probably go with a chicken pellet that's a 4-3-3. Both the chicken product and the Bio-Gro are right here in Oregon, so that's nice for cost and shipping and all that jazz.

I've looked around the net and all the typical places- Peaceful Valley, etc.
Thought I'd scored when I found Down to Earth's fish pellets-----made by Bio-Gro folks. Argggggh!

Thanks in advance! Hope all that are celebrating this new year have a dandy one!

[singingpigfarm]

Chris,

I have used the Stuzman Farms composted chix manure for years and have been very happy with it. It is very cost effective.

This year I bought 4 of their 1 ton tote bags of the 4-3-3 pellet and I was thrilled with the results. I could see the fertilizer working in 6-7 days. I broadcast it at the rate of 500lbs/acre over most of my field. Where the field was empty and where veggies were growing. It worked great. At only $149/ton it is a real deal. You can call them and get a full analysis from them. I believe it has 7% Ca and about 3%S plus trace minerals. I like the fact that it can be spread up to the day of harvest because it is heated during the pelletizing process which kills salmonella and other pathogens.

Where are you at in Oregon? I am in the Turner/Jefferson area south of Salem.

Steve Rogers
Singing Pig Farm

[Chris]

Steve,

I think we'll probably end up using the Stutzman's. I knew it was affordable, but had no idea it was that cheap. We were at around $700/ ton delivered for the BioGro (Which was at half of retail) and thought that was reasonable. We were applying around 600 #/ acre of the biogro. But even if we wanted to double up with the stutzmans it's still very affordable.

We're located in southern Oregon- the Applegate Valley. The farming scene here is still in it's adolescence as far as # of farmers and the public catching on to what we've got going on. It's exciting to see it take off finally!

Steve, been reading your posts here and on the marketfarm list for some time. I'd like to talk with you off board sometime. Is your earthlink email still a valid one?

Happy New Year
Chris
www.bluefoxorganics.com

[singingpigfarm]

Chris,

That price is FOB Canby. A neighbor and I went and picked it up with his truck and trailer, and I provided the spreader for him to fertilize his pasture and bought him lunch, so my delivery costs were very low. It is till a great deal.

I would love to talk to you offline. Logon to singingpigfarm.com and leave me a message on the "Contactus" page. Fortunately, I haven't had to use earthlink for several months.