Home of Valley Organic Resources

About the Market Maker

The Market Maker is a position created by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The overall goal of the grant is to reduce surface and groundwater pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. The Market Maker program is one of several innovative approaches funded by the grant to utilize Valley manure and manure-based products in environmentally friendly ways.

The Market Maker program is focused on reducing the nutrient concentration in the North River watershed of Rockingham and Augusta counties. The Market Maker is charged with:

• Identifying and developing markets for manure, compost and other organic resources
• Operating the Poultry Litter Hotline
• Providing information on the value of using organic resources
• Coordinating education programs on organic resources

Poultry Litter Market

Poultry litter, when properly handled, is a valuable source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Before applying poultry litter, it is important to know your crop nutrient needs based on soil test, as well as the nutrient content of the litter to be applied.

PRICE UPDATE July 2008: Poultry litter prices currently range from $8 to $14 per ton, averaging $10 to $12 per ton, not including transportation.

Hotline: 1-800-418-0768
People with litter to sell
People wanting to buy litter
People that haul and/or spread litter

For a printable list of people that haul/spread: Poultry Litter Contact List

For a printable list of equipment for rent: Spreading Equipment for Rent

For a one-page summary of the new state incentive program: Virginia Transport Incentive Overview

The following link takes you to a complete description of the program and downloadable forms needed for participation: Virginia Poultry Litter Transport Incentive Program

For a one-page summary of the federal cost-share program: EQIP Litter Transfer Program 

Compost Market

 Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week May 4-10, 2008! Visit our display at local businesses and farmer's markets throughout the week. For details, click here.

Compost is an important and renewable source of organic matter. Adding compost to your soil can improve its structure and water holding capacity, and increase tolerance to drought.

For more information and FAQ regarding compost See our information sheet.

Hotline: 1-800-418-0768
People with manure-based compost to sell
People wanting to buy manure-based compost

For a printable list of people who make and sell manure-based compost in the Shenandoah Valley: Valley Compost Supplier List