babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Really New to Worms - 2008/05/09 20:35
 Hi. I'm really new, not even a bin or worms yet. Just finished Bogdanov's book, reason being looking hard for a way to make a living on our 17 acres in the middle of nowhere. Hoping worms is the answer or part of the answer.
Can one still really make a living raising earthworms? I need something I can handle myself as my hubby drives a truck and is just not there to help run equipment or keep things working. So was hoping this would be about as simple as a business can be and one I could handle on my own.
Is there still room in this business for newbies to make a decent living? Or is the market saturated or monopolized by the big boys? Total honesty appreciated.
I'm also in Texas as I see several on the business forum are. I hope to start my small bins here in the city until we sell our home and then transport it to the farm between Waco and Corsicana.
Thanks.
Connie
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/09 21:21
I think there is plenty of room for all.
If you are willing to put in the time and have the space..go for it!
Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth. |
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/09 22:24
Thank you for the encouraging words. I sure hope so. Connie
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wormwrangler
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A Juvenile Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/10 15:37
Hi Connie!
So you want to get into the worm biz?
There is plenty of room for more. When you consider that in some counties there is 1 to 2 million tons of dairy manure per year! That is alot of S__T!!!
And that is PER county!!!
California is the nation's number one dairy state. Its 1.4 million dairy cows produced 3.2 billion gallons of milk in 1998, generating 18% of the national supply and over $3.6 billion in sales.
However, these cows generate approximately 30 million tons of manure each year, so proper management of dairy waste on California's 2,700 dairy farms is one of the state's most pressing environmental issues.
That is just from california dairies....can you imagine the horse manure, landfills, and all the other possibilities in every state!!! The worming industry is in its infancy, and the potential is astronomical!
I have to warn you though it is extremely addictive. Not just to you, but to all that might experience the fruits of you and your herds labors.
At first it is fairly easy, but if you decide to grow to a larger size worm ranch.... well, then, it gets a bit harder. But that goes for any biz you might get into. One thing I can assure you is that you wont be working long hours 7 days a week 
That is unless you want to lol.
Welcome aboard!
Wormwrangler
Worm Wrangler |
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/10 21:20
WAHOOO!!!! That's Texas Style, and thanks, Wormwrangler. Not having to work 7 days a week, dawn to dusk, is just what I'm looking for. Not many farming opps that can offer that. I'm a hard worker, but I want to box it in 40 hours a week, Mon. through Friday so I can have weekends free to enjoy my horses and camping.
We have 3 horses plus a friend's on the property, so I have a steady supply of some manure for starters. Only thing I'm trying to come to grips with is what I've read what horse wormers do to earthworms.
Some "natural horsemen" toot feeding horses diotamaceous earth in place of the commercial wormers which of course are poison. I'd have to be assured w/a few vet worm checks that that really works. But if it does, does the food-grade dio earth, passed through a horse, present any danger to the earthworms? Does anyone know?
Thanks.
Connie
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wormwrangler
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A Juvenile Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/10 22:39
Well Connie we have 52 4x8 bins, and a bunch of other different things filled with worms like an old water trough, bathtub, lil kids swimming pools, tote containers, old ice chests, and even a few of the those stackable tray types.
We probably spend about an hour every evening watering, feeding, and general care for our herd. The hard work is loading and unloading their food, and then harvesting the castings. Usually we pick a weekend to harvest the castings, then invite my 5 boys and some friends for a BBQ beer bash and get it all done in a couple days.
The castings really sells it self. We learned to give out samples that have directions for use. We strongly encourage them to try it out, and tell the not to worry about how much they use as it wont hurt any plants. They will be back in a month or so wanting alot more of what your offering believe me.
When it comes to horse manure that has dewormer of any type, and you think it might be in the manure you want to feed to your herd. I would recommend that you compost it for at least 90 days, then rinse it before feeding it to the herd.
The rinsing we do even if it is fresh, as it rinses out the excess salts and ammonia, and also moistens it thoroughly. But that is just the way we do it. Experiment with it, and come up with a way that works for you. Most of all have a bunch of fun!
I hope you have a great time, and make some cash in the future as your herd grows.
Wormwrangler
Worm Wrangler |
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Paratrooper
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A Mature Breeder Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/11 23:15
Hey girl , I just retired from hauling produce . I know what your hubby is going through . I have worms but not near enough to be considered a "business". We did it as a source of good additives for our personal veggie garden . It will probably grow with time but for now it's personal consumption . You might find a couple of items that you can grow and sell or barter . As for the compost sales you will have to cultivate that market if your area is not "enlightened" enough to appreciate the value of vermiculture . The tea is a good way to get people on board but it must be used quickly when made with a pump so as to not lose it's value . http://dchall.home.texas.net/organic/teamaker/
. This site will explain it all . Follow the link and you will get 11 pages of easy to understand instructions .If it does not work just let me know . I have it saved . Bottom line . Big operation , small business or just plain personal use it can't hurt . Just be careful of how you prepare the horse manure so it does not heat up . You've gotten good advice so far so you're on your way .
Tom
Kingman Arizona |
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/13 15:59
Thanks, paratrooper and everyone.
I just secured two containers to start, one for red wigglers and one for European night crawlers. I'll begin a small amount of compost in each one today. Then I'm on to order the worms. The containers are about 45 gallon each, typical plastic storage containers from Walmart.
How many worms should I order for each tub to be off to a grand, running start? Next question, where can I get good quality stock? I heard someone throw a name around here, "Bob", as having excellent worms and giving excellent service. Who is "Bob" and how do I reach him?
Connie
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Paratrooper
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A Mature Breeder Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/13 23:56
45 gallon is pretty big . Is that really the size or a typo ?
Tom
Kingman Arizona |
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/14 01:03
Well, the label on the containers says 45 gallons. The tubs are 33 long, 17" wide and 18" deep. I got two.
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WistarWorms
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/14 08:51
babalubird wrote:
How many worms should I order for each tub to be off to a grand, running start? Next question, where can I get good quality stock? I heard someone throw a name around here, "Bob", as having excellent worms and giving excellent service. Who is "Bob" and how do I reach him?
Connie
I believe the are talking about Bob Ingram at Trinity Ranch. The web address is .
We Are WORM - Resistance Is Futile!
Buddy
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/14 20:22
Thank you. I have ordered and Bob was very nice.
Connie
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fourmares
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/15 01:28
I've heard that the Chinese are going to use worms to process all the horse manure from the summer Olympic Games. The finished product will then be shipped to farms in China as fertilizer. Since you are in Texas, you might consider a business that picks up manure from local stables or dairys, and then sells castings... of course that business plan is not at all something one person could do alone... but you already have a truck driver... you would need a tractor as well...
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babalubird
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Really New to Worms - 2008/05/21 18:33
Wahoo!! My worms are here and getting used to their two new home bins.
Fourmares, glad to hear another horse lover is aboard. Hey, maybe now we can make our hayburners add to the income instead of just drain the ol' pocketbook. Who would have thought they might do it with all those "rose petals" we have to haul out of their stalls!
Connie
Post edited by: babalubird, at: 2008/05/21 19:23
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