Blu Sky Farms CASE STUDY

Ocala Florida, renowned as the "Horse Capital of the World," boasts a rich equestrian heritage and is home to the prestigious World Equestrian Center. Blu Sky Farm is situated within the vibrant Ocala Horse Complex, surrounded by an extensive equestrian community where neighbors maintain horse stables and fertile farmland. The region is characterized by its sandy loam soil, which is ideal for horse grazing and the cultivation of high-quality forage, supporting various equine activities such as racing, jumping, and showing.

Blu Sky Farms owner Steve Talbott sought a sustainable solution for managing horse manure and bedding on his equestrian property. He was dissatisfied with the existing practice of hiring a waste removal company to collect and landfill dumpsters full of manure, as it was both financially burdensome and environmentally harmful.

Steve intends to sell finished compost that is free from chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. His goal is to market a high-quality, all-organic product. To validate the quality of the final compost, he plans to conduct tests in collaboration with local extension agencies.

Steve was particularly drawn to GMT's Earth Flow solution because it offers automated agitation and aeration, setting it apart from other composting options like Aerated Static Pile (ASP). This innovation not only ensures the production of high-quality, finished compost but also requires minimal additional labor after the compost exits the vessel. Additionally, Steve plans to market the finished compost to the horticultural and landscape industry in Ocala, creating an added revenue stream that enhances the overall value of GMT’s solution for his farming operations.

Steve will pioneer on-site automated composting in the horse capital of the world, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship within the community. The anticipated ecological impact of his initiative is significant, as his demonstration site will educate others about the importance of recycling organic residuals and the benefits of their reuse. This innovative approach is likely to inspire neighboring farms and community leaders to shift away from costly and environmentally detrimental manure removal services in favor of on-site composting, promoting both economic and ecological sustainability in the area.