3 Point Compost Turner
2022 Innovation Challenge Highlighted Applicant
Problem solved: an inexpensive way to process lots of compost using less space
Skills/tools needed: cut and fit welding and engineering, scrapyard hunting skills
Cost: $2,000
Best suited for: farms that turn compost on-site with limited space or equipment
INNOVATOR PROFILE
Sonoma grape farmer Paul Bernier builds a custom compost turner using a tractor and found auto parts. His innovative compost turner is a cost-effective way of turning his grape compost or “pomace,” which helps cultivate healthy wine grapes.
INNOVATION
Paul built a turner using a truck rear axle. The difference from other turners is that it only works one side of a windrow. It allows you to turn a windrow 14’ wide by coming back the other side. A couple thousand yards of compost are turned per year, and the machine is long-lasting at 15+ years to date.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Turning compost with a loader takes a lot of time and requires a lot of space. This 3 point compost turner allows a farm to have more compost rows in a tighter space.
HOW TO BUILD IT & WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Paul sourced his parts from a scrapyard. He uses his 70 HP, 2 wheel tractor and built the turner onto a 3-point hitch. He built his own agitator and blades to turn and manage the compost with some trial and error.
Watch Paul’s 3 Point Compost Turner in action and learn about his process:
About this resource:
CAFF’s Small Farm Tech Hub produced a booklet highlighting selected winners from the annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge.
Innovations were submitted by farmers in the category of “Do It Yourself” or DIY. This booklet only highlights a handful of total applicants to the Challenge. These innovations exemplify how simple DIY innovations can lead to significant improvements in the farm and offer blueprints that can be adapted, improved upon, and implemented by other farmers.
As applicants of the Innovation Challenge, their contribution to agricultural technology showcases the power of practical, scalable solutions in transforming the small farm landscape. The Innovation Challenge invites farmers, entrepreneurs, students, hackers and any ingenious, farm-loving thinkers to propose tech-based innovations that will help small scale agriculture compete, survive and thrive. All ideas, big or small, in any phase of development, will be accepted for the Innovation Challenge. Learn more by visiting www.caff.org/innovation.
A printable booklet can be viewed here.
Check out our other highlighted innovators:
