Bull Country Compost in Dundee celebrates 20th anniversary
A simple conversation in the 1990s planted the seed for a family business that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year."We started Bull Country Compost as a way to repurpose manure from our farm that was not needed because the fields were already at a good nutrient level," said Tim Sigrist, who owns the company with his parents, John and Linda Sigrist. "The idea came from talking with county extension agents."
The Sigrists, who own a 500-acre farm in Dundee on which they raised milking cows until last year, began by testing the market with a basic system of composting outdoors. They quickly recognized a demand for the compost as well as for conventional mulch and other bagged products. The business grew from there.
Today the family sells a variety of products to greenhouses, market gardeners and homeowners, including compost and a compost-mulch mix. Compost and mulch are not interchangeable. Mulch enhances the appearance of flowerbeds and controls weeds to some degree, but does not contribute to the health of the soil. In fact, wood mulch draws nitrogen from the ground and can be harmful to some plants.
"But if you top-dress with compost, you're adding organic matter and nutrients to your soil," Sigrist explained. "We mix mulch with compost for an appealing top-dressing, especially for flower gardens where you like the appearance of mulch but the nutrients of compost. If you're putting in a lawn or establishing a garden, use only compost to boost the nutritive value of the soil."
Bull Country's compost contains more manure than other brands, which often include a high percentage of straw filler as well as human waste. Bull Country uses 100% animal manure with a small amount of straw mixed in to absorb moisture. It is screened to prevent clumps, and composting vessels are monitored to maintain a temperature of at least 150 degrees for 72 hours.
"It's a nice textured product that doesn't give off the smell of manure in your garden," Sigrist said.
Currently the company is testing compost tea—a liquid compost suited for potted plants.
Celebrate Bull Country's 20th anniversary at a cash-and-carry sale on bulk compost the week of April 7 at their location. With over 50 Northeast Ohio businesses that sell Bull Country Compost, you are sure to find one near you.
Bull Country Compost is located at 10316 Kohr Road, in Dundee. The phone number is 330-852-4399. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Website: www.bullcountrycompost.com