Market Farming

["Elizabeth Pike" <pike AT always-online.com>]

I received this reply from another source.  Any comments please??
(This is what drives me nuts in farming.  I know, I know, part
science, part magic.  At least I KNOW what's in my compost & manure
from the start.)

> Hi Liz - any bone meal that can be purchased around here has been
high pressure steam processed.  As a result it is as pathogen free as
your home canned foods or pressure cooked meals would be...at least.
And, it is FAR more pathogen free than compost or manure can be made
yet we use them freely and even encourage their use, right?
>
> I think it is important to remember, since this subject has come up
before and probably will again, that we are not talking human or even
domestic animal (as in pets) bones and blood here; sources known to
cross the pathogenic barrier.  These are slaughterhouse products and
as such are not noted for communicable disease pathogens with the
exception of possible e-coli contamination.  The steam processing thus
makes them far less pathogen-free than is the steak or chicken you
bring home from the store.
>
> Please believe that I mean no criticism of you for asking this.  You
are not the first, but it always strikes me as curious that gardeners
who freely use dirt and compost and manures and mouldy leaves and
heaven knows what else in their gardens (even chemicals) fear these
products for some reason and I am at a loss to explain it.  Even if
the products weren't so heavily processed, their very nature renders
them far more 'sterile' than rotten kitchen veggies or many other
things we use freely.  I hope this reassures you somewhat.

Liz
Morningstar Gardens
Pollocksville NC