California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Oct. 11 signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 411, which legalizes on-ranch composting of routine livestock mortalities and butcher waste.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Diane Papan (D-CA-21) and supported by the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). “AB 411 provides ranchers a disposal option that is proven to reduce predator interactions—though, importantly, the bill does not require ranchers to cease bone piling or begin composting,” CCA said.
The bill allows up to 100 cubic yards of on-ranch compost at any given time, which is about six to 10 animals. The California Department of Food & Agriculture will now develop best management practices for on-ranch composting.
