The Oklahoma Compost Conference first started in 2015 as a way to discuss how compost can benefit local communities, businesses, and the environment. We believe in raising awareness for the many uses of compost, and that by helping spread stories of successful projects, we can help Oklahoma.
For our sixth year, the OK Compost Conference went virtual, offering a 4-part series that featured topics from different scales: small, medium, large scale, and medical marijuana composting. View recordings of the sessions on our YouTube channel.
Registration was available for $10/session for individual sessions or just $35 for the whole series. Full series registrants were also invited to a November 6 “Grounds for Discussion” virtual coffee chat. University student rates of $5/session and scholarships were available, and high school students registered for free.
Review our past annual conferences, starting in 2015
Small-Scale Composting, October 1, 12-1pm
Speakers: Malarie Gotcher & Josh Campbell
This session focused on residential or backyard composting setups and uses. Malarie brought her expertise as a water conservation specialist with the City of Oklahoma City; while Josh joined us as an OSU Extension-Oklahoma County Agricultural Educator.
Mid-Scale Composting, October 15, 12-1pm
Speakers: Nikki Nice & LaTasha Timberlake
This scale of composting includes community composting, where blocks and neighborhoods work together to compost and garden, sometimes to serve food deserts. Councilwoman Nice serves Oklahoma City’s Ward 7, and LaTasha, came to us from Lillian Timber Farms in Oklahoma City.
Large-Scale Composting, October 22, 12-1pm
Speaker: Edwin Blosser
Municipalities, compost companies, and the agricultural industry are important parts of the compost mountain. We heard the latest about the equipment and innovations at this scale, from Edwin, Founder of the company Midwest Biosystems.
Marijuana and Composting, November 5, 12-1pm
Panel Moderator: Jason Huffaker
The composting of post-production organics from, and use of compost for, medical marijuana growers is an increasingly important topic. This panel, moderated by Jason of Eleva Soils, shed light on this growing field with panelists Bruce Fanger, Chris Brady, and Bryce Davis (bios below). Rescheduled from Oct 29 to Nov 5 due to weather.
Panelist details
Bruce Fanger was born in the Philippines and currently resides in Michigan. He has been the midwest representative for Aurora Innovations, managing a hydroponics supply store with a focus on organic growing. His current projects include an Organic Michigan Hemp Farm, Organic Exotic & Gourmet Garlic Farm, and servicing the Midwest need for Roots Organics & Soul Products for Aurora Innovations.
Chris Brady, an owner of Redbud Soil Company in Oklahoma City, has been growing cannabis for 11 years. Early on, he learned the importance of the microbiology in the soil, and has been studying building healthy soils, spending years designing and refining Redbud’s Living Soil product.
Bryce Davis is the master grower and chief officer of the cultivation and processing operations for Kola Organics. After a succesful career in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, he moved to Oregon to be a pioneer in the marijuana industry – working in retail, production, processing and distribution. With the passing of 788 in Oklahoma, Bryce was able to return to his home state and his family to contribute to the Oklahoma marijuana market.
GROUNDS FOR DISCUSSION, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 4:20-5:20PM
Registrants of all 4 sessions listed above were invited to a virtual coffee chat to continue the discussion started at the weekly sessions.
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