Mini manure spreader

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Radio interview source: Tina Merrill, sales manager, Mill Creek

We have an old manure spreader that is pretty small, but we use it to spread sheep manure on the pasture. My husband Bob enjoys fixing up antique manure spreaders and then selling them to horse owners. He paints them red and sets them at the end of our lane with a for-sale sign and they sell in a day. They probably go to people who have sore backs from lugging heavy wheelbarrows around.

Tina Merrill is a company sales manager and says a mini spreader will eliminate the wear and tear on your back.

"Instead of running 20 wheelbarrows out to your big pile, you can load everything into the spreader that you need," Merrill says. "And if you want to take your fresh manure and/or your compost out into your pastures or your fields, you can do that in record time. If you have a vegetable garden, you can take your spreader through in record time also."

As long as you don't need a precise application, the spreader comes in handy for other chores, too. It makes a terrific utility wagon. Spray it out well with a hose, then load it up with heavy or bulky items you need to move around like mulch, feed bags, straw bales, hay bales - you name it. Always be sure to avoid direct contact of manure and any food related products. Using a removable plywood floor may help.