Organic Growing Systems, a subsidiary of Advanced Growing Systems, has taken several key steps to prepare for the spring growing season and the increased demand for its organic fertilizer.
Staff at the Mississippi factory has been augmented with new management to supervise a second shift beginning early in 2007. This shift will effectively double the production capabilities to over 2000 bags per day. Equipment has been modified and production begun on a fine granular product to complement the production of pelletized fertilizer. Final development and subsequent marketing of a third and fourth line of fertilizers is underway following a substantial number of inquiries at the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Mobile, Ala. These lines will target specific growers in specific markets.
Using poultry litter as the base of its organic fertilizer, Organic Growing Systems is frequently asked by prospective customers about odor problems.
"We are proud to announce that, following tests last week, we are now able to manufacture varieties of organic fertilizer without any objectionable odor," stated Marty Reiner, Ph.D., president of Organic Growing Systems. "Using a high grade organic plant extract that is refrigerated and prepared several times a month for incorporation with the raw material, OGSI now favorably compares with the common odors associated with leading synthetic fertilizers."
Further research is being undertaken cooperatively with William Evans, Ph.D., research scientist at the Mississippi State University Truck Farm Research Station in Crystal Springs, Miss. Solubility/insolubility issues and the impact of the organic extract and heat are being studied. Additional tests using talc in the process have shown that power consumption can be reduced at the pellet mill. Reiner also states, "Working with Mississippi State University we will determine talc's impact on pellet deterioration and plant growth. The addition of talc is cost effective and looks to have several marketable benefits."
From the marketing perspective, OGSI is making significant inroads to the rice-growing sector of Texas agriculture. Numerous growers are seeking to grow organic rice (much of which is imported from overseas) due to the added value it brings to the profit margins they make on their rice.
"With our introduction of the fine granular 4-2-2, golf courses are expressing an unprecedented interest in using OGSI's product," stated Steve Wood, head of sales for Organic Growing Systems. "We needed an organic product that immediately delivered micro nutrition and insoluble nitrogen to the greens. The larger pellets are less effective in particular on the greens. The new fine granular we are now producing actually blankets the green and melts into the soil."
The company also announced the following customer activity:
In Alabama a major turf farm will begin growing tests comparing the productivity differences between OGSI fertilizers. And in the retail marketplace, a leading suburban Houston nursery that markets and uses TOP Organic Fertilizer (OGSI's premier product) has ordered three truckloads in preparation of the spring demand for organic fertilizer.
The Harris County Flood Control District is continuing through the winter with several turf and maintenance projects requiring fertilizer. TOP Organic Fertilizer is their product of choice and in this slow season they still are requiring a truckload each week. Product success during this past year has led the County to renew its contract for another year (beginning March 1, 2007) and to expand product use to numerous sports venues.
OGSI is now considered an asset to Lawrence County, Miss. and has been invited to participate in upcoming local events. OGSI's labor force growth is thought of as a bright spot in the local economy where a recent wave of job layoffs has taken its toll. OGSI is perfectly positioned to benefit from the increased demand nationally for organic food and the related growth of the organic fertilizer industry.