Worms and microbes used to reduce manure pollution in California dairies

Anthony Agueda, a third‑generation dairy farmer in Hickman, California, was observed pulling a rake through a bed of dark, wet wood chips on his family’s land and uncovering a half‑dozen red earthworms. The activity, part of routine farm maintenance, took place on the small agricultural community’s dairy operation, where wood chips are commonly used as bedding material for livestock.

The discovery of the earthworms highlights the farm’s focus on soil health, as the organisms are indicators of a biologically active substrate that can improve nutrient cycling and moisture retention. By regularly turning the wood‑chip bedding, Agueda’s operation aims to maintain a balanced environment for both the animals and the underlying soil, supporting sustainable practices within the region’s dairy industry.