My journey rearing insects began in 2016 after deciding of wanting a better snack for backyard birds. I lived near a bird sanctuary and had many flocks of which I wanted to give. After a quick trip to the feed store, I noticed a bag of dehydrated meal worms. A bit pricey but uniquely different than the seeds and grains I was currently feeding with.

 

I took the mealworms (which are larvae of T.molitor) home and threw some in my backyard and waited to see what would happen. To my amusement, many different birds were assembling and feasting on these dried up snacks. After throwing 10 or 12 handfuls, I knew right away I wouldn’t be able to keep this going; budget wise, as a pound of these worms were affordable but not long term. I began to research on how to produce my own bugs to retain my budget, and continually produce enough for my flying friends.

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My search led me to discover many pet supply stores sell the mealworm. Setting out on this new hobby I learned how to farm them. After watching a few videos, I created my own system, obtained primitive tools, and was able to generate a steady supply of live worms. This enabled me to leave 100 to 200 worms in one day throughout the year.

I was delighted with the results.

 

My consistent feeding lured visitors from the sanctuary, as it was always filled with wonderful creatures and they started to realize what was going on.

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Further curious about the nature of this worm I set out to research everything about them. Why so many species seemed to enjoy them? The meal-worm is basically a ketogenic gift. Full of fat and quite nutrient dense. Further research brought me to the conclusions of what you feed these bugs are what you can get out of them

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The more insects farmed, the more bug waste I started to generate. I started to get annoyed. Sifting out this dust and dead beetles was a hassle. I thought it was just an organic byproduct, of low-value and just threw it all over my lawn.

 

Soon I noticed my lawn was growing at a reckless pace, and was now further annoyed with how many times I had to mow my lawn.

  Then the ReVelaTion

The FRASS

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I had a jolt of creative desire to look deeper into this mysterious powder.

 

What power and magic was lurking within. I started to search all corners of the web, and mostly Published Journals.To my astonishment, this substance was a bio-molecular POWERHOUSE.

 

Throwing it away was something no longer

I knew this was something that could change farming forever.

 

I then set out on a mission to find the best way to extract and use this new bio fertilizer that was generating in abundance in my own abode. Family members snickered at the idea of me playing with bug feces, but I knew deep down this will be one of the most important things I will ever do.

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 Teaming up with some friends on the web I learned of many natural farming methods; fermentation, air extractions, composting and general soil knowledge to the point where I started to apply my own ideas by creating a test garden.

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After using fermented inputs with compost piles sitting for 6 months, I went and purchased potting soil and vermiculite into a 10 x 12 garden bed.

 

A friend gave me a handful of tomato seedlings and I put them into the lot.  Never once using insecticides or synthetic products I was able to grow 200+ organic tomatoes with no defects, of which I gave out to most of my family and friends.Many ranting and raving at the deliciousness.

 

As time went on my operations have grown and many friends, as well as family began to use my soil products. This led me to incorporating my own business in 2019, utilizing natural methods and empowering people to do the same.

 

By the 4th year I had perfect soil with red wigglers consuming my composts and bug frass inoculates. Using these juices with compost and teas, mixed with natural air captured bacteria really gave my soil an edge. I began to market and sell it to those interested. I was able to restore stagnated bushes, trees, garden beds and worked for a hemp farm and demonstrated its abilities.

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Then 2020

I still had a 9 to 5 job during all this discovery but then lost it in July because of the pandemic. I met a wonderful woman who worked in California. We hit it off and decided to move my operations and knowledge to where she was, which is in Butte County. In order for this to happen I had to downsize all operations, to then drive them across the country. I decided it was best to take this to a land full of farmers.

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During the first quarter of 2020, my quest for BIOCHAR blew up in a big way. This has lead to our organization and another formation (BiocharCoalition.org) of being capable to create . Knowing of its miracle effects with water retention and nutrient storage capacities, as well as accessibility and quantity was a no brainier. 

Looking ahead we will organize and establish a wholesome value-added and waste valorization nutrient production, education, and application system to optimize natural food costs and awareness to soil biology, so everyone can enjoy clean tomatoes from a rich eco system and to learn more everyday. I believe everyone deserves quality food, that doesn't collapse the biosphere, but enhances it. As we are what we eat.


~Kenneth Scherer
Owner of KOrganics
KOFrass@gmail.com