SALE OF LLAMA DROPPINGS HELPS CITIZENS LIBRARY IN WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA

As reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last month, llamas are usually known, in the main, for their fibre but few know about the benefits of llama manure, dubbed “black gold.” Referred to as “llama beans”, the droppings resemble coffee beans and break down into some of the best fertiliser Mother Nature ever invented. A library in Washington County, Pennsylvania is the beneficiary from llama-produced fertiliser as proceeds from the sale of llama manure from a local farm are being used to aid a Citizens Library there. So far, the Friends of Citizens Library fundraising group has raised more than US$ 500.00, which will go toward extra items for the library. The manure is generated from 34 rescued llamas that live on the 30-acre Tara Hill Farm where it is composted and made into a liquid fertiliser for houseplants and other greens. The manure is a favourite among organic gardeners because it’s high in nitrogen and potassium - nutrients often found in commercial fertilisers. The owner of Tara Hill Farm, Cynthia Rossi, is a lifelong member of the Friends of Citizens Library and a board member of the library. She has been overwhelmed by the success of the fundraising venture. The outgoing President of the Friends of Citizens Library, Dianne Rigby, said it had raised almost US$ 100,000.00 in the past three years for various items, such as furniture, carpeting, a digital projector and programming aimed at children, teens and adults. The group also operates CitiBooks, a used bookstore in the lower level of Citizens Library that has raised US$ 47,000.00. Pails of the composted llama manure are available for sale at the Washington Farmers’ Market