I want to find out all about worm farming- what can you tell me (for nothing!)

How do I get started?

Is there any money in worm farming - what are the costs to set up?

There is of course plenty of variation on that theme, but it all comes down to the same thing.

We'll give you some information to cover these, but please remember you need educational material you can refer to regularly. Any business needs a lot of knowledge to go into setting it up and running it successfully.

The videos that we promote "A Practical Guide to Worm Farming", parts 1 & 2 cover every aspect of the industry. They are packed with useful information and money saving ideas which guide you from the initial thought of beginning a worm farm right through to being able to set up a waste management project. Practical experience along the way is essential and there will never be any substitute for that.

With the Environment Protection Act being enforced for businesses with regulated waste, worms are an excellent option to consider. Compost worms can turn 2-3 tonnes of organic waste (manures, green waste, food etc) into 1 tonnes of nutrient rich vermicast which can fetch up to $200 on the open market today. Many farmers, however, are choosing to use the vermicast back into their own land, often in a liquefied form, to cut fertilizer costs and improve the quality of the land. This is sound, sustainable agricultural practice.

For the householder, worms can convert kitchen & garden waste, dog manure, cat litter, cardboard etc. into vermicast, reducing the amount of waste destined for land fill and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. As a result, our gardens become a healthier place as native worms are encouraged back by the organic soil where they live happily.

As a worm farmer, you would be expected to promote this attitude.

There are a wide range of products available to help make your business profitable and allow householders or farmers to convert their waste easily.

The product that we endorse for householders is called "The Swagú" - it is a very easy to maintain unit that does not create problems for people who are unfamiliar with the technical side of worm farming.

Many unsuccessful worm farmers come and go because they have been limited in thinking to selling worms only. The secret of a successful venture in worm farming is to understand the range of products available and the absolute benefits of using the by-products.

Saleable items are:

Setting up costs will depend on the size you intend to be, land available and your aims.

Bed costs can be virtually nothing for windrows if you have plenty of land, to thousands of dollars for several elaborate above ground units. All sorts of middle price range beds are available, particularly if you can make them yourselves. We favour starting with little expense in accessories, mainly putting your money into breeding stock while you are learning. Make sure you enjoy what you are doing, can make some money and that you are capable of maintaining the labour required THEN spend a little more on "comfort" items.

Stock costs will vary depending on where in the world you are.

Our wholesale price is A$35 per kg for compost worms (US$20 per 2.2lbs). We export all over the world, sometimes by the ton, as this is a very good price.

You will need a source of bedding and feed. Aged horse manure is good for bedding, mixed with Lucerne or hay if available.

Other animal manures, cow, pig, horse, sheep make good food sources on a commercial level, or just grass clippings, food waste, paper & cardboard if you are unable to use animal manure in your setting.

A flat sorting table and a good set of scales are the only really essential items when starting out. You will undoubtedly start to sell the odd 1,000 worms here and there before any paid advertising begins, as friends and neighbours will want to add worms to their compost, or take a few on a fishing trip.

Grow them for at least three months before you decide which path to take. It is not for everyone, but can be a very relaxing, stress relieving way to spend some time for many people.

We look forward to hearing back from you with any more specific questions, or to order your video(s), which we are pleased to offer with a satisfaction guarantee. If you don't believe they are good value, we will refund your money.