Ready to learn about BSF farming?
What is a Black Soldier Fly?
Black soldier flies …
The Circular Agriculture of BSF Farming
A key component of BSF farming is its ability to create a circular agriculture. This means that the farming system is not reliant on external inputs to maintain production.
BSF larvae have the ability to convert food and animal waste into protein. They can be fed livestock manure throughout their growth process, and then be fed to those same livestock once they are harvested. They are a high source of protein, comparable with traditional soybean or fish meal. This circular model decreases input costs for farmers and reduces waste. BSF frass can also be used as fertilizer, which also reduces input costs.
The Benefits of Black Soldier Fly Farming
Environmental sustainability
BSF farming reduces overall waste by reusing organic waste to create protein. By utilizing insect protein for animal feed, there will be less reliance on land-intensive protein sources such as soy. BSF frass also offers a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
Efficient farming
BSF grow incredibly fast, with a growth period of 10-14 days. This makes for a steady flow of protein for livestock. BSF are also very disease-resistant, and are able to quickly eliminate bacteria via their effective immune system. Their resistance and quick growth make the farming of BSF efficient.
Small-scale farmers
BSF farming has potential benefits specifically for small-scale farmers. By creating a circular agricultural system, BSF reduces a farm’s dependence on external inputs, which can often be costly for smaller operations.
The Adcock Lab
Our lab investigates the intricate relationships within agricultural and natural ecosystems to develop sustainable solutions for food security, environmental health, and biodiversity conservation.
Sarah Adcock
I am an Assistant Professor in Animal Welfare in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I received my PhD in Animal Behavior at the University of California-Davis and my MSc in Cognitive and Behavioral Ecology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Role with BSF)
Jocelyn Woods
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Adcock. I received my PhD in Animal Welfare Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have co-led our research trials with BSF larvae to compare the success of different substrates.
Haipeng Shi
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Adcock. I received my PhD in Agricultural Bio-environment and Energy Engineering at the China Agricultural University. I have co-led our research trials with BSF larvae to compare the success of different substrates.
Eliza Eyman
I am a master’s student in the lab of Dr. Adcock. For my master’s thesis, I will survey poultry farmers in the U.S. Midwest to understand the perceived barriers and conduits to Black Soldier Fly production, as well as to raise awareness and knowledge about the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae on poultry farms.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Research
Conducting your own research and finding out everything you can is crucial in feeling confident about a new decision. The Adcock Lab’s published and ongoing BSF research can provide you with the information you need.
Hands-on Tutorials
Knowing how to get started can often be the hardest part. Having access to step-by-step tutorials with videos and pictures of how to set up your BSF operation and harvest can provide you with the resources you need.
Community Engagement
Having support is important when starting something new. Connecting with fellow farmers and associations can help you find the community you need to feel confident in this endeavor.
Have questions?
The Adcock Lab research team is happy to help you with any BSF-related questions.