Keith Day Company, located in Monterey County, California, is a renowned player in the compost manufacturing industry, producing approximately 150,000 tons of compost annually. With over 25 years in the business, they have built a reputation for prioritizing compost quality and safety. This case study explores how Keith Day Company achieved superior compost quality, improved process efficiency, and enhanced transparency using the Reotemp Compost Watch System.

Challenges:

Compost manufacturing is a dynamic and highly regulated industry, especially when supplying leafy greens and other produce. The company faced several challenges, including:

1. Time-Consuming Temperature Monitoring: Manually recording compost temperatures was labor-intensive, requiring hours of work daily.

2. Quality Assurance: Ensuring the compost met the strict standards of the leafy greens marketing agreement and various regulatory bodies was critical.

3. Transparency and Customer Assurance: Leafy greens growers needed reassurance about the safety and effectiveness of the composting process.

The Solution: Reotemp Compost Watch System

1. Enhanced Temperature Monitoring: The adoption of the Reotemp Compost Watch System revolutionized temperature monitoring. The system allowed Keith Day Company to capture over 5,000 temperatures daily, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate view of the composting process. This real-time data collection and reporting eliminated doubts about temperature accuracy and compliance with critical control points for pathogen reduction.
2. Improved Efficiency: The Compost Watch System streamlined operations, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for manual temperature recording. With instant, accessible reports, the system simplified data management and eliminated transcription errors. Keith Day Company could now focus on continuous process improvement without the administrative burden.
3. Transparency for Customers: The Compost Watch System provided total transparency for customers, allowing them to access real-time data and gain confidence in the composting process. Customers could access information about batches produced, further enhancing their trust in the company’s commitment to quality and safety.
4. Compliance with Stringent Standards: Keith Day Company adheres to FDA produce safety rules, USDA National Organic Program standards, and maintains membership in the leafy greens marketing agreement. The Compost Watch System ensured that the company consistently met the high standards demanded by these regulatory bodies.

Results:

1. Efficiency and Accuracy: The Compost Watch System significantly reduced labor requirements for temperature monitoring, resulting in substantial cost savings. It also ensured the highest level of temperature accuracy, eliminating doubts about compliance.

2. Quality Assurance: By consistently capturing over 5,000 temperatures daily, the system allowed Keith Day Company to validate their composting process, meeting the stringent requirements of regulatory bodies and the leafy greens industry.

3. Customer Confidence: Total transparency through real-time data access reassured customers about the safety and effectiveness of the composting process, solidifying Keith Day Company’s reputation as a trusted supplier.

4. Industry Leadership: Keith Day Company positioned itself as a leader in compost manufacturing by embracing innovative technology and maintaining a commitment to the highest compost quality and safety standards.

Conclusion:

The Reotemp Compost Watch System has proven to be a game-changer for Keith Day Company, enhancing compost quality, ensuring safety, and increasing operational efficiency. By maintaining the highest standards in an industry under constant scrutiny, Keith Day Company has become a trusted supplier in the leafy greens market, setting an example for others in the compost manufacturing industry. The system offers an invaluable tool for compost manufacturers seeking to improve their processes and provide safe, high-quality compost products.

On this episode of Between Two Windrows, Emilio Cervantes and Michael Brodovich discuss the significance of compost in maintaining soil health for leafy greens, while also highlighting the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with industry regulations. Michael shares insights into the challenges and future prospects of the leafy green industry, advocating for continuous improvement and dedication to excellence.