Commercial Composting in the Big Horn Basin: A Conversation with Dr. Caitlyn Youngquist of Dirt Works Wyoming in Worland
- Mary Caucutt
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Mary Caucutt was grateful to Caitlyn for taking time out of her busy schedule to sit down and talk on July 6, 2026 about her composting work.
What was the genesis of this idea for commercial composting at Dirtworks?
I worked for University of Wyoming extension in the Bighorn Basin for 9 years. My academic background is in soil science and sustainable agriculture practices (PhD from Washington University). I am passionate about translating complex scientific and land health concepts into practical knowledge, and connecting people with each other, the land, and the science.
While working to support agriculture I quickly became aware that we do not have a good source of compost in the Basin. I enjoy helping people solve problems around growing food in a challenging landscape, You know in this area, soil amendment is everything. As soon as Tom and I started our small side business making compost we found there was great demand.
How did your operation go from zero to fifty?
We worked small and local for a few years. Demand always outstripped our supply. Commercial compost business presents an interesting and challenging combination of agriculture and manufacturing, a challenge that used our gifts and talents.
We made manure based compost from the beginning. We also locally sourced topsoil from a variety of places, screened it onsight and added our compost. This product has been particularly popular with landscapers for use as an under-sod layer.
We found a source for biochar and we add it along with our compost to the Victory Garden soil we sell. Biochar builds soil health and fertility. It supports root development and helps soil hold water. Another additive for soil we source at Dirt Works Wyoming to help with water retention is sheep's wool pellets. These pellets gradually break down over the season to provide a nitrogen/potassium boost in addition to aiding in water retention. We source ours from Cottonwood Creek Wool in Crowheart, Wyoming.
Our feedlot partneship finally provided the compost source we needed to gear up to "50". They help with transport for our large orders and extend our reach. People can buy direct from us in Worland, AND we are able to source our compost to Northern Gardens, Cody and Horton Seed and Supply, Powell. This year we have been able to source compost for Sheridan and Pinedale, Lander and Riverton.
Our compost has always met standards to be used on organic farms! Organic farming compost has to meet time, temperature, and process requirements. Those were relatively easy for me with a background in soil science. Also, organic farming compost has to avoid biosolids and plastics. That has also been easy for us since we have a single source for our compost: manure.
An interesting and popular product we are producing onsight now is compost extract. Compost extract is a liquid full of beneficial microbes that growers can use as a root dip and a seed treatment.
I continue to offer educational progams in Worland and online. My love of problem solving and helping people grow has led to consulting opportunities as well.
What obstacles have you faced and what resources or partnerships did you employ to overcome those obstacles?
Right now I'm thinking about the challenge all small businesses face: how to advertize and get the word out to new customers when you have a limited budget and thin margins. Sometimes we think we are doing well when unexpected customers show up at our doorstep and sometimes I despair about getting the word out when local Worland gardeners say they have never heard of us!
We do chemistry tests and bio-assays on our compost which is definitely a value ad for the customer. Bio-assays are growing sensitives plants in the compost as a final test to assure the compost is healthy for plants. Neither of these are exactly an obstacle. We have the know-how to run the chem tests and grow the bio-assay. These just represent how small business have many challenges. Quality control is a big thing.
Quality control hasn't been too much of a challenge though hsince we do not take any outside yardwaste or foodwaste. We do take woodchips from local arborists in addition to manure. Our single source input strain really helps manage risk.
We haven't faced too many unexpected challenges. I think less so since due to our background and experience before tackling the composting business. The cost of equipment was an expected obstacle. Water during compost production/curing is an interesting challenge. The way the manure is cleaned and comes to us, it is sometimes very wet and and sometimes very dry. Managing the the inconsistencies of the moisture keeps us on our toes.
What have some turning points been for your operation?
We started as a very small start sidehustle for a few years using rented equipment and working on weekends. Our first growing step was to buy our own equipment: a turner and screener.
About three years ago Washakie Feeders approached due to my ag expertise. They were thinking about making compost themselves. They wanted to find a way to use all their manure from the feed lot. Since we already had a composting operation of our own and were just looking for more material it was a win win for us to buy raw manure from them and scale up our business. Now that we are selling to nurseries and landscapers beyond Worland this partnership helped us scale up our sales since we can rent their trucks to transport our products.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I really enjoy helping people grow more food.
We are excited to be able to help non-profits host fundraisers. We provide product at wholesale and the fundraising non-profit trucks it to their home base and sells at retail. We can do this with small bags and larger commercial sized bags.
I am happy to speak at gatherings and events, from garden clubs to farm conferences to home and garden shows. I offer virtual classes. Actually we are in the middle of a virtual webinar masterclass right now. These are a great way to get education to people in remote areas. If you sign up for our email list or follow on social media you will be first in line for our next online programming event.
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