Mills Spring – Tryon International announced a new partnership with Beam Farms on April 28, 2025, aimed at recycling manure and organic waste generated during horse shows. This initiative will transform waste into valuable resources such as cattle bedding, composted fertilizer, and soil improver.
Collaboration for Sustainability
Stuart Beam, founder of Beam Farms, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited about our partnership with TIEC, knowing that agriculture builds community… The organic matter coming from TIEC will be used at Beam Farms for numerous things: composted fertilizer, organic matter increases on poor soil, erosion control, and even cattle bedding.” This partnership not only supports sustainability but also strengthens community ties through shared agricultural goals.
Beam Farms has evolved significantly since its inception in 2012, expanding from a horse hay business on 80 acres to a diverse operation covering 1,100 acres in Rutherford and Polk County. The farm now includes premium hays, silage products, beef cattle, dairy farming, grain production, and custom farming. This growth reflects Beam’s commitment to sustainable practices and community support.
Community Engagement and Responsibility
To ensure the success of this initiative, Tryon International management emphasized the importance of keeping manure pits free from inorganic materials. Glenn Petty, General Manager of Equestrian Sports at Tryon International, remarked, “Keeping trash, medications, supplement containers, and plastic out of the manure pits is more important than ever… We appreciate the diligent participation and support in this sustainability initiative from our horse show guests and from all of our team members.”
New signage has been installed around barns and manure pits to remind competitors and barn staff of their responsibility to maintain clean waste areas. This proactive approach aims to enhance the quality of the organic matter collected for recycling.
The partnership between Tryon International and the Beam family is not new; they previously collaborated during Hurricane Helene in 2024. Stuart Beam played a crucial role in organizing hay storage and distribution efforts during that crisis. His dedication to supporting the agricultural community was instrumental in coordinating large donations of round bales of hay for operations at Tryon International.
This latest initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable practices within the equestrian community. By recycling organic waste, both organizations aim to contribute positively to environmental stewardship while fostering community relationships.
Tryon International’s collaboration with Beam Farms highlights a commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management in the equestrian industry. The partnership not only benefits the environment but also strengthens local agricultural practices.