Saudi Arabia boosts crude oil production to highest level on record

54 Comments on "Saudi Arabia boosts crude oil production to highest level on record"

frankthetank on Tue, 7th Apr 2015 10:53 pm 



impressive..Saudis have outperformed all my predictions…

MKohnen on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 12:34 am 



I smell spin. Maybe we have “unexpectedly strong global demand.” Let’s just say I doubt it. On the other hand, SA has just entered the war in Yemen and oil prices remain low. Additionally, it appears Iran may soon be back on-line. SA is hurting a lot more than they will ever let on, but they need more cash, and if it drives the price lower so be it.

Perk Earl on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 2:29 am 



A few days ago it was Russia setting a new record at 10.71 mbd and now it’s the Saudi’s registering a new record at 10.3 mbd.

So much for all the speculation over the years of their ‘imminent decline from peak’. We’ll only know in hindsight when that occurs. Go infill drilling!

forbin on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 4:06 am 



from wikipedia

Saudi Arabia produced 10.3 million barrels per day (1.6×106 m3/d) (Mbbl/d) in 1980, 10.6 Mbbl/d in 2006,[4] and in the region of 9.2 Mbbl/d in 2008.[5] Saudi Arabia maintains the world’s largest crude oil production capacity, estimated to be approx. 11 Mbbl/d at mid-year 2008 and announced plans to increase this capacity to 12.5 Mbbl/d by 2009

not counting the drop in exports , ELM will mean fewer barrels leaving for foreign shores ….

>> 12.5 Mbbl/d by 2009 , still waiting guys , come on now ! hurry up!

Forbin

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 5:21 am 



Wait. What about Simmons, Staniford, and the whole mid-2000s meme of SA running out of oil any year now and refusing to admit it?

Westexasfanclub on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 5:49 am 



Russia predicted production declines itself, SA has a giant infill drilling program. The actual situation can’t be maintained for long, it’s probably just a BAU-simulation due to political and strategical needs. The more they push production, the closer we get to the peak. The only wildcard for me is how the situation around Iran is going to play out.

Bandits on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 5:59 am 



What is your point Nony,, that is apart from affirming our suspicions that you are a psychopath. The main traits of a psychopath being vindictiveness and disdain for others. You certainly fit the bill.

Davy on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 6:58 am 



NOo, get real boy wonder. The PO meme of the 2000’s was about production stalling not running out. I know of no peaker that has ever said oil is running out. It is you cornies that constantly say oil will not run out for decades because of the exceptionalism of humans through markets and technology.

You numb-nuts are the ones that cannot explain demand and supply destruction now. You cannot explain why the financial system is stuck in debt and repressed interest rate policies. You will not acknowledge market bubbles that allowed your expensive camel piss LTO to come to market to forestall a total liquids PO event.

NOo, you are a disgrace to humanity because your type are leading us down a road to collapse with no plan B’s. You will be the one jumping out of a window because your world of delusion will be destroyed likely in a few weeks. Get a grip boy wonder.

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 7:09 am 



Campbell and Deffeyes had peaks in ~2005, with 2-5% per year declines after that. Instead production has slowly increased. Campbell in particular has repeatedly been wrong, going back to calling for a peak in 1989.

The Saudi Arabia kvetching was a big meme of the peakers. “Twilight in the Desert”. And had that conspiracy nutter aspect of secret information and people trying to sleuth things out with Google Earth and publishing homegrown analyses (for example the Staniford one that James Hamilton touted in 2007). And here we are in 2015 and SA is going strong. Surprise, surprise.

rockman on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 7:15 am 



M – “I smell spin. Maybe we have “unexpectedly strong global demand.” Let’s just say I doubt it.” Are you saying that the price of oil falling from around $100/bbl to $50/bbl wouldn’t spur an increase in demand?
“US imports of Saudi crude rose to more than 950,000 bpd over the four weeks to 27 March, the highest since last September, US data shows.” Another slap on the back of the heads of those who predicted US oil storage was on the verge of being completely filled. As the Rockman pointed out the refineries are in to the process of going to the PREDICTABLE net withdrawal of US oil storage to begin the summer motor fuel inventory build. He actually pointed out the potential need to increase oil imports to help meet the demand.
And we need to become more focused upon what the KSA exports then what it produces. As pointed out the KSA is retaining an ever increasing amount of its oil production to run thru its various refinery JV’s, most of which are with the Chinese who will have the right of first refusal to buy their share of the future runs.

BobInget on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:53 am 



Where’s Waldo?
See if you can spot the reason why storage jumped over 10 million barrels last week?

Summary of Weekly Petroleum Data for the Week Ending April 3, 2015
U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged over 15.9 million barrels per day during the week
ending April 3, 2015, 201,000 barrels per day more than the previous week’s average.
Refineries operated at 90.1% of their operable capacity last week. Gasoline production
decreased last week, averaging over 9.1 million barrels per day. Distillate fuel production
increased last week, averaging 5.0 million barrels per day.

U.S. crude oil imports averaged over 8.2 million barrels per day last week, up by 869,000
barrels per day from the previous week.

Over the last four weeks, crude oil imports
averaged over 7.6 million barrels per day, 4.8% above the same four-week period last
year.

Total motor gasoline imports (including both finished gasoline and gasoline
blending components) last week averaged 526,000 barrels per day. Distillate fuel imports
averaged 300,000 barrels per day last week.
U.S. commercial crude oil inventories (excluding those in the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve) increased by 10.9 million barrels from the previous week.

At 482.4 million
barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are at the highest level for this time of year in at least
the last 80 years. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 0.8 million barrels last
week, and are well above the upper limit of the average range.

Both finished gasoline
inventories and blending components inventories increased last week. Distillate fuel
inventories decreased by 0.3 million barrels last week and are in the lower half of the
average range for this time of year.

Propane/propylene inventories rose 0.6 million
barrels last week and are well above the upper limit of the average range. Total
commercial petroleum inventories increased by 14.0 million barrels last week.

Total products supplied over the last four-week period averaged 19.2 million barrels per
day, up by 4.5% from the same period last year. Over the last four weeks, motor gasoline
product supplied averaged 9.0 million barrels per day, up by 2.0% from the same period
last year. Distillate fuel product supplied averaged over 3.9 million barrels per day over
the last four weeks, up by 2.7% from the same period last year. Jet fuel product supplied
is up 7.9% compared to the same four-week period last year.

(hint) look at imports!

Demand has not flagged. I watch jet fuel as
the best economic indicator besides housing and jobs.

marmico on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 10:42 am 



As the Rockman pointed out the refineries are in to the process of going to the PREDICTABLE net withdrawal of US oil storage to begin the summer motor fuel inventory build.

You are an asshat.

Year on year, crude inventory is +25.6%, gasoline inventory is +9.6%, and gasoline consumption (trailing 4 weeks) is +2%.

Plantagenet on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 10:46 am 



Here’s clear evidence that the Saudis intentionally created this oil glut.

BobInget on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 10:51 am 



AS for Saudi Arabia, mark theses words.
“KSA is showing profound desperation”.

By stressing oil fields past normal limits
KSA risks all on a quick victory in Yemen.
Airpower alone has never in the history of modern warfare won the day, week or year.

By continuing to flood US oil markets the Saudis are clearly showing weakness.

Most oil experts doubt Saudis are capable of 12.5 million barrels as they themselves ‘admit’ would top out production.

Once again, I’m going to drag out my global warming example.

“While glaciers are undergoing unusually rapid melt, down river water dependents are busy dealing with flooding with no money or time for anything but flood containment.
If that glacier is not renewed by snowfall, it will, in a short time melt entirely, leaving rivers, water containments, to run dry”.

We are speeding toward a path of an oil drought.

US shale production has choked.

Oil exports from Venezuelan will no longer be America bound.

Alaskan production diminished to a point where pipeline shipments became difficult this year, impossible next winter.

Canada’s oil heads East or West not South.

When Shell must find oil on Wall-Street and the Arctic, risking the largest oil company on earth, not to mention the planet, we should know trouble is at hand.

When KSA gambles all on a crazy unwindable bet, you can be sure their ultra religious leaders believe “end days” are at hand.

BobInget on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 11:16 am 



It has to be said.
Saudi Arabia is using unusual amounts
on oil internally, IOW’S, not for future export.

KSA still uses oil to desalinate water, air condition almost every building in the nation.
Before air conditioning (and after) with few trees for shade only limited populations are possible.

I’ve never understood a policy of flaring gas and burning exportable oil for electric power.

Craig Ruchman on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 11:21 am 



Why do we import if our storage is filling up?

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 1:07 pm 



The barrels are going into storage BECAUSE of the contango (the “glut”). It’s not “deciding to import” because of tight storage. But tight storage because you can make free money parking crude in a tank and selling it later. (can hedge the trade).

SA has been giving differential pricing to US versus world for a while now. This is clearly an effort to depress US price while not having to pay the costs in depressing overall price. Everyone who said SA was not aware of US shale was kidding themselves. 4MM bpd of new production coming on in less than half a decade (and the potential of more at $100 crude) was clearly a threat.

Mostly what is happening is just supply and demand working itself out and the Saudis continuing to sell their cheap to produce barrels while the marginal barrels from the US are forced to exit. but there is a bit of a game theory aslo, give Saudi differential prcing by region.

Of course this would not be possible without the export restrictions–which clearly DO have an impact…despite “the Rockman” handwaving about miniscule Canadian exports. There would NOT be a several dollar per barrel spread of WTI-Brent, nor the differential contango structure (the “glut”) if US barrels were allowed to export freely.

Northwest Resident on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 1:52 pm 



Nony — Although I hate posting on this forum because of the obnoxious trolls and industry shills lurking here, and also because I despise the peakoil dot com management for turning this forum into a platform for lies and insults and misinformation for said trolls and shills, I guess I hate bullshit even more. So, despite the fact that yes you are my favorite industry shill and troll, I’m going to have to post my disagreement.

Your contention that lifting the oil export ban — clearly an oil industry goal, or so it would seem — would eliminate “the glut” is just pure B.S.

That glut is primarily tight/shale oil, is it not? And given the fact that American refiners find it very expensive and troublesome to refine that oil, due to the fact that each load of oil delivered to the refinery is chemically different than the previous load which requires equipment adjustments and recalibration, what overseas refineries are you thinking of that are eager to get American tight/shale oil so they can process it for a profit? (crickets)

While it is true that some refineries are better suited to make those equipment adjustments and recalibrations with each new batch of oil delivered, it still costs money and time and reduces profitability — not to mention shipping costs.

Your contention that there would be no glut if only American shale producers could export overseas is a sad, sorry JOKE. Lies and bullshit. Exactly what we get far too much of here in the land of the free and the home of the brave (choke, cough, hack).

Continue on your trollish and shilling ways, Nony. But for any read of this thread who wants to know the truth, here’s an article that explains exactly what that glut and price plunge is all about:

P.S. I’ll look forward to your attempt to discredit Art Berman, Nony, and I and I hope all others will simply consider the source.

http://www.artberman.com/the-oil-price-collapse-is-because-of-expensive-tight-oil/

Apneaman on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 3:43 pm 



Nony’s fingernails are bleeding because he is hanging on so fiercely to the export ban myth/scam. No one wants that horse piss….maybe the BIC lighter people.

Craig Ruchman, here is some back ground on moving the goal posts.

How changing the definition of oil has deceived both policymakers and the public

http://resourceinsights.blogspot.ca/2012/07/how-changing-definition-of-oil-has.html

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 4:20 pm 



The camel piss thing is a huge joke. You all are acting as if shale barrels sell for less than heavy sour or even medium sour. Go subscribe to Platts and look at the pricing, people. Shale barrels, even WITH the export ban sell for more than low API sour crudes. And on the world market, the differentials are even higher.

shortonoil on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 4:26 pm 



There was a relaxation of standards for exporting LTO. It was ruled that crude processed by splitters were processes enough to allow export. EOG, and Marathon exported two shipments. One to Japan, and one to South Korea; neither came back to purchase anymore. US LTO must compete with condensate from place like Russia, Qatar, and Indonesia. It is too expensive, and inconsistent to do that successfully. US LTO is literally at the bottom of the barrel. As we have repeatedly said, its quality is so low that it is almost useless. So the industry has taken to importing Saudi crude, and storing LTO along the Gulf Coast. This will continue until the shale industry folds, and what has been stored can be turned into plastic pipe, and petrochemicals.

As far as controlling trolls; it probably isn’t possible. The industry is pouring mega bucks into swaying public opinion. It has entire sites that are dedicated to obfuscation, and spreading misinformation. Sites that must take a hundred people to write, and research all the garbage that they disseminate day after day, after day. At least here we have the opportunity to battle the pimply faced, potty mouthed, maladjusted little troglodytes who live in their mothers’ basements. There has always been people who would sell their souls for 32 pieces of silver.

rockman on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 6:01 pm 



shorty – “As far as controlling trolls; it probably isn’t possible.” Of course you can: just don’t read their posts. Just like a tree falling in the forest when there’s no one there to witness it: the same as it never happens. It’s really very easy.

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 6:59 pm 



Running LTO or condensate through a splitter and exporting is not a relaxation. That has always been allowed. The only thing is you need the distillation capacity (a splitter is a distillation tower). And it is more economical to run crude through refineries, not pre-split products.

Bottom line: the Brent-WTI spread PROVES that the export ban has a genuine economic impact. Just ask shallowsand if he prefers selling his product for $5 less than the world price. Makes a difference, especially at lower price levels overall.

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 7:17 pm 



The export ban and its impacts on finance are completely understood by traders, analysts, and journalists. By industry veterans. By people who buy crude for a living. You all need to stop listening to mudlogger Rockman. That’s a guy who can’t even read a graph and see the difference of a monthly change versus an annual one.

http://marcellus.com/news/id/121817/world-domination-brent-trumps-nymex-in-war-of-crude-oil-benchmarks/

At the same time, a U.S. ban on exporting crude has meant the country’s oil is trapped in storage tanks at home. That has pulled WTI prices down to levels that do not reflect global markets and diminished its hedging allure for traders.

In late 2014, Brent’s open interest overtook that of U.S crude futures. In the same year, Brent’s weighting in several commodities indexes increased at the expense of WTI, according to bankers. WTI had been popular with financial players, but this seems to be also changing with more hedge funds likely turning to Brent, said Richard Gorry, director of consultancy JBC Energy Asia.

“I think if WTI remains a regional crude, then Brent will continue to benefit. In the unlikely event that the U.S. lifted the export ban, then we might see WTI reassert its dominance,” Gorry said.

GregT on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 7:37 pm 



“The export ban and its impacts on finance are completely understood by traders, analysts, and journalists.”

Would you be talking about the same traders, analysts, and journalists that didn’t see the global financial crisis coming Nony? Or the ones that have been repeating over and over daily, for the past 7 years that the economy is in recovery?

Davy on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 8:16 pm 



Greg, NOo is cheerleading. He does that after he has been to happy hour.

Northwest Resident on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:03 pm 



Nony — The camel piss thing is NOT a huge joke. Sure, from certain select areas they are producing some decent quality oil, but those certain select areas are few and far between, a significant minority of the shale oil being produced. The “oil glut” is most certainly NOT that relatively good quality oil. But you know that. Why are you pushing the BIG LIE?

And your confidence in crude futures and what traders and investors are thinking — now that IS a big joke. I remember you on this forum daily singing the bright future of American LTO exports, ten times daily proclaiming that NG futures were pointing to an energy abundant future for America and indeed the world. Now here you are again, still talking up a big cloud of BS. I admit, you do it in a cute and feisty way, but that frill laced B.S. is still smelling rather bad.

I know, it’s your job to spread the industry sponsored line of B.S. But how do you sleep at night?

Actually, Nony, I suppose we all owe you and your shilling trolling type a debt of gratitude. I mean, if EVERYBODY was as smart and knowledgeable as guys like shortonoil, Davy, Apnea, GregT, Perk and many others on this board, then the world would immediately run out of suckers — and plenty of suckers is just what BAU needs to keep crawling along for another day. So, by all means, keep up the good work — spread the industry sponsored B.S. thick and heavy. You’re doing a great public service!

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:13 pm 



NG is up 50% in the US. And at a current price of below 2.70. It has CRUSHED all the comments of Art BErman and the like, going back to 2009. Long history of kicking ass and in a sustained manner.

Northwest Resident on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:17 pm 



shortonoil — You’re right. The lie and misinformation spreading industry is huge in America these days. I actually don’t have a problem with guys like Nony, Plant and Marmico pushing their odorous brands of B.S. In fact, it certainly livens up this forum having them and their pathetic POVs to kick around. But why can’t they do it without the name calling, the insulting and the obnoxious spin? Nony manages to do that most of the time, btw… If the management of this forum had any sense at all, they could quickly put a stop to that kind of idiocy, and by so doing vastly improve the quality of the discussion and information sharing on this forum. But they don’t, because they obviously don’t give a damn. And what irks me (being a professional web developer) is the great wasted potential of this forum, and the chasing away of information seekers who might be so offended by the petty back-and-forth and obnoxious crap that so often dominates the comments section on this site. There must be a lot of people who would like to post, but they’re turned off by the likes of Plant and Marmico especially, so they go somewhere else. That’s a crying shame in my estimation — like letting the bullies rule the roost. I blame management directly for that.

Nony on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:28 pm 



Wait, are you calling me not thuggish enough. :-<

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ckSY_-cg5E

Davy on Wed, 8th Apr 2015 9:39 pm 



NR, quit playing in the garden so much and slumping on your forum duties. HA glad to see your comments back you were quiet for a spell.

MKohnen on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:32 am 



Rock,
“Are you saying that the price of oil falling from around $100/bbl to $50/bbl wouldn’t spur an increase in demand?”

OK, so let’s review. Oil price drops because of “low demand” and an oil “glut.” With the low price, demand starts to increase. So the price increases, too? No, because we still have an oil “glut” (supposedly.) One would think that the KSA would sell from this “glut” so as to draw down excess, thereby leading to a much needed price increase. But, no, instead SA raises production to record levels because of an increase in demand. This guarantees that the price stays low! And the KSA wants a low price why? That’s why I smell spin.

The KSA is increasing production into a “glut” because of desperation, not because of the increasing demand that the “glut” already can accommodate.

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:35 am 



Davy — Garden duties have been taking up time, but I have most of it planted and I’m watching it grow. 2000 gallon rain capture water tank is full. Chickens still laying eggs. Worm farms churning out the high quality fertilizer. Two bee hives assembled, painted, all the gear accumulated, reading/studying like a monk on beekeeping, picking up two nuc hives in a couple of weeks and I’ll get my start on producing honey. Building a new mega-compost bin, along with two new chicken coups. Still doing my thing. I imagine you are too. Anything new on the land reclamation/cattle raising project? BTW, I’ve been keeping tabs on the posts, yours included, just been quiet for a while like you say. Thanks for noticing!

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:38 am 



Nony — I guess that depends on which sockpuppet moniker you’re posting under. 🙂

GregT on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 2:42 am 



NWR,

What bee hives did you go with? You’ll enjoy beekeeping, they’re very cool creatures once you get to know them!

Davy on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 4:51 am 



NR, I have also been very occupied now that decent weather is allowing me to work. I have one Bee hive set up with nuc coming soon. I have a friend teaching me about bees. I am working hard on MIG (management intensive grazing) details. Met with a consultant yesterday and my plan is for 15 cow calf pairs and 20 goats to be rotated through 8 paddocks. I need interior electric fencing and waters put in yet. I am going to get my chicken tractor going once the cattle and goats are good to go. Little by little things are coming together

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 9:45 am 



GregT and Davy — I ended up deciding on two Langstroth beehives. Reason why is because they’re the best/easiest for beginners like me, and the potential to produce more honey than a topbar hive also a factor. I want to convert to topbar if only because I believe that is the “sustainable” and more natural way to go, definitely, but while BAU still creaks onward and I can take advantage of modern technology, I opted for the easy way out, this time. Yeah, I am fascinated now by bees. I’m excited about managing a couple of hives and already thinking/planning to split one or both hives next year or year after to keep it growing — a real project! — Davy, glad to know you’re still plugging away on your projects. I knew you were… What?! You got a beehive too? Dude, you better get a few books on bees and start edjukatin yourself, although having an experienced friend to get you going is also a major benefit. Let’s keep it going and compare notes — keep track of bee stings — he who gets stung least wins!!

GregT on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 10:59 am 



NWR,

I’ve never seen bees kept in anything other than Langstroth hives. They are the norm here in BC. Very easy to work with. Just make sure to stock up on foundation and meds. I kept bees for over a decade, pre CCD, so not really experienced with that aspect. I have never been stung, at least not while working with bees. They are not generally aggressive. A buddy of mine works with bees and never wears any protective clothing. I never got to that level of trust.

Our house in the city is sold subject to inspection. We move to our rural location before July 1st. Honey bees are on my to do list. My very long to do list. I have already been in contact with the local beekeepers group for nucs and supplies. Big changes coming in my life soon!

Davy on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 11:12 am 



Great news Greg, we have another Doomsteader to bounce ideas off.

GregT on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 11:33 am 



Quitting my job is the most difficult thing that I have done in a long time Davy. I’ve worked for the same organization for 30 years. I’m getting mixed reactions on this side. My Dad thinks we’re nuts. He can’t understand why we would want to live the “hunter/gatherer lifestyle”, to put it in his words. On the doomstead end, many of our friends made the move years back. Every single one of them says the same thing. They would never go back to the city life, as a matter of fact, most of them avoid the city like the plague. Anticipating peace and quiet, and stars again at night. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’re looking forward to it!

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 11:40 am 



That IS great news, Greg. I know you must be really excited to finally be making the move to the doomstead and I’m excited for you. I’m looking forward to more cat-versus-deer standoff vids… 🙂 I hear what you’re saying about needing extra/spare foundation. And while I’m at it, I’m going to stock up on extra supers, probably a couple of other deep hive bodies — just because I know my plan is to expand. And with the whole BAU shebang getting ready to collapse at any moment, I’d rather not get caught without it. But… That is the reason for going with a topbar hive design. It simulates a hollow log laid on the ground, and you don’t use foundation or supers in a topbar hive — no technology required. Unlike Langstroth hives, it is entirely possible to hammer together a topbar hive on your own using spare materials. But managing the bees in a topbar hive is much more difficult, which is why I’m going to build up some experience before making that move. My third hive, however, will be a topbar hive, of that I am determined.

Hey, not that you need my advice, but here it is anyway. Once you get situated in your new place, immediately set to work building raised planters. Don’t do like I did — trying to trench and dig into the existing soil to install those planters — that is major grunt work, and then you also have to dig up/turn/mix the existing soil to get each planter ready for seed. Take the easy way out (unless you’re a glutton for punishment like I was) — use 2×6 Douglas Fir boards to build 12 or 16 foot long planters just placed right on the ground, then have a small mountain of top soil hauled in to fill out those planters. You’ll be way ahead of the game if you do that. Not that you haven’t already figured that out, just saying…

GregT on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:16 pm 



Thanks for the advice NWR. That was my plan already, but I’ll take all the advice I can get! My first to do though is fencing around the garden area. Need to keep the deer out.

JuanP on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:32 pm 



I am in charge of composting at the local community garden. We use a three bin system with 3’X3’X3′ bins built out of concrete blocks. A steel wire fence would be better for aeration, IMO. I run these three bins using the Berkeley fast composting system using a 20″ compost thermometer to monitor the temperature. It is very hard work because it requires frequent turning. We also have a regular 75 gallon composting bin and I practice trench composting and mulching under the Mango tree as needed and possible. I compost all the garden’s landscaping debris and food scraps for around 25-45 families depending on time of year.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/compost.pdf
http://www.howtocompost.org/
http://www.compost-info-guide.com/index.htm

As far as the beds go, I second NWR’s recommendation of building them above ground level with new soil. The only thing I would do to the ground is level it, if necessary. I think 4’X25′ beds are practical for large properties because they make 100 sqft making them very practical when measuring soil additives and plant treatments. I use Cedar wood here in Florida, and it works well. I don’t know whether Fir or Cedar is better for this use, there’s not as much Doug Fir around here at the stores, but there is Cedar everywhere, that’s why I use it.

Enjoy you bees,NWR!

JuanP on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:43 pm 



Greg, A possum family forced me to fence one of my lots. I am building a four section removable fence with galvanized chicken wire and 1″X2″ cedar. I put two 2′ long 1/2″ rebar, half buried on the ground for each side. Sections of 1/2″ PVC pipes attached to the fence slide in and out of the rebar. PVC caps cover the exposed rebar tops when a section is removed to garden. Inadequate for you, practical for that 4’X5′ lot. Fencing is a must. I like venison, but deer are a plague!

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 12:45 pm 



JuanP — I plant to enjoy the bees — already enjoying studying/learning — fascinating! That composting thing is another major effort for me. In my ignorance, I at first thought that all I had to do was throw all the material into a 4-foot cube box I built along with mixed-in chicken poop. But it is just sitting there for a six months now with no composting activity. So I read up on it again. I have to turn it at least twice a week and keep it more moisturized, apparently. That’s why I’m building now a 10 foot long by 4 foot wide by six foot high composting area — I’ll be able to get inside and toss (turn) the entire pile of compost from one end to the other twice per week until it finally does its thing. Pure rocket science! In the meantime, I have three red wiggler worm farms going, churning out the super high quality fertilizer, but not fast enough…

JuanP on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 1:19 pm 



NWR, When I started composting I made every mistake in the book. What did the trick for me was getting a composting thermometer and monitoring the temperature constantly. I have a notebook I use as a composting log where I write down the daily temp readings and turning dates. I do hot composting and keep the pile between 120 and 140. When the temperature drops below 115, it is time to turn. Here in Miami, I have to turn every four to ten days depending on the size, age, and composition of the compost pile and weather conditions. After I turn the temp increases, reaches a PEAK, and then declines indicating the time to turn again has come. I highly recommend you get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P5RGMI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2DCZZ4BU2LZDJ&coliid=I2NQ55PSQFTGM3

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 1:29 pm 



JuanP — As usual, your advice is much appreciated. I’m checking out that composting thermometer now (I hear a cash register ringing in the distance…) Thanks!

JuanP on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 1:38 pm 



Also, the thermometer is an excellent diagnostic tool.

If your compost pile doesn’t heat enough, say 90-140, then you know you need to adjust your CN ratio because you probably have too much Carbon and not enough Nitrogen on your pile. Mixing in some fresh mowed grass or food scraps would add water and N to the pile. You probably have too many browns and not enough greens in your pile, it took me a while to figure out the right balance. I only add enough browns to keep the smell and fruit flies under control now. The thermometer would let you know.

The cooler temperatures where you live make composting more challenging for you than it is for me here in this constant heat. If you are turning your pile twice a week, you may be turning your pile too often costing it a net heat loss. Insulation could help you with winter composting. The bigger the pile the better, too. Covering the compost pile with two feet of dead leaves in winter may help to insulate it. The thermometer would help with this, too.

Davy on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 1:51 pm 



Greg, life is short and a hell of a gamble. You have to take chances to get places. The balance of that is commitments and reliability. So is the art of life. Anyway, knowing you from this forum I feel you are making the right move per your personality and per our doomer views. It is a gamble but it is a worthy gamble.

Northwest Resident on Thu, 9th Apr 2015 2:01 pm 



JuanP — Yes, what I am doing wrong is all of the above. That “pile”, about 90 cubic feet, is nearly 100% leaves of all different varieties (except Oak) including about 20 cubic feet of pine needles. And lots and lots of chicken poop. I’ve realized that imbalance of materials for some time, but have been waiting to get my new compost area completed before I deal with it. I have a big bale of straw, and my understanding is that straw can substitute for “greens”. I currently don’t have a lot (or any) greens to mix in due to having no lawn. My neighbors are all busy mowing their lawns however, and I have thought about knocking on some doors and finding somebody who will donate their freshly mowed lawn clippings to me. That time is rapidly approaching. Again, thanks for the info!!