Small Beetles, Big Benefits: Dung Beetle Field Day at Duke Farms 

Some of the most important animals in our pastures are also the easiest to overlook. While Duke Farms’ cattle graze aboveground, dung beetles work within and beneath their manure, helping return nutrients to the soil. On October 1st, these small insects took center stage during Pasture Partners: Working with Dung Beetles, a field day organized by North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) and hosted at Duke Farms as part of RC&D’s Grazing School. The event brought together more than 30 people, including regional graziers, technical service providers (TSPs), and other interested participants. 

Dung beetles turn what livestock leave behind into a resource. Some species feed and develop within manure pats, while others tunnel beneath them and bury manure underground. Their activity helps recycle nutrients, supports soil structure and water infiltration, and can reduce opportunities for certain livestock pests. Faster manure breakdown can also help return areas that cattle avoid around fresh pats to productive grazing. 

The afternoon featured presentations by Craig Haney of North Jersey RC&D, Hannah Tolz and Ken Wise of Cornell Extension, and Sneha Haridas of West Virginia University. Their talks covered topics ranging from dung beetle biology and pasture management to integrated pest management (IPM)—an approach that combines knowledge of pests, monitoring, and targeted management strategies. Together, the presentations explored how farmers can support beneficial insects while addressing livestock pests and maintaining productive pastures. 

We followed the presentations with a field session in Duke Farms’ pastures, where participants learned different techniques for sampling dung beetles and observing their activity. Moving from the classroom into the field gave everyone an opportunity to connect the afternoon’s lessons with hands-on learning, ask questions, and exchange experiences. We also enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the pastures which was fitting close to an afternoon spent looking more closely at the life they support. 

The event continued the learning that began during North Jersey RC&D’s February Grazing School sessions at Duke Farms. By connecting research with field experience and farmer-to-farmer learning, the program builds practical knowledge and a community working toward healthier pastures. For Duke Farms, hosting these gatherings connects our conservation and agricultural work with neighboring farmers—and gives some of our smallest pasture partners the attention they deserve.