OK.  This is the SECOND TRY to see if any Google Answer researchers
can rise to the challenge.  The first time I posted this, it ended up
expiring with no answers.  So, let's try again:
I have a friend who raises worms (he's a "worm rancher") and so I
would like to know if you can find me sources in the Pacific Northwest
(particularly OR and WA) who are buying worms (earthworms) for
recycling purposes (local agencies or commercial enterprises),
agricultural purposes, etc.  Thanks...

I once knew a guy who raised worms, but as I recall he sold them
mainly for fishing bait.  I haven't heard of there being much market
for worms in recycling or agriculture (which doesn't mean there isn't
one).

Sorry this isn't too helpful, but at least you know people are reading
your question!

Hi,

I live in Seattle. Several of my friends compost year round. There is
no shortage of naturally occuring worms in the soil here. There is a
big market for worms as bait though because of the abundance of lakes
--fishing.

I would try the nurserys to see if they are interested.

I entered "we buy worms" into Google and received 6 results:
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22we+buy+worms%22

The phrase "I buy worms" gets 18 results:
://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22I+buy+worms%22&btnG=Google+Search

The phrase "How to sell worms" gets 2 results:
://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22how+to+sell+worms%22&btnG=Google+Search

The phrase "Market worms" gets 34 results:
://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22market+worms%22&btnG=Google+Search

You could also try places that lease garden space to individuals, like
the Pea Patch, or small local farmers:
http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M457

I don't have time to call nurseries and small local farmers in Seattle
today, but if this is still unanswered on Monday I will do it for you.

--Cynthia

Hi Jat,

You may find and create markets if you research backwards, starting
with rabbitries, rabbit growers, rabbiters, rabbit farms or intensive
animal farming.

Worm farming has been used in conjunction with intensive rabbit
breeding. Worm beds can be set up beneath the animal cages to process
the animal manure and urine. This serves two purposes. Ammonia from
the urine is a health problem for the rabbits. Composting or deep
littering "in shed" will reduce the build up of ammonia. The other
purpose of course is a value added compost, as a secondary income for
the rabbiter. I understand that worm castings used this way can
provide a high quality compost, as the rabbit effluent has all of the
"good" trace elements of N, P, K etc. Rabbit manure will not burn
plants unlike chicken manure, which can be too hot.

Larger worm beds can be constructed outside of the sheds. This means
removing the manure more frequently from within the shed.

Your friend may be able to apply this to other intensive animal
industries. Imagine selling the concept, not the worms as such. Think
of it like a franchise, setting up worm beds all through the state.
Your friend might then have a permanent demand.

Hey, I have even thought of a name for his franchise. "MacWoims" .. good luck.

Phil