Growing up in Wisconsin, I am acutely aware of the smell of cow. Specifically, of course, cow manure. I even pride myself on being able to smell the difference between cow, horse and pig as I’m driving through rural Wisconsin. That’s a rare talent.

Would I ever want manure in my home – or let’s face it, anywhere I go? Unless it’s the state fair, no. But manure in buildings may become a reality – and it’s not as horrible as you think.

According to this article in Wired magazine, researchers have figured out a way to make unused cow crap into fiberboard. Without any odor!

Apparently, farmers have a surplus of cow dung, even after using it as field fertilizer. So instead of spending $200 per year per cow to handle the crap, why not just give it to someone who can make building materials out of it?

It’s certainly a green concept, and according to the article, the processed and sterilized fiber in the manure interlocks better than wood when mixed with resin. It’s made similar to the wood-based cousin, by combining the fibers with a chemical resin and then heating it under pressure.

Preliminary testing indicates that the finished product actually performs better than wood-based fiberboard. I, for one, support further research into this new material. With performance specs, big green angles and farmer advantages, everyone can find an aspect of this new material to give a crap about.