Compost

So I have started my own vegetable and fruit garden this year.  Mind you, I have never done a garden before.  It is turning out nicely so far.  However, my question has to do with compost.  How do I tell if the manure or compost has pesticide or hormone residue?  Is there any way to really tell this.  If the cows that produced the manure were pumped full of hormones and antibiotics that goes into the poo right?  So I how do I protect my precious organic veggies and fruits?

I think the only real way to tell is if you do pesticide testing which can be pricey.  I wouldn't worry too much about it as pesticides are carried in the winds and rain, water supply ect so you will end up with some no doubt.

I guess the best way to avoid them is to use as much of your own compost as possible for the garden or use soil that is already in your yard.  Sorry not much help here.

I haven't started my own compost pile yet, but I plan to start that this summer.  I talked to the lawn guy at my local Lowe's store and he said that most of the organic people in the area use cow manure and mushroom compost in there gardens so I got both of those, mixed them together, and then spread them on the plot of land and mixed it into the soil.  The plants are doing really well, I just want to keep as many chemicals out of there as possible.  Thanks for the help.

We've been composting for years. I noticed the difference in taste and size of my veggies with in two seasons!