Posted July
29, 2005: If you thought anaerobic digester
systems were only possible for large-scale dairy farms,
think again. Emphasizing odor control and manure management
for 100 to 300 cow operations, a report generated by
The Minnesota Project details six options for anaerobic
manure digestion on Minnesota farms. "Because 96%
of Minnesota's dairy farms have 200 or fewer cows. This
report is very important. It shows how the majority
of dairy farmers could provide and use another form
of renewable energy," Doug Peterson, President
Minnesota Farmers Union.
Of the six model systems included in the report, five
are designed for individual farms, while one is a community
digester model. Rather than aiming for excess energy
generation as some large-scale digesters do, these six
system models focus on the benefits of simpler systems
that cost less and are easier to build and operate.
“Farmers have always recognized the value of
manure. Anaerobic digestion of manure is another means
of tapping into its value and Mr. Goodrich’s work
is key to expanding the utilization of this technology
to more farmers. This is beneficial to the farmer and
the non-farmer alike because anaerobic digestion improves
the sustainable dairy ecosystem,” Bob Lefebvre,
Executive Director, Minnesota Milk Producers.
To read the report, or request a copy, visit www.mnproject.org/index-biogas.html.
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