News
Getting the most benefit out of a digester

February 7, 2011, Madison,
WI – Bedding and co-feeding are two important factors that affect the economic
sustainability of manure digesters on dairy farms according to Dr. Dana Kirk of
Michigan State University and a speaker at the upcoming Midwest Manure Summit.

February 7, 2011, Madison,
WI – Bedding and co-feeding are two important factors that affect the economic
sustainability of manure digesters on dairy farms according to Dr. Dana Kirk of
Michigan State University and a speaker at the upcoming Midwest Manure Summit.

The type and quantity of
bedding used on a dairy impacts biogas production and overall system
performance. Many farms use digested manure solids as bedding thereby offsetting
the cost of purchased bedding.

Co-feeding organic waste
streams from many industries has the potential to increase biogas production
and add revenue by collecting “tipping fees.”

Kirk notes that in
addition to the performance impacts, decisions regarding the use of bedding
materials and co-feeding should consider changes to manure management, permits
and animal health.

Kirk will discuss the
economics of bedding and co-feeding at the Midwest Manure Summit to be held at
Lambeau Field on Feb. 15 and 16, 2011 and sponsored by University of
Wisconsin-Extension.

Make plans to join other
dairy and livestock producers, government agency workers, agribusiness
professionals, and educators as they take a closer look at the processing and
handling of manure.

Other speakers and topics
include:

• Air Quality, What’s coming
  in 2011, and What should you do? John Ferguson, P. Eng, Conestoga-Rovers &
  Associates
• Utilizing Biofilters for
  Air Emissions and Odor Reduction from Animal Production and Waste Storage
  Structures. Dr. Joe Taraba, University of Kentucky
• European Perspectives on
  Technical and Economical Approaches to Phosphorus Recycling. Dr. Marie-Line
  Daumer, Cemagref, France
• USDA Developed
  Technologies for Recovering Manure Phosphorus. Dr. Ariel Szogi, USDA-ARS South
  Carolina
• Managing Manure to
  Minimize Environmental Impact. Dr. Joe Harrison, Washington State University
• Ecological Impacts on
  Future Farming. Dr. Ann Wilkie, University of Florida
• Profitability of Digesters
  – If I Knew Then, What I Know Now. Bob Nagel, D.V.M., Holsum Dairy, Chilton WI

A dozen other breakout
sessions will also be held throughout the conference. These breakout session
topics include small-scale digesters, treatment options for dairy wash water,
alternative bedding challenges, and odor study results.

More details and
registration information about the Midwest Manure Summit can be found at the
conference website, www.midwestmanure.com.