By Blake Jackson
The adoption of anaerobic digesters has increased across the U.S. dairy industry, raising questions about whether the technology has contributed to the expansion of larger dairy operations.
However, a new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that digesters have played a limited role in farmers' decisions to increase herd sizes.
According to Lauren Ray, Senior Extension Associate with the Dairy Environmental Systems (DES) group at Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, researchers surveyed dairy producers operating anaerobic digesters to better understand their adoption decisions and plans for future investments.
Of the 352 surveys distributed, researchers received 64 responses, representing an 18% response rate and 15.8% of the dairy digesters listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AgSTAR database.
One of the study's key findings was that 95% of participating farms had not expanded their herds because of their digesters. Instead, producers identified expected dairy business profitability as the leading consideration when making herd expansion decisions.
Interest from the next generation and labor availability also influenced those decisions, while digester-related net income had little impact.
The research included different digester technologies and biogas utilization methods. Approximately 19% of respondents reported combining dairy manure with other feedstocks.
More than half of the systems (52%) were operated or managed by third parties, with most of these installations established in 2017 or later.
Researchers also identified a relationship between larger dairy herds and renewable natural gas (RNG) production for off-farm sales. Larger operations were more likely to produce RNG rather than generate electricity from biogas.
Respondents averaged 28,196 pounds of milk production per cow annually, nearly 15% above the U.S. average.
Financial assistance emerged as a major factor in digester adoption. Producers reported that cost-share programs covered an average of 57% of project expenses. The median investment cost ranged from $1,000 to $1,999 per cow.
Long-term markets for renewable energy, low-carbon fuel standards, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), and carbon credits were also important considerations, particularly for new installations. Odor management, additional revenue opportunities, and regulatory uncertainty influenced investment decisions as well.
Nearly 44% of surveyed producers indicated plans to reinvest in existing digesters or construct additional infrastructure.
The findings suggest that expanding cost-share opportunities and providing greater long-term market stability could encourage further investment.
Such support may be particularly important for small and medium-sized dairy farms facing financial barriers to adopting anaerobic digestion technology.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: New York, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle