By Blake Jackson
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy manure has expanded significantly across New York and beyond over the past five years. However, this growth has been largely limited to large-scale dairy farms with more than 2,500 cows.
While the technical viability of AD systems for smaller farms has been demonstrated, the focus has now shifted to their economic feasibility.
An upcoming webinar hosted by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY will present findings from a study examining the financial practicality of smaller-scale dairy manure and food waste co-digestion systems.
These systems could provide a sustainable energy solution for farms in New York. The discussion will cover various aspects, including different energy generation models, financial projections, and how food waste tipping fees influence project revenue.
The webinar is designed for dairy farmers, industry advisors, and agency representatives interested in sustainable manure management and renewable energy.
Experts Lauren Ray, an Agricultural Sustainability & Energy Engineer with Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, and Matt Tomich, President of Energy Vision, will share insights into the economic challenges and opportunities of these systems.
Scheduled for March 6, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, the event aims to provide valuable information to stakeholders considering anaerobic digestion as a viable option for smaller dairy operations. Interested participants can contact Lauren Ray at ler25@cornell.edu.
For more details and registration visit, https://cals.cornell.edu/how-small-can-co-digestion-economically-go
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography
Categories: New York, Livestock, Dairy Cattle