Manure

Dairy producers hoping to tap into future revenue streams generated from on-farm environmental practices may want to begin establishing baselines for those assets now.

As dairy farmers look for ways to diversify and add value, many are seeing the benefits of using manure as a revenue source. In its various forms, manure processed in an anaerobic digester can be used on the farm or sold. While it has its unique challenges, it can serve as livestock bedding or be used to produce electricity and natural gas.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD WASTE ON DAIRY FARMS

Public policy is increasingly evolving to reduce or divert waste from limited landfill space. One way to accomplish this is by reducing the many tons of organic waste such as food processing waste, food scraps, and spoiled fruits and vegetables that are landfilled annually.

A growing number of dairy and swine farmers are finding economic opportunities in environmentally friendly manure management.

Donald and Cheri De Jong, owners of Natural Prairie Dairy Farms, are making immense strides in transforming their operation to a “closed-loop farm system” by implementing a new manure management system.

Weather conditions. Labor availability. Field fitness. When it comes to manure hauling, these factors (and more) play into the decision to haul your own manure or hire a custom hauler.