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. 15-16 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.
There is still time to register! The registration deadline is Feb. 8 and the registration fee is $195 per person which includes meals and breaks, proceedings, and a tour of Lambeau Field.
More details and registration information about the Midwest Manure Summit can be found at the conference website, www.midwestmanure.com. You can also contact one of the conference chairs: Paul Dyk, 920-929-3171, paul.dyk@ces.uwex.edu, Mark Hagedorn, 920-391-4610, mark.hagedorn@ces.uwex.edu, or Abby Huibregtse, 920-834-6849, abby.huibregtse@ces.uwex.edu.