Needed Revenue for 21st Century Farming

Digesters that Maximize Farm Profits

“Biogas projects make lots of money, the question is for who?”

Just a few years ago milk prices were bad, grants hard to get, and prices paid for renewable energy low. As a result, many farms could not afford an anaerobic digester. Then suddenly in 2022, everything changed with $40 billion being directed by USDA toward greenhouse gas mitigation – making farm digesters affordable.

At the same time the skyrocketing prices paid for renewable energy, especially RNG (renewable natural gas) at America’s largest dairies, attracted big money investors. As is always the case however, these investors and developers wanted equity and the largest percentage of profit possible. To them, the farm was merely the site of their project.

In reality, these projects could never exist without decades of hard work raising herds that produce the “liquid gold” (manure) needed to feed the digester.

Agricultural Digesters LLC focuses on 100% “farmer owned” digester projects. Rather than equity in one large project, we build our success on:
1) “the economies of scale” that come from developing many similar, largely manure, digesters
2) offering the highest return on investment by establishing revenue streams beyond the sale of energy

“Every Digester Project is Unique. How Do I Maximize the Financial Benefit at my Farm?”

Not all digester projects are created equal.

Unlike wind and solar energy, biogas systems (anaerobic digesters) have lots of “moving parts” and potential revenue streams based on circumstances. Since farmers want to farm, Agricultural Digesters LLC handles all development steps through launch. That includes:

1. Calculating economic feasibility over 20 years. Income and expense.
2. Identifying all revenue streams available including energy sales, environmental benefits, bedding offsets, heat offsets, compost and peat moss replacement sales. We are also developing new markets.
3. Knowing the available grants and obtaining them.
4. Matching each farm with the most suitable technology equipment providers and obtaining competitive bids.
5. Researching and obtaining electrical interconnection approval, or renewable gas upgrading, while minimizing that cost.
6. Identifying and obtaining additional organic feedstocks to increase energy output.
7. Finding investment if needed, often by leveraging the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Goal is maximizing farm ownership.
8. Consulting on the permitting process.
9. Operational guidance and equipment servicing post launch.
10. More

A solids separator processing digestate from the anaerobic digester at a Vermont farm. Odor and pathogen free, it provides more then enough free, fresh, quality animal bedding. An offset to the farm of tens of thousands of dollars annually.

“We can’t get much money for renewable electricity in my region…”

Going off grid or producing renewable natural gas (RNG)

Should your region pays too little for electricity, why not just make your own? By going “off grid”, a small to mid-size farm can offset its typical $60,000 annual bill. See time lapse video and details of smaller digester here. 

Another option for lucky farms located near natural gas pipelines is to upgrade their biogas to pipeline quality. The costs are higher but so are profits.

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Manure digester in USA for 1,400 cows. Above ground, complete mix, German design.

“Will my farm smell better?”

85% – 90% odor reduction improves real estate prices, reduces neighbor complaints and improves quality of life for all.

Studies suggest a digester reduces manure odors 85%-90%. This means higher surrounding property values as well as fewer legal complaints from area homes and businesses.

At one one farm in Vermont a middle school is located less than 100 yards from its manure pit. The digester we plan for launch by early 2023 will eliminate this distraction to young students. The project will also allow any “future farmers” at the school to understand not only the economic benefits of biogas but also the importance of dairies being good stewards of the environment.

“I’ve heard of farmers up at 3 AM with their digester. Seems like there is always some problem that needs to be dealt with.”

Do you want to be a farmer or a digester operator?  

Inevitably, challenges occur with a digester that is fed different organics from various sources, in varying amounts, at different times. This does not happen to the farmer who uses consistent, slurry waste from his own farm – for example, manure. Another sure way to limit operational supervision time is to co-digest a small percentage of the same off-farm substrate, such as brewery waste, in consistent quantities, on a regular basis.

This is not to say that co-digesting multiple feedstocks is a bad idea. Such a system attracts tipping fees from food waste haulers and can be more profitable than a “manure only” digester. However, it is far more time consuming and farmers must decide if that is the direction they want to go.