Originally Posted by Kelly O (Post 3761563)

Yes Tim this is 'next level' stuff. A project to produce bio-gas from farm anaerobic digesters, collecting methane from manure digestion, and transporting the bio-gas to an industrial park to fire an electric generation plant. This would allow a business with a 'green-power initiative' to locate in the park and utilize renewable energy.

Current low-prices of natural gas, the expansion of natural gas exploration, and low electric rates have the project on hold for now. Several farms near us operate their own digesters and produce their own electicity but the economics are not favorable. Our farm could power itself, plus sell enough electricity back into the grid to power more than 400 households. Coal, hydro, and wind power producers don't like that and continue to lobby against the concept.

The technology is there and getting more affordable. Carbon trading markets materializing would be a boost as well.

Originally Posted by Biggus (Post 3765639)

Very interesting (and refreshing) thread! What a well run operation!

Thanks for posting Sharkey!

Kurt

Originally Posted by Kelly O (Post 3765928)

Wow, lots of detailed questions from someone with some obvious experience.

The yellow drum is a composter, 10'dia X 60'long to process our recycled manure solids (fiber) into a sterile bedding used to keep cows dry and comfortable.

Originally Posted by Kelly O (Post 3765933)

They love it ! It is motion sensed to turn it on, spins and swivels so they can work their entire bodies. They wear out the brushes, gearboxes, and motors but seem ultimately content when it's their turn for a massage.
The increase in blood flow stimulated by the machines' activity has been shown to boost immune system function as well, promoting good health.

Originally Posted by catastrophe (Post 3765640)

AGREED

Some good chit to talk about :)

Keep doing this Tim !!

Originally Posted by Kelly O (Post 3765928)

Wow, lots of detailed questions from someone with some obvious experience.

The yellow drum is a composter, 10'dia X 60'long to process our recycled manure solids (fiber) into a sterile bedding used to keep cows dry and comfortable.
The black machine distributes the bedding into the cows stalls while they are gone to be milked so they may return to a clean, dry bed (most are waterbed mattresses as well).
Today we milk 1850 and have 1800 youngstock, all Holstiens.
Bulls are sold to a couple growers, currently there is demand so prices are ok. May raise them a few weeks utilizing pasteurized "waste milk" from treated animals in the future if benefit was recognized.
No sexed semen, cost is factor there. Should we expand it would be an excellent tool to grow from within by effectively doubling our number of female calves born. Any further detail may need to be discussed over in the 'Uncensored' section !!