A forward-thinking dairy operation, Ash Grove Dairy, situated in Minnesota, has embraced an innovative method to transform its agricultural waste into a valuable resource. Through the implementation of a methane digester, the farm is converting manure from its 2,100 Holstein cows into renewable natural gas (RNG), establishing an additional income stream and significantly bolstering its environmental performance. This project, operational for approximately 18 months, underscores a commitment to sustainable practices and economic diversification within the dairy industry.
The digester facility, owned by Renewco—a collaboration between Clean Energy Fuels Corp. and bp—works in synergy with Ash Grove Dairy. According to Christie Ings, Senior Director of Renewable Natural Gas Engineering and Compliance at Clean Energy, the dairy receives a percentage of the gross revenue from the RNG sales, making it a mutually beneficial partnership. The facility processes an impressive 60,000 gallons of manure daily, capturing methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas. This raw biogas, initially about 55% methane, is then refined to nearly 100% purity before being transported to interstate pipelines for distribution to transportation markets, including major companies like Amazon and UPS, seeking to reduce their carbon emissions.
This initiative not only generates clean energy but also markedly improves Ash Grove Dairy's carbon footprint. Michael Crinion, the owner of Ash Grove Dairy, proudly notes that even before the digester's full impact, the farm's carbon intensity score was already 19% better than the industry average, attributed to practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and efficient manure management. The remaining organic material post-digestion is also repurposed, serving as nutrient-rich fertilizer for local crop farmers, further closing the loop on a truly circular economy model. Randy Gross, the general manager, emphasizes that while the farm now plays a role in energy production, their primary focus remains on maintaining the health and productivity of their dairy herd, ensuring a continuous supply of raw material for the digester.
This pioneering venture by Ash Grove Dairy exemplifies how agricultural businesses can contribute positively to environmental conservation while simultaneously achieving financial viability. By turning what was once considered waste into a valuable clean energy source, they are setting a benchmark for the industry. This proactive approach to resource management and sustainability offers a powerful message: innovation and environmental stewardship are not just ideals, but achievable realities that foster growth, resilience, and a healthier planet for future generations.
