Wisconsin Ag Connection - Ultra-Small Scale Methane Program Slated for Wednesday

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Ultra-Small Scale Methane Program Slated for Wednesday
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/04/2008

Manure digesters for methane production are becoming more common on dairy farms as energy prices rise and neighbors become concerned about excessive odor. Smaller scale dairy and livestock farmers are also interested in generating some of their own energy, but most of the technology we hear about is aimed at much larger operations. However, many farmers in developing countries with only a few head of livestock use simple digesters to produce small amounts of methane for heating, cooking and lighting.

Farmers who are interested in learning more about simple, low cost, ultra-small scale methane production are invited to attend an informational meeting on February 6 starting at 12:30 p.m. The program will be offered via the Internet at multiple sites around the state. Crawford County UW-Extension agriculture agent Vance Haugen will present a summary of information about methane digesters from around the world, followed by a discussion about what may be possible for small herds in the upper Midwest.

There is no fee to attend the program, but pre-registration with the site host by Tuesday will ensure that everyone can receive copies of the program materials.

To register for the program, please contact the site host for the appropriate location:

** Barron County: Tim Jergenson, 715-537-6250 or Ryan Sterry, 715-485-8600

** Buffalo County: Carl Duley, 608-685-6256

** Clark County: Maria Bendixen, 715-743-5121

** Crawford County: Vance Haugen, 608-326-0223

** Douglas County: Tom Syverud, 715-395-1363

** Dunn County: Jim Faust, 715-232-1636

** Fond du Lac County: Mike Rankin, 920-929-3171

** Grant and Lafayette Counties: Cara Carper, 608-776-4820

** UW-Madison: Arlin Brannstrom, 608.265.3030

** Marshfield Agricultural Research Station: Tom Drendel, 715-387-2523

** Price County: Mark Kopecky, 715-339-2555

** UW-Richland: Darby Brown, (608) 647-6186 ext. 107

** Shawano County: Jay Moynihan, 715-526-6136

** St. Croix County: Lee Milligan, 715-684-3301 Ext 5

** Trempealeau County: Jon Zander, 715-538-2311 Ext 208

Other Wisconsin Headlines