A recently new development on dairy farms around the world has been the establishment of methane digesters. What these digesters do is literally 'digest' cow manure and other organic material, the methane produced is then burned off to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. In some countries, farmers put the methane into a generator and use it as an electrical source, or sell the electricity produced to their local electrical company.
I saw one of these digesters when I was in The Netherlands and they purchased food wastes from food manufacturers and digested the cow manure from their own farm, and sold the methane produced electricity. There is a machine that mixes up the by-products and they are then pumped into a large dome-like container, where bacteria eat the waste, producing methane and then the methane is pumped to a generator to be burnt and produce electricity.Not only is this a easier way to produce electricty, it is better for the environment, too.
The image at the top is what the digesters look like from the outside. They do not all look alike, but this is a good example. To visit a website about a family who has implemented a methane digester, click here.
I think this is a great use of a supposed "waste." I especially think this is important for large dairy operations to consider. Many may be able to serve their own energy needs and make a profit by selling any left over energy.
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