Posted: 04.01.2011

Wisconsin's lead in the number of methane digesters just got one stronger!  Dane counties "Cow Power" cooperative methane digester is up and running just outside of Waunakee.

Elected officials and partners involved in the "first of its kind" venture held a ribbon cutting at the site that's processing cow manure from three dairies around the digester to generate "green power" energy for 2,500 area homes.  But it's not just about the energy it generates.

Chuck Ripp, one of the cooperating farm partners, says its also about the reduction of phosphorous the farms must manage.  "This processing reduces the manure's phosphorous content by 60 percent,"  Ripp told Pam Jahnke, "That's great because most of our land is already high in phosphorous, and to maintain our nutrient management plan we'd have to haul that manure farther away to other fields." 

What surprised Ripp most about the lengthy process of building the actual digester?  "I'd say the cooperation between county officials and the companies involved.  One farmer would have a really tough time getting all these components pulled together on their own.  They all worked together really well.  I was impressed by that."

Dane counties not done yet.  Dane county executive director, Kathleen Falk, announced that they're already working on a second methane digester project outside of Middleton.  Right now, they're in the initial stages of discussion with four dairy farms in the Springfield township on cooperating in a group digester.

Tom Wagner is one of the Springfield area farmers that's been approached.  Wagner told Pam Jahnke he's always been conscientious about managing manure.  In the 1970's, Wagners farm was one of the first to implement a solids seperator on their manure handling to keep the organic fiber from manure on the farm.  That's one item that's got Wagner a little concerned.  "I don't want to give up all of the compost material from my farm," Wagner says, "I need that organic matter for my soil."  Wagner's farm along with Ziegler Dairy Farm, Blue Star Dairy, and the Hensen Brothers Farm are investigating their options.

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