VOICED : US farmers turn cow poo into power and profit

Homestead dairy uses anaerobic digesters to convert cow waste into methane, generating electricity for 1000 homes. This process offers benefits like sustainable electricity, nutrient management, and odor reduction. The US has potential for biogas recovery on 8000 farms, but only 250 have invested. Digesters provide economic and environmental advantages, including improved fertilizer quality and reduced groundwater contamination.

What is one of the main benefits of using anaerobic digesters at Homestead Dairy?

• They increase the number of cows.

• They reduce the need for water.

• They generate sustainable electricity.

• They improve the taste of milk.

How many US farms have currently invested in biogas recovery technology?

• Exactly 1000

• Fewer than 250

• About 500

• More than 8000

What is the estimated number of livestock farms in the US that could make biogas recovery viable?

• 10000

• 2000

• 5000

• 8000

What is a potential environmental benefit of using anaerobic digesters?

• Increased use of chemical fertilizers

• Higher water consumption

• Increased air pollution

• Improved groundwater quality

What is one advantage of anaerobic digesters over open manure pools?

• They require more space.

• They increase the odor around farms.

• They produce lower quality fertilizer.

• They turn waste into higher quality fertilizer.