Bio-Gas?

[cakadu]

Biodigesters are still an extremely expensive way to dispose of manure, and are out of reach of the average sized confined feeding operator.

[cowman]

emerald: That is very true, however things change, technology changes, social values change? The days of just spreading manure are rapidly coming to an end? The Kyota Accord could radically change everything?
I suspect in the future there could be some very small, cheap, economically viable bio-digestors on the market? However to move forward in any new technology you have to start implementing it? That way we see what works and what doesn't and how we can "tweak" the system to get the most bang for our buck!
And I also suspect the day will come when some of these new technologies will be commonplace and we will have a healthier environment and a better bottom line?

[tower]

Quite a few years ago I heard that small scale methane production was making headway in India. Perhaps in those days it wouldn't have been the most efficient process but sometimes we pay too much for a small improvement in efficiency.

[tower]

Cowman, even now there are regulations with respect to manure . All manure must be incorporated within 48 hours unless it is spread on hay or pasture land or land that is direct seeded. Alberta is on the forefront of regulations with regard to manure storage and handling. Cow/calf operations will also come under the provincial regulations effective January 1/05. This will affect Seasonal Feeding and Bedding Sites, and the legislation I refer to is the Agricultural Operations Practices Act.
In the very near future though I do not see a ban on land spreading of manure. It is a nutrient and certainly is much more economical way to apply nitrogen.

[ValueChainFX]

For those interested in this technology you can see more information (with pictures) on the following website http://www.clear-green.com/.

Enjoy