Additional Info
The Gardiners wanted to diversify their farm operations and have a viable succession plan for their son, who is currently operating the farm. Additionally the consideration of an anaerobic digestion facility was further supported by Provincial funds having been made available for the construction of such systems.
The use of Rumensin necessitated a different start-up procedure. While the slow introduction of Rumensin manure had been directed, the operators chose not to follow these instructions. Thus the Rumensin manure did not allow the methanogenic bacteria to grow, and the digester had to be re-started.
In the second start-up, dairy cow manure from an adjacent farm, as well as effluent from a nearby digester were brought in and the methanogenic bacteria were acclimatized to the Rumensin manure in prescribed quantities and feeding rates until full production was reached.
The system’s effluent fertilizer is applied to the farm’s crop fields.