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Depending on the anaerobic digestion system chosen, the desired total solids content of AD influent ranges from between 6 and 12%. Assuming equal hydraulic retention times, lower values of influent TS result in larger tanks and higher operating expenses due to the need to heat water, which has no fuel value.  Last month in part 1 of the discussion on manure dilution and anaerobic digestion, we discussed sources of dilution, estimated quantities, and the effects of dilution on AD-influent total solids (TS) content. To review, it was shown how manure excreted at 12% TS could reasonably be diluted to 6% TS, assuming some typical volumes for dilution water added as part of the milking process

Carbon intensity (CI) is the the amount of greenhouse gases produced throughout the lifecycle of a fuel per unit of energy. The low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) is a rule that was enacted to offset the CI of conventional fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel. Renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy manure is used as motor fuel in places like California, resulting in very favorable premiums because the CI score of RNG from dairy manure is very low compared to conventional fuels. When dairy manure is used as fuel for the AD process, it is imperative the manure is in a form most conducive to maximizing gas production.

Settje Hires Renowned Agricultural Engineer as Sustainability Director Andrew Wedel will help customers adapt to emerging market trends, monetize efforts   RAYMOND, Neb. (January 19, 2022) – Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc. (SASE) is adding to its experienced team by hiring Andrew Wedel, P.E., as the Director of Sustainability and Innovation. In this role, Wedel […]

From the guiding system and the chute to staging pens and loading or unloading, these four components must all function well for a handling facility to be successful. No two facilities are the same. That is why livestock system engineering and designer Settje Agri-Services employs the knowledge and skills of industry experts to deliver custom solutions that fit unique situations. One such expert is Dr. Kip L. Lukasiewicz, a partner with Production Animal Consultation. Lukasiewicz trained with well-known and respected livestock handler Bud Williams whose low-stress stock-handing method has contributed to increased productivity and better safety and security for the stock and the handler.

Recently, there’s been an increase in the awareness and utilization of manure aeration technology that incorporates an “aerobic” process that supplies enough oxygen to support aerobic bacteria.  While historically, the capital and operating costs of aeration systems have been seen as cost-prohibitive, advances in the design and components used in today’s systems have demonstrated the potential to offer an attractive return on investment, in addition to improved odor control and net manure value for the operation.

Nebraska and the Midwest are in a unique position to capitalize on multiple opportunities available for confined beef production.

Every livestock facility construction project comes with its own unique set of circumstances and challenges. That’s why Settje Agri-Services makes every effort to lay out the construction process and timeline as transparently as possible.

When it comes to raising crops, any farmer will tell you, “timing is everything”. And that goes double for the timing of your manure application. Getting the right amount of nutrients applied to your field at the right time is a key factor to ensure a good start to next season’s crops. Stockpiling manure on the edge of a field in the summer can give you multiple advantages over waiting to purchase your manure, including more control over the timing of your fall/winter manure application.

Beef confinement buildings are growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional beef feedlots. Many scenarios can arise that will dictate the construction schedule for a facility, including the overall complexity of the project, permitting process, and time spent designing and engineering the facility.

Constructing a livestock facility is a large undertaking that involves many critical choices, including selecting your site for construction. Perhaps you already have a location in mind or multiple options to choose from. No matter what the situation is, we recommend considering the following factors before selecting a site for a greenfield livestock facility.