Anaerobic Digestion at Ridgeline Dairy Farm

Abstract

Ridgeline Farm (formerly Matlink Dairy Farm), operated by Carl Neckers (dairy facility) and Vinny Howden (anaerobic digestion facility), is located in the town of Clymer in Chautauqua County, New York The farm, with 600 milking cows, employs 16 people and has a considerable impact on the local economy To address a variety of issues, including odor emissions, nutrient planning, and revenue, the farm installed an anaerobic digester with support from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in late December 2001 Matlink Dairy Farm started the construction of their anaerobic digester system in the summer of 2000; the system was in operation by the end of 2001 As of 2005, Matlink Dairy changed management and was renamed Ridgeline Farms.