In this week's episode Nina and Hernan interview Oliver Weerasuriya with Shell regarding contracting with outside private investors, like Shell, on dairy anaerobic digestor projects.

Oliver discusses agriculture's critical role in the clean energy transition and its role in partnering with large companies to meet renewable energy targets.

We also discuss key components to contracting for dairy digester projects and what agricultural producers bring to the table when partnering with outside private investment without specialized knowledge in agriculture.

Stay tuned!

Visit our webpage at

https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

In Part 2 of the Dairy Digester Crash Course with Embrey Bronstad and Georgine Yorgey (co-host) we cover “Things That Can Potentially Go Wrong” when operating an anerobic digester on farm.

Embrey discusses where dairy producers can play a role in the success of their digester when a private company is in charge of its operations and maintenance.

Embrey also discusses the potential impacts of cutting corners on a project in order to lower capital costs that can have an effect on the ability to operate and maintain the digester over time.

We also touch on some of the complexities behind incorporating co-digestion and some factors to be aware of that may impact your digester’s overall performance.

The Carbon and Cow$ Webpage

https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Show Contact:

Nina Gibson; [email protected]

In this two part "Dairy Digester Crash Course", Georgine Yorgey (WSU) co-hosts with Nina, where they interview Embrey Bronstad, wastewater engineer at Brown and Caldwell.

Part One is focused on "Key Considerations" for producers thinking about installing a digester on farm, or taking part in a community digester.

While it is very commonplace for a private company that specializes in anerobic digestion design and operation to run the on farm or community digester, producers can still play a role in the successful operation of their digester project to ensure optimal performance.

Embrey discusses what some key insights for producers in the daily operation of the digester and considerations for developing a partnership with a private company for its operation.

Visit our website: https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Contact Info: Nina Gibson (Host) - [email protected]

*Actual Episode Interview Date: December 8, 2023

In this week's episode, we discuss voluntary carbon markets with Dr. Jordan Shockley, Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Shockley gives insight into how consumer demand for sustainably sourced products is driving companies to reduce emissions within their supply chains and where voluntary carbon markets can come into play.

Dr. Shockley also gives updates on specific rulings and legal cases in the United States that have the potential to influence agricultural producers adopting climate smart and emissions reductions technologies on farm due to upstream buyers.

Show Contacts:

https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Nina Gibson: [email protected]

*Actual Episode Interview Date: October 26, 2023

In this week’s episode with Dr. Frank Mitloehner, we get a firsthand look into how California's dairy industry has responded to the first ever state mandate for dairy and livestock industry to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Frank gives valuable insight into the struggles the state's dairy industry is facing to address the mandate, as well as key considerations for dairy digester owners.

Visit our website:

https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Please feel free to reach out to Nina Gibson, [email protected] if you have questions or need any technical assistance regarding this topic.

*Actual Episode Interview Date: October 6, 2023

In this week's episode with Peter Weisberg from 3Degrees, we take a deeper dive into how dairy digesters can earn environmental (carbon) credits through state clean fuel standard and cap-and-trade programs, as well as the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard program.

Peter breaks down their current trends and how supply and demand in these programs can influence digester project development.

If you are looking for a greater understanding of clean fuel and cap and trade programs and how they connect to biogas generation from dairy digesters, this episode is for you!

Show website: https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Contact info: Nina Gibson (Host) [email protected]

*Actual Episode Interview Date: September 29, 2023

In "Dairy Digesters 101 with Craig Frear", Nina interviews Dr. Craig Frear, Director of Research and Technology at Regenis, a company that specializes in anaerobic digester development and project management based out of Washington state. Craig gives an overview of on farm digesters and what is spurring a recent renewal of interest in them in regards to renewable energy programs at the state and federal level.

If you are wanting to better understand the mechanisms behind these state and federal programs that are creating opportunities for on farm anaerobic digesters, this episode is for you.

Show webpage: https://csanr.wsu.edu/program-areas/climate-friendly-farming/carbon-and-cows-podcast/

Contact Info: Nina Gibson (Host) [email protected]

*Actual Episode Interview Date: September 8, 2023