Project Description
Jordan Dairy Farms in Rutland, Massachusetts, founded in 1885, has been operated by the Jordan family for six generations. The farm is a member of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). Operated by brothers Randy and Brian Jordan, the farm has survived despite an extraordinary decline in dairy farm numbers across Massachusetts.
Prior to becoming a part of the Vanguard Renewables partnership, Jordan Dairy Farm’s monthly electric cost alone was more than $2,400. Partnering with Vanguard on the Farm Powered anaerobic digester project, the farm now receives low-cost energy, hot water, and heat for reuse.
Nearly 22,000 tons of food waste and beverage waste is collected annually from food processors and users is combined with more than 9,000 tons of manure a year from the farm in a 500,000-gallon digestion tank. Manure and food waste are mixed and microorganisms convert sugars, fats, and other compounds into biogas annually producing more than 4,200 MWh of renewable energy and odor-free, low-carbon, liquid fertilizer to enhance soil health and increase crop yields. The anaerobic digester has revolutionized how the farm gets power, while fitting seamlessly into this quintessential New England dairy farm.
FARM FACTS
- 950-acre dairy farm
- 800 Holstein cows/300 milked 3X daily
- 700 Hybrid Double Breasted White Turkeys
- Founded in early 1885
- Located in the Rutland, Mass.
- Member of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Cooperative

DIGESTER FACTS
- Built 2011, expanded 2016
- 500,000-gallon capacity
FARM BENEFITS
- Income diversification
- Low carbon fertilizer to increase crop yields and protect area soils
- Odor reduction
- Reduction in chemical fertilizer use
- Enhanced nutrient management plan
- Heat reuse
Annual Digester Input
Annual Digester Output
Provides energy via net metering credits to area businesses including Polar Beverages and Wachusett Brewing Company


Jordan Dairy Farms in the News
8600 Gallons of milk given away to Boston area residents–WCVB News Coverage
Volunteers from Jordan Dairy Farms, Vanguard Renewables, DFA, and the MA National Guard distributed 8,600 gallons of milk to approximately 4000 Boston-area residents.
Dairy Farmers Give Away Free Milk – NBC News Coverage
Thanks to everyone who made this Farmers Feeding Families milk donation event possible particularly the Massachusetts members of Dairy Farmers of America. 8,600 gallons of milk were distributed to approximately 4000 families and individuals.
Panning for Gold in the Waste Stream: Vanguard Renewables helps farmers harvest energy from their by-products
When Randy Jordan takes part in his local Fourth of July parade these days, he no longer worries about neighbors turning their noses up at him. In the past, they had their reasons.
PRESS RELEASE: Vanguard Renewables and Jordan Dairy Farms, Rutland, Massachusetts Win American Biogas Council 2019 Longevity Award
PRESS RELEASE: Vanguard Renewables and Jordan Dairy Farms, Rutland, Massachusetts Win American Biogas Council 2019 Longevity Award