Project Description
Jordan Dairy Farms continues its commitment to sustaining the farm for future generations and protecting the environment by adding a second Vanguard Renewables Farm Powered Anaerobic Digester at the Jordan Dairy Farms Heifer Facility in Spencer, Massachusetts. Jordan Dairy Farms was the first farm in New England to host an anaerobic digester back in 2011. With the addition of the Spencer location, the Jordan’s now become the first New England farm family to host two Farm Powered Anaerobic Digesters.
A six-generation dairy operation, Jordan Dairy Farms was founded in 1885. The farm is a member of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Cooperative and is operated by brothers Randy and Brian Jordan.
The completed anaerobic digester at the Spencer location features a 660,000-gallon capacity anaerobic digester tank and will co-digest more than 4,400 tons of manure and 38,000 tons of organics annually. It will produce 8,000 MWh of renewable energy per year from a 1 MW engine and offsets 1000 tons of CO2 emissions daily.
Manure from the dairy operation and organic food waste are combined in the anaerobic digester and microorganisms convert sugars, fats, and other compounds into biogas to produce renewable energy. The digestate by-product of the process is an odor-free organic, liquid fertilizer. The farm also receives low-cost energy and hot water and heat for farm operations.
FARM FACTS
950-acre dairy farm
- Founded in 1885
800 Holstein cows/300 milked daily
Located in Spencer, Mass.
- Member of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
DIGESTER FACTS
Construction completed spring 2019
660,000-gallon capacity
160,000-gallon hydrolyzer
FARM BENEFITS
- Income diversification
- Low carbon fertilizer to increase crop yields and protect area soils
Reduced energy cost
- Odor reduction
- Reduction in chemical fertilizer use
- Enhanced nutrient management plan
- Heat reuse
Annual Digester Input
Annual Digester Output
Receives organic waste from food manufacturers and provides renewable energy via net metering credits to businesses
Jordan Dairy Farms in the News
Methane from manure: An income stream to consider
For all the challenges associated with manure, there’s a positive side to this organic substance, as a source of renewable energy that goes well beyond its traditional use as a fertilizer. Vanguard Renewables is working with dairy farms across the nation to solve organic waste disposal challenges, while at the same time producing renewable natural gas that will generate an income stream.
Farmers Benefit from Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion
Renewable energy, sustainability and family farms
Local farms donate thousands of gallons of milk to those in need as market dissolves
Dairy farmers have been forced to dump milk due to the coronavirus pandemic. In response, Dairy Farmers of America has partnered with Vanguard Renewables and HP Hood to fund the donation of 8,600 gallons of milk from Massachusetts farms to local families in need.
People in need received free milk donated by Dairy Farmers of America Massachusetts farms – CBS Boston Coverage
People in need received free milk donated by Dairy Farmers of America Massachusetts farms. Volunteers distributed all 8,600 gallons of milk to approximately 4000 Boston-area residents who arrived by car, motorcycle, bike, and on foot to the May 7 event.