*Extended comments highlighted in blue.
| Kevin Phillips Waynesboro, Va. |
Dairy digesters have gained very little attention in our area because the average-size dairy here is 100 cows and 200 acres.
In 2003, we applied for an EQIP [Environmental Quality Incentives Program] grant from USDA to install a methane digester. Once we went through a feasibility study of pros and cons for a dairy of our size, there was no way to get close to achieving a positive cash flow, even with the grant. The cost of building and operating the digester was way more than the return.
It would be good to see someone design a more cost-efficient system for a medium-size operation. We are always looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly and keep our relationship with the urban population on a positive footing. But too many times I feel like we are taking dollars chasing quarters instead of quarters chasing dollars.
I have not studied carbon credits and am very reluctant to say something that I know very little about.
| Phillips’ January Prices | |
| Milk (3.5% bf, 3.0% prt): | $15.67cwt. (gross) |
| Cull cows: | $42/cwt. |
| Springing heifers: | $1,350/head |
| Alfalfa hay: | $200/ton (if you can find it) |
| Cottonseed: | $220/ton |
| Ground corn: | $175/ton |
| Soybean meal (48%): | $350/ton |
