2014 - Volume #38, Issue #3, Page #18
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Gas-Fired Dryer Cures Dairy Farm's Manure
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“They wanted to further reduce the bacteria in the bedding, so they started ‘baking’ the solids at high temperatures in a natural gas-fired dryer,” says Bryan Pagel at the Ponderosa Dairy. “The high heat of the dryer kills more bacteria, making the solids even better for the cattle to lie on.”
The dryer uses a triple-pass rotating drum system that heats to 1,000°F. Four tons of manure solids go into the dryer per hour, and 2 tons come out.
Given the quantity of gas to be used, the local gas company assisted the Pagels in getting natural gas piped directly to the farm. This required laying a 3-mile pipeline from the nearest existing pipeline.
Once the dryer was in, another benefit was realized. The heat of the manure dryer also kills weed seeds, and the end product is almost odor-free. The solids make a great fertilizer, which is bagged and supplied to area gardeners. While the Pagels are considering expanding to wholesale markets in the future, immediate benefits are clear.
"The dryer is paying for itself in improved animal health," Pagel said. "We are saving a considerable amount of money on mastitis treatment, and have a healthier herd."
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wisconsin Public Service, Attn: Customer Service, P.O. Box 19003, Green Bay, Wis. 54307 (ph 877 444-0888; www.wisconsinpublicservice.com).
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