Amount Requested: $1,000,000
The Northeast region produces 30 billion pounds of milk annually worth about $5 billion and representing nearly 20% of total U.S. milk production.  Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania alone produce 25 billion pounds of milk annually or more than 80% of the total in the Northeast. The regions 15,935 dairy herds range in size from less than 100 cows to well over one thousand head or larger.  The range in herd sizes presents challenges in resolving nutrient management issues in the handling, storage and application of manure and in the development of renewable energy sources from manure. Under current conditions, nutrient surpluses and losses of nitrogen and phosphorous to air, ground water and surface water resources are of major concern to producers and surrounding communities. At the same time high energy costs have significantly affected dairy farmer income.  And renewable energy production from ethanol has increased the feed costs of corn and soybeans to dairy producers.  Energy production from manure needs further evaluation in order to develop manure management systems that provide a continued source of renewable energy for the farm and for the communities in the region. Given the increased emphasis on renewable energy sources nationally, the project has wide ranging implications.

The requested funds would be used primarily to entertain Requests for Proposals from Land Grant Universities and the private sector to evaluate technologies for producing renewable energy from manure and reducing or eliminating water discharges and air emissions from manure. Over 90 percent of the funds would be utilized for these purposes. The remainder would be utilized for administrative expenses such as office space, staff and travel.