 These Yakima dairy cows are creating energy in the form of milk and manure. OUTLOOK, Wash. – Dan DeRuyter, owner at George DeRuyter & Sons Dairy, sums up the dairy farm storyline well: “Without the manure, you don’t have fertilizer for your crops, but if you use it in the right way, it can be a benefit in many different ways.” For this Yakima dairy farm, manure provides an opportunity not just for improved crop production, but also for increasing sustainability far beyond the farm’s borders. Like any dairy farm, the focus is milk production, but the by-product of manure turns out to be a renewable resource that is equally valuable. Not only does George DeRuyter & Sons Dairy use their manure as fertilizer, it is also creating clean energy through a manure digester. The dairy industry in the Yakima Valley is highly regulated. The DeRuyter family responded to this by seeking new technologies for their farm. The advancements they have chosen to utilize meet quality standards and improve the environment. These technological elements, which include the digester, are features considered to be the most advanced water and clean air measures that can be taken at a dairy production facility.  DeRuyter collaborates regularly with energy and soil specialists to improve existing manure technologies on his farm. DeRuyter shares that his perspective on dairy farming is creating an “ecosystem.” Dairy farming is a closed-loop system where cows produce milk and manure. The manure is then used as a fertilizer for the crops that cows consume. Manure is truly a valuable resource to a dairy farm. “We shouldn’t think of manure as a waste,” says DeRuyter’s Soil Scientist, Scott Stephen at AgriManagement Inc.. “When handled properly, it meets all the nutritional demands a crop needs to grow effectively.” In addition to spreading the manure on their crops in the recommended timeline as provided by his state-required Dairy Nutrient Management Plan and CAFO permit, the manure provides additional resources for DeRuyter’s farm. DeRuyter’s manure digester is one such feature. A manure digester is a closed separation system, usually in the form of a tank that uses anaerobic digestion to convert manure into other products such as biogas, bedding material, and/or soil nutrients. With the absence of oxygen, microorganisms are able to break down the manure, eliminating nearly all the potentially harmful bacteria, and turning the manure into more readily available forms of nutrients, perfect for plants. And, of course, it also produces renewable energy! For this dairy farm specifically, the digester is able to convert methane and other gases in the manure into compressed natural gas. Once the gas is collected, the solids are separated out and used as bedding for the cows. Thus, not only is it creating something beneficial for the cows, it is providing renewable energy for the surrounding community. A second separation system called a Dissolved Air Flotation system (or DAF), creates solids that are used for crop enhancement. DAF is a technology that separates solids and nutrients from wastewater or manure. This helps to produce a nutrient-dense solid that serves as a vital source of nutrients for dairy farm crops. The DAF also plays a role in creating a low-solids water that can be used for irrigation and other purposes. Using this process, ensures that the farm is reducing water waste.
It is crucial that a dairy manages its manure well, since manure is such a vital resource for crops. By incorporating these steps to the processing of manure, George DeRuyter & Sons dairy ensures that the manure is being managed properly and in a way that positively affects the environment. It also supplies the crops with the exact nutrients it needs to thrive. Dan Evans, President of Promus Energy LLC, spoke to the greater value of these projects for the animals and the community. “Using these systems, there are benefits to cow comfort and health. The flush flume system is cleaner and [the cows] are more comfortable using digested dairy fiber as bedding. But the most rewarding thing is the environmental footprint of this dairy is much smaller…this farm is reducing the amount of methane that comes off their lagoon by about 70%.” Taking care of land and animals is an investment in the future. George DeRuyter & Sons Dairy cares about their cows, employees, and community. Manure management is simply one part of that investment. Story coverage made possible thanks to support from
Special thanks to George DeRuyter & Sons DairyCinematography by Guardian MediaWatch other videos in the REAL series
0 Comments
 Austin Allred of Royal Dairy (right) works intentionally with agronomist Stuart Turner (left) to seek climate focused solutions for dairy farming. ROYAL CITY, Wash. – Royal Dairy has its sights set beyond ‘carbon neutral.’ Instead it’s looking for carbon negative solutions that actually capture and store more carbon than the dairy emits. Being carbon neutral is something that many businesses aspire to, but reaching carbon negative has recently been recognized as a real possibility for Washington dairy farms. The steps Royal Dairy is taking to become a carbon-negative farm are examples of the many ways farmers are working toward improving our environment, across Washington state and beyond. Austin Allred, owner of Royal Dairy, acknowledges climate change is an issue, but instead of seeing dairy farming as a problem in this equation, he believes cows are a solution for climate change. “If we were to focus on cows as the solution, not the problem, we can unlock our soil to bank all the carbon we want,” he says. Because of the climate-focused practices Allred has developed, Stuart Turner, his agronomist, believes that Royal Dairy could be the first carbon-negative dairy. Although there are many different styles, an efficient nutrient management system is an important part of all WA dairy farms. Through feeding high quality ingredients to their cattle, dairy farmers also harvest a nutrient-packed organic fertilizer in the form of manure.  With 5 acres of worm beds, Royal Dairy is able to filter their liquid manure through to create clean recycled water. “We harvest the crops and feed that to the cow. The cow uses some of that energy in the form of the product that we desire, which is milk. And then the rest of it is in the form of liquid or solid manure,” Turner says. To most people, manure is usually seen as a waste product, but this is not the case for dairy farms. All of the liquid and solid manure on any given dairy farm can be captured and used as fertilizer. On Royal Dairy, the solid components of the manure are used as compost, while the liquid goes through a unique filtration system. This system uses worms and microbes to filter nutrients out of liquid manure. The end result is clean water that can be used to irrigate crops, and organic compost that can be used as fertilizer. Using manure or compost on the soil also helps to enhance the quality. With their filtration system, Royal Dairy can also recycle the worm castings and wood shavings as fertilizer. With proper nutrient and irrigation practices, crop and soil health are improved. Another practice to improve soil health is using no-till cropping, or in Royal Dairy’s case, strip-tilling, which is a minimal-tillage method that only disturbs the soil in areas where seeds will be planted. By reducing the amount of soil tilled, carbon stays in the soil rather than escaping into the air. Also, soil microbes as well as plant root systems are protected so they can continue to feed crops and store even more carbon. “All these pieces contribute to having a soil that is healthy and pulling carbon out of the air and banking it.” says Allred. This creates a sustainable closed-loop system that animal agriculture is best known for. These practices are only the beginning. Allred and Turner firmly believe that agriculture can be a solution for climate change. As more data is gathered, more practices can be developed and Washington dairy farmers will continue to adapt their systems. Working together, agriculture can be part of the equation to solving climate change and creating a better environment for all of us. To learn more about how dairy farmers are sequestering carbon, we recommend the following articles: The Daily Churn Seattle Times The Organic Magazine The Cheese Professor
Compost and cover crops, practices regularly used on Washington dairy farms, are two viable solutions for reducing carbon emissions. Story coverage made possible thanks to support from
Watch other videos in the REAL series The 360 Rain, once set up is completely autonomous and can be monitored from a phone, said Travis Roosma of Farmers Equipment. LYNDEN, Wash. – Two Whatcom County dairy farmers recently became owners of an innovative, efficient irrigation system. Crediting support from the Whatcom Conservation District and Farmers Equipment, Leroy Plagerman and his son, Leighton, of Bel Lyn Farms both spoke highly about their new 360 Rain irrigation system. “We’ve always been all about the next level of automation and what we can do to be more efficient on our farm,” said Leroy. Fortunately, the 360 Rain irrigation system fits these ideals. With the looming water rights adjudication in Whatcom County, this system is a way to significantly increase water use efficiency. Farmers using this machine can both increase environmental sustainability on their farms and get stronger yields. The 360 Rain efficiency rating is at 95% compared to traditional “big gun” methods at 50%; it can apply lower volumes of water to a field and achieve better results. Additionally, 360 Rain is completely autonomous, and once set up can be completely monitored from a phone or computer, leading to labor savings over traditional systems.  The 360 Rain applies water close to the grow, allowing little drift and ensuring application consistency. Having previously used “big gun” irrigation reels, Leighton expressed the concern of watching water just blow away on a windy day. With the 360 Rain, water droplets are applied close to the ground, allowing for little drift and water loss, even with wind. The Plagermans noted how vital a role the Whatcom Conservation District had in bringing the 360 Rain in, providing significant cost share funding and expertise to the project. Whatcom CD technician Trevor Gearhart noted the role projects like this play in the Conservation Districts goals. “As a Conservation District we work to help all landowners with natural resource issues. This project is a great way to decrease water use and increase productivity," said Trevor. And for farmers, this irrigator’s effectiveness in productivity and efficiency really creates a win/win. Aric VanderHaak from 360 Rain local dealer Farmer’s Equipment, notes: “After a few months, we are seeing better crop yields - grass more luscious green and the corn is level with no dry spots”  Story made possible thanks to our sponsors & collaborators
Videography by Guardian Media Mike Jaynes, who works as Environment Compliance Manager at Darigold sees this project as a win for both the city and the dairy industry. WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – The Lynden Plant is what Darigold, a northwest dairy farming cooperative, calls their ingredient plant. Using milk shipped in from dairy farmers across Whatcom County, they produce milk powder that supplies food processing facilities all over the world. Yet this isn’t the only “ingredient” that Darigold contributes to the greater community. The water by-product derived from the dehydrated milk supplies a clean and reliable source of recycled water. “We are always looking for different ways that we can reduce our impact,” said Mike Jaynes, Environmental Compliance Manager at Darigold. Although brainstorming on it occurred for years, a project finally completed in 2022 provided an impactful opportunity for Darigold. “In the early 2000s, Lynden’s water rights were exceeded and the Department of Ecology was encouraging us to find new sources of water,” shared Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis. In a plan facilitated by the city of Lynden, water that was once a wastestream became a valuable resource. Thanks to Darigold, the Department of Ecology, and a team of leaders in the city of Lynden, a steady flow of distilled water from Darigold now enters the Nooksack River using an old water line at the Hannegan Road bridge.  Having pushed for this project for years, Mayor of Lynden, Scott Korthuis, is proud to see it finally completed. With thousands of pounds of powdered milk produced weekly by Darigold and the population of Lynden continuing to grow, this unlikely partnership makes sense. In doing this service, Darigold reduces their output of wastewater and provides the city of Lynden with a water rights credit. While the water coming from the plant is tested regularly, any water of concern goes through treatment at the Lynden Water Treatment plant. In all, claimed Jaynes, the wastewater actually comes out significantly cooler and cleaner than the water in the river itself, and in turn, having positive effects to the biology of the river. The Nooksack River, which plays an important role in the city of Lynden by supplying water to the city of Lynden and creating habitat for an array of wildlife, is the main water source that moves through Whatcom County. “It’s exciting to see how Darigold can take milk and make a dry product of it ... and that milk is supplied to customers throughout the entire world, and a side benefit is that Lynden gets that water from it.” summarized Korthuis. To learn more about how the project came into fruition, read stories from Darigold and the Lynden Tribune.
Story made possible thanks to our sponsors and collaborators
 Frank Lapsansky, a Whatcom County local, has partnered with fruit farmers across the west coast, using his falcons as a way to manage pests on site. LYNDEN, Wash. – Whatcom County berry farmers are turning to a surprising method of protecting their crops from a damaging pest…without the use of pesticides or lethal means. The European Starling can eat up to 15% of a fruit crop and cause even more in damage and spread of disease. Pest control for deterring starlings comes in many forms. For Enfield Farms, a berry grower in Whatcom County, security of their crop comes by using trained falcons like cooper's hawks. These raptors have been proven to eliminate 99% of the pest birds in fruit fields and orchards across Washington state. Falconry on farms works because the starlings and other pest birds recognize the trained falcons as a predator. “I [use] birds that are indigenous to this area that eat starlings and have taught it behaviors to make it look like it is hunting.” says Frank Lapsansky, a falconer based in Whatcom County. Lapsansky has been flying his birds over the fields of berry growers and other fruit crops for many years. The act of flying a bird over a field for a few minutes every day can deter pest birds that would otherwise cause significant damage to the fruit or crop. After all, the hard work put into the crops were not meant to be a food source for the birds, but for humans. The falcon’s presence promises security of the crop and higher yields for the farmer.  Kevin Berendsen, Agronomist at Enfield Farms, says that falconry has provided a level of bird control that they haven't seen from any other method. Enfield Farms, which has been using falconry as a pest control mechanism for over a decade, has seen the benefits of this strategy firsthand. Kevin Berendsen, agronomist at Enfield Farms, says that the falcons have taught the starlings that their berry fields are “not a sanctuary to come and eat”. As the falcon visits become more frequent in the fields, the starlings assume that the falcon lives there. Over time, although it is just an estimate, berry yield does increase. Berendsen and other members of the Enfield Farms team agree that “[Falconry] has provided a level of bird control that we have not been able to get through any other means.” This method has proven to be effective not just in berry, but many other crops across Washington state. It is a holistic and eco-friendly approach, and beyond that it proves to be more effective than streamers, cannons, and other loud noises to scare off unwanted birds. Story made possible thanks to our sponsors and collaborators.
 Riparian zone buffer on Alluvial Farms EVERSON, Wash. – “When it comes to buffers, there’s not really a one-size-fits-all” says Gavin Willis, Ag Water Board of Whatcom County. On Alluvial Farms, Katie Pencke and Matthew McDermott established a 180 foot buffer at their first-generation hog and hemp farm located on a tributary stream of the Nooksack watershed. According to Willis, “A buffer is a section of riparian zone plantings in between the creek and activity zone next to it”. Willis also notes that farmland is the most common type of land residing beside streams and rivers in Whatcom County watersheds. On a livestock operation, Pencke recognizes “There’s always going to be some type of run-off and we need to keep that out of the creek”. In the case of Alluvial Farms, putting in a riparian zone buffer as a filtration system just made sense. In the winter, their pigs are kept indoors and due to the heavy use of that area, Pencke and McDermott determined a filtration system must be present to protect the fish-bearing stream adjacent to their farm. However, as Willis points out, while farmland serves as a viable location for riparian zone buffers, not all farms require the same large buffers as the one established on Alluvial Farms. According to Willis, specific plant types and buffer widths are a major benefactor for determining the necessary buffer size and type on each given land area. Farmers and/or landowners should work directly with local agencies to create buffers unique to their situations and needs. For Pencke and McDermott, the buffer is part of their farm’s legacy and in the meantime, it provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife including salmon, insects, birds, and native plants. Like all farmers of Whatcom County, they are eager to establish a future for agriculture through their work in restoring the ecosystem and creating a connection between consumers and their food. Learn more about their story at alluvialfarms.com/# Story coverage made possible thanks to support from
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Imagine an opportunity presented to you that is both beneficial financially and ecologically — a program that helps you restore your livelihood and promotes a beautiful place to live.
The Conservation Easement Program (CEP) is a voluntary program created to protect working lands in important ecological areas. Whatcom County compensates landowners for the value of their land by paying the landowner the value in residential development potential. Instead of developing residential spaces or even farming the land, land is set aside for the purpose of conservation and is now protected. Better yet, it comes with a significant financial perk for the farmer. As Becky Snijder van Wissenkerke, CEP Administrator, puts it, “This program allows farmers to unlock the value of the development right potential, and they can reinvest that money into their farm.” Cougar Creek Ranch is one farm that has benefitted from CEP. Karl Prisk, landowner of Cougar Creek Ranch, set aside some land on his farm that is completely protected, and un-farmed. Yet, he sees this action of land conservation as a positive step for his ranch. Following in the footsteps of previous generations on a farm that has been in his family since 1912, his mindset in farming is protecting the land in order that future generations can reap the benefits too. With the funds from CEP, Cougar Creek Ranch was able to rebuild their barn, put in new water lines, and more. Furthermore, putting easement on land with creeks and forested areas like Cougar Creek Ranch protects areas like riparian zones. This prevents erosion and becomes a natural habitat for species like salmon, cougar, deer, and native plants that support a healthy ecosystem. Thus, this is an action that benefits many species all around. “CEP was invested in our vision… and keeps farms farms” says Prisk. It is clear that taking the action on protecting this land is a valuable option in the toolbox for farmers when it comes to conservation of farmland in Whatcom County. To learn more about the Conservation Easement Program, go to https://whatcomcounty.us/573/Conservation-Easement-Program  Nearly 4000 acres of riparian buffers have been planted in Whatcom County through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Kamm Creek flows through the northern parts of Whatcom County, starting near the Canadian border, meandering through farmland and eventually flowing into the mainstem of the Nooksack River. Like other lowland streams in the Nooksack Basin, Kamm Creek provides critical spawning and rearing habitat for salmon. Unfortunately, a culvert near the headwaters of the creek blocked access to its upper reaches, limiting the amount of habitat accessible to salmon. Fred Polinder’s family had owned and farmed the tract of land where the culvert was located for nearly a century, and when the Whatcom Conservation District approached him about replacing the culvert with a bridge he was happy to oblige. Removing the culvert allows fish to more easily travel through the entire stream, and still allows the cows that graze in the area to access pastures on both sides of the stream. After completion of the fish passage barrier removal project, the Conservation District asked Polinder if he would be willing to participate in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or CREP. CREP is a voluntary stewardship program that pays landowners in order to establish riparian (stream side) buffers on fish-bearing creeks. “Along the creek we wanted to have a larger buffer so that we could work with having animals here, still be able to graze, and not do damage to the fish habitat,” said Polinder. Riparian buffers provide a number of benefits to salmon habitat. Among those are improvements in water quality by filtering runoff, stabilizing stream banks with root systems, providing shade to keep water cool, and creating habitat complexity and supporting insect populations that act as food for salmon. Since 2000, the CREP program in Whatcom County has created riparian buffers on nearly 230 miles of stream banks, with over 1.4 million seedlings planted. You can learn more about the CREP program at https://www.whatcomcd.org/crep  Riparian buffers were installed that extend 50 feet from each bank of the stream. Story coverage made possible thanks to support from |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed