Meet An Anaerobic Digester

Operator

IDEAL FAMILY FARMS, LLC

Beavertown, Pennsylvania

Let's Meet...

Dennis Brubaker, Member/Partner

Anaerobic Digester Type: Complete Mix
Operating Since: July 2011

Why did you build a digester?

Our swine farm consists of a 4,400 head nursery and
10,350 finishing spaces. Manure disposal and energy
costs made up a large part of our on-farm operating
expenses. When energy costs spiked in 2008, we knew
we had to gain more control over our highest operating
costs. We looked at wind, solar and digesters. The
digester allowed us to generate 2.5 times our on-farm
electric needs and offset 50% of our heating costs. It was
the most beneficial option.

What are the challenges for your system?

Our system was designed to handle approximately 50%
more feedstock than our farm produces because we
anticipated receiving outside food waste products to
maximize capacity. However, we have not been able to
make the right connections with food waste sources and
are operating at partial system capacity.

What is the biggest benefit for your operating
project?

We found a way to dispose of 7 million gallons of
manure annually and achieve tremendous cost savings.
We added revenue to the farm through energy savings
and sale of excess electricity, and are also able to use
the waste heat to heat our nursery barn. Our neighbors
are happy too; they reported a reduction in odors after
the digester was installed.

Any advice for those seeking to build a system?

•	Allow adequate time. Our process took about three
years from research to operation.

•	Do your research and visit existing systems if
possible. This will help you decide on a specific
design that will work for your needs.

•	Work with reputable companies who can offer
assistance and support from start to finish to make
the process much smoother

-------