The 400 kWh CHP system will be installed in Lynden, Washington, about 95 miles north of Seattle. It is scheduled to be installed in late 2010. Lynden-based DARITECH Inc. will build the anaerobic digester, and the Van Dyk Dairy Farm owns and operates the biogas plant. The plant is expected to produce 4706 MW of thermal energy and 3320 MW of electricity per year, with any excess power sold to the grid. The combined heat and power plant uses the 2G agenitor, a thermodynamically optimized MAN cogeneration gas engine coupled with the patented 2G-Drive technology, especially developed for biogas operations. Benefits over conventional MAN, or any other gas engine, include much higher efficiencies, extended life and less maintenance cost.

Helping farmers connect from the heart with the consumer – that is the goal of the Farmer Voices program hosted by American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT). The first phase of Farmer Voices was held July 20-22, 2010, in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Senior, Washington State University Communications Intern with the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association Based in Atlanta, Georgia Background Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I'm studying agricultural communications and animal science. Q. What is your agricultural background? My grandparents were dairy farmers and I grew up showing registered Holsteins and Guernseys in 4-H and open shows across Washington State. Since coming to WSU in 2006, I have been very involved in all of the dairy programs, including Cooperative University Dairy Students, Dairy Challenge and served as Dairy Club president last year.