Sure, carbon markets are volatile. Sure, the market is theoretically best suited for a large dairy farm, even those providing manure into a community digester. But that didn’t stop Michael Crinion of Ash Grove Dairy.

While recent changes in policy and markets have added uncertainty to the economics of digesters, the technology remains a valuable option for dairies looking to improve sustainability, prepare for a carbon-conscious future and manage manure more effectively.

What opportunities are available to create more value from dairy waste? For three individuals, creating more value lay in what was available to them and the relationships they were willing to build with neighbors and industry stakeholders.

Academia, industry allies and dairy producers each brought unique perspectives for how to best manage dairy waste at the 2025 Midwest Manure Summit Feb. 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From anaerobic digesters to in-season applications to fiber bedding and more, manure has gone from a waste to a valuable resource on dairy farms of all sizes, as highlighted during the one-day event.

On Friday, Oct. 4, current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack returned to World Dairy Expo to say he accepted that challenge to develop strategies that help small and midsized operations continue to be in business.

RNG opportunities on farms are becoming more cost-effective, with improved technology and affordability, much like the evolution of color TVs. For those considering RNG, many third-party resources, including attorneys, CPAs, lenders and others experienced in the process, can help evaluate what makes sense for your operation.

Growth and transformation have been hallmarks of the biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) industry in North America in recent years. New regulations, technology advancements and increased interest from a range of industries in carbon markets have fueled this evolution.

There are several sustainability programs available for producers to adapt on their farms to receive carbon credits or some other incentive payment in return.