Yes, and we do! Sheland Farms, a 600 cow dairy farm in the Town of Ellisburg, uses the manure from its cows to generate electricity to run the farm. In fact, at times of low electricity use on the farm, local residences may have their lights lit by cow power! The farm at peak electricity production produces enough electricity to power all the homes in the nearby hamlet of Belleville, NY.

Simply put, the manure is squeezed to separate some of the solids out of the manure. The solids go through a giant composter to become bedding for the cows. The remaining liquid goes into a giant white tank. Bacteria in the tank eat the nutrients in the manure and form methane gas. The gas is collected from the giant tank, cleaned, and then run through an engine where electricity is generated!

There are times, mostly during hot periods in the summer, when the farm still takes power off the grid to help power the giant fans that air condition the cows. At other times when energy consumption is low, power is sent back over the grid to help power homes and businesses nearby.