Addressing Global Warming (01:37)

FREE PREVIEW

A Vermont initiative may reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting family farms.

Vermont Dairy Sector (04:32)

Family farmers demonstrate their herds and operations. Increased milk productivity has decreased carbon footprints over time.

Preserving Agricultural Heritage (03:18)

Vermont dairy farmers discuss the need to increase efficiency. Learn how volatile pricing has put operations out of business; citizens are rallying to save family farms from suburban development.

Vermont Dairy Digesters (02:58)

Methane digesters were developed during the '70s energy crisis. David Dunn identified funding as an obstacle to implementing the technology on farms.

Cow Power Concept (02:34)

Learn now Green Mountain Power and the Vermont state government created renewable energy development funds to finance methane digesters on farms.

Implementing Methane Digesters (04:30)

Vermont farmers participate in Cow Power for business and environmental reasons. Learn the process of converting manure into electricity to power local homes.

Environmental Benefits (03:01)

Learn how methane digesters recycle nutrients for fertilizing crops, rather than polluting waterways. The process also removes manure odors.

Cow Power Byproducts (01:57)

Learn how methane digesters produce bedding and compost— recycling materials and saving farms money.

Economic Challenges (02:59)

Learn how tight profit margins and unstable milk prices made dairy farmers unable to improve methane digester technology on their own.

Cow Power Community Program (03:17)

Wholesale energy prices weren't financially sustainable. Learn how Vermont customers pay a voluntary tariff to offset dairy digester costs and support local farmers.

Cow Power Customers (03:24)

Dunn recruited Vermont businesses such as Long Trail Brewery to purchase electricity from dairy farms and support the renewable energy program.

Carbon Neutrality Goals (01:56)

Green Mountain College purchases electricity from the Cow Power program. Lean how carbon offset credits work.

Green Business Strategies (01:33)

Vermont company owners discuss using the Cow Power program as an environmental marketing tool.

Cow Power Results (02:52)

With community and government support, Vermont's methane digester energy program is economically viable and growing.

Promoting Renewable Technology (04:22)

Digesters could cover 10% of U.S. energy needs, but are only available in Vermont. Farmers and customers discuss how to market the program as environmental and stimulating local economies.

Cow Power Future (04:23)

Program partners discuss promoting methane digester technology, preserving Vermont dairies, and improving agricultural sustainability nationwide.

Cow Power Movement (02:28)

Methane digesters provide renewable energy and promote farm sustainability. Dunn urges other states to follow Vermont's example.

Credits: Cow Power: Vermonters Turning Manure Into Energy (03:36)

Credits: Cow Power: Vermonters Turning Manure Into Energy