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Anaerobic Digester Efficiency on U.S. Dairy Operations

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  • Robson, Beatrice

Abstract

Agrifood systems contribute one-third of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, about half of which originate from livestock through biological processes like enteric fermentation and manure. Anaerobic digesters are a technology that can reduce manure-based methane emissions, and in many cases convert the methane into energy that can be sold or used on-farm. Despite multiple supportive policies and subsidies, adoption remains limited. This study examines anaerobic digesters on United States dairy operations through the EPA-USDA AgSTAR database, exploring determinants to the emission abatement and the privately desirable energy outputs. Stochastic frontier production analysis is then used to model the efficiency of operational digesters, with implications for climate policy analysis and profitability studies for dairy operators. The average emissions abatement efficiency is found to be around 70%, and the average energy generation slightly lower, indicating opportunities for improvement both in terms of climate performance and cost-offsetting energy outputs.

Suggested Citation

  • Robson, Beatrice, 2025. "Anaerobic Digester Efficiency on U.S. Dairy Operations," 2025 AAEA & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting, July 27-29, 2025, Denver, CO 361181, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea25:361181
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.361181
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aigner, Dennis & Lovell, C. A. Knox & Schmidt, Peter, 1977. "Formulation and estimation of stochastic frontier production function models," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 6(1), pages 21-37, July.
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