Posted on by Leslie Johnson

Training Development for On-Farm Anaerobic Digester Operators

Purpose

This presentation documents the development of a new training program to be offered by North Carolina Extension (NC Extension), or other qualified entities, to serve on-farm digester operators in the state. This program was developed in response to increased adoption of on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) systems in North Carolina, particularly on swine farms. With proliferation of on-farm digesters and the accompanying methane purification and transfer infrastructure, the availability of adequate training and support to ensure their safe and sustainable operation was a growing concern.

In North Carolina, the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC) was established, by NC General Statutes 143B-300 and 143B-301, to oversee training and certification of water pollution control system operators.  During their quarterly meetings, the commissioners discussed this need and engaged North Carolina State University (NC State University), the 1860 land-grant institution, to provide expertise and support over development and administration of this training program.

What Did We Do?

The training development proceeded over the following steps:

    • Need-to-know (NTKs) compilation: A team of five members representing NC Extension (the authors), NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), and WPCSOCC met at regular intervals (three meetings in total, each 1.5 to 2 hours) to summarize key learning objectives that need to be met by the training program. External stakeholders representing animal industry, digester installers, and farm inspectors were consulted for input and comment on NTKs list (two one-on-one meetings). The NTKs were grouped by topic and divided into five (5) modules. Once finalized, the NTKs were submitted for approval by WPCSOCC during their regular meetings.
    • Training material development: Once the learning objectives were approved, NC Extension team started compiling resources (factsheets, PowerPoint slide decks) from existing NC Extension training materials on the topic, and resources made available by colleagues in peer institutions to prepare training content. Other training content delivered by land-grant and industry associations were consulted during this step. WPCSOCC and NC DEQ representatives also provided some input on content. The developed content was 3-hours in length.
    • Test offering: Once training material was developed, a group of 10 county extension agents with livestock training responsibilities were invited for the first offering of the training. They were encouraged to document impressions, comments, and provide feedback. Changes were made to address gaps, adjust pacing, and include more accessible graphics and data.
    • Official offering: Two sessions were held in September and October 2024 for the following audiences [1] NC DEQ inspectors and supervisors (28 attendees) in Raleigh, NC, and [2] animal producers/operators who operate AD systems, as well as those considering investing in AD systems in Kenansville, NC (36 attendees).
    • Feedback and continued learning: Feedback and questions by attendees were addressed in both sessions. In the second session, a county extension director facilitated compiling questions and shared them with the training leader to address. An open Zoom session was coordinated to bring expertise from regulatory agencies, the swine production sector, and AD technology installers to address these questions collectively. The answers were compiled into a frequently asked questions (FAQs) list that was reviewed by attendees before distribution and publishing on NC Extension portal, NC Swine Newsletter, and relevant trade magazines.

What Have We Learned?

Feedback and interactions with trainees showed growing interest in adopting on-farm anaerobic digesters primarily driven by the monetary value of biomethane sale as a renewable natural gas (RNG). Some cost-share programs further lowered the barrier to entry for many producers. Primary concerns/disincentives include profitability for small and medium size farms, impacts on nutrient management planning, and compliance. The training described above provides an opportunity to engage project developers/installers during the program to provide examples of adoption models without disclosing proprietary information. Clear delineation of responsibilities for the AD system between farm manager, operators, and project team supervision continues to be a priority.

Future Plans

Twice per year offering of the training is planned. Experiential and peer learning through field tours and testimonials by operators of ADs are planned for future offerings. A homepage for AD related content was developed on NC Extension portal including an opportunity to ask questions on the topic. The FAQ list will be continuously updated to answer new and emerging questions.

Authors

Presenting & corresponding author

Mahmoud Sharara, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, msharar@ncsu.edu

Additional author

Mark Rice, Extension Specialist (retired), Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, North Carolina State University, jmrice@ncsu.edu

Additional Information

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Bob Rubin, WPSOCC board member and retired NCSU faculty, Patrick Biggs (NC DEQ), Jeffrey Talbott (NC DEQ), Christine Lawson (NC DEQ), Gus Simmons (Cavanaugh and Associates) , and Smithfield Foods for feedback, assistance, and insights provided during training development.

 

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2025. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth. Boise, ID. April 7-11, 2025. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date. 

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