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This past month has been an exciting time for us as we've been busy with multiple systems coming online in Colorado. Our team has been on the ground, commissioning systems that will become part of large biogas projects.

By implementing the First Wave system, these farms are now better equipped to maximize the value of manure both as a nutrient source and as a new revenue stream. This enhances their operational efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. We're thrilled to see the positive impact of these installations and are looking forward to continuing our work in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Following our recent visit to Japan, another delegation has made its way to the LWR Innovation Center to learn more about our advanced manure treatment technologies. This visit underscores the growing international interest in LWR’s innovative solutions and our commitment to fostering global collaborations in sustainable agriculture.

As we enter the peak of the growing season, it's crucial to focus on effective nutrient management, especially when utilizing manure as fertilizer. While we've previously discussed the composition of manure, it's now time to delve into the steps needed to maximize its benefits. This marks the beginning of a 4-part series on the 4 R's of Nutrient Management:

In this first installment, we will explore the importance of choosing the right source of nutrients.

Right Source: Maximizing Manure's Potential

Manure is an exceptional fertilizer option readily available on most farms with livestock. It contains all 14 essential nutrients for plant growth and is rich in organic matter, making it a superfood for your crops. However, to fully harness its potential, certain steps need to be taken.

Key Benefits of Manure:

Enhancing Manure Through Solid-Liquid Separation

To maximize the benefits of manure, separating the solids is an effective strategy. This process isolates phosphorous and organic nitrogen, leading to several advantages.

Using LWR’s First Wave System:

Immediate Benefits of Filtrate

The filtrate left from the First Wave system can be immediately beneficial to your crops. It contains ammonium nitrogen, which is readily available and essential for crop growth, especially as plants are establishing their root systems.

Filtrate Advantages:

Choosing the right nutrient source is crucial for effective nutrient management. Manure, when properly utilized and enhanced through solid-liquid separation, becomes a powerhouse for nutrient application, leading to improved crop yields and soil health. In the next installment of our series, we will explore the "Right Rate" to ensure you're applying nutrients efficiently and effectively.

Have a question? Click the link below to connect with me today!

We are thrilled to share the Kendra Donnelly, Managing Partner and CFO of Rimrock Cattle Company and Korova Feeders Ltd., has been recognized as one of the seven honourees of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture (IWCA) program by Annex Business Media’s Agriculture group. This well deserved recognition celebrates Kendra's dedication, innovation, and impact in Canada's agricultural sector.

Kendra is recognized alongside Sabine Banniza of Saskatchewan, Chris Brown, Kimberley Cathline, and Mel Luymes of Ontario, and Liz Robertson and Cheryle Warkentine of Manitoba .

With over 30 years in business, Kendra has played a pivotal role in managing and advancing her family-run operations. Rimrock Cattle Company and Korova Feeders Ltd. are known for their commitment to becoming 100% RCC and steel (no wood!), and their focus on research and development. Kendra also serves as a director for the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association, further contributing to the industry.

Pictured Above: Kendra Donnelly was one of 10 finalists who took the stage yesterday during Inventure$ for the SVG Ventures | THRIVE & Alberta Innovates Climate Challenge Pitch Finals, featuring groundbreaking solutions in advancing the biofuel value chain, on-farm energy, and water stewardship. 

Throughout the summer, Kendra and her fellow honourees will share their stories, insights, and advice through the AgAnnex Talks podcast series. In the fall, they will participate in the live, half-day virtual IWCA Summit. This recognition follows in the footsteps of our CEO, Karen Schuett, who was honored with this recognition in 2020. 

Join us in congratulating Kendra on this well-deserved honor and celebrating the ongoing contributions of women in agriculture!

This month let’s dive into the world of anaerobic digesters and the benefits of solid-liquid separation in collecting solids with higher volatile content prior to digestion.

Anaerobic digesters are a key technology in sustainable waste management. By breaking down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, these systems produce biogas—a renewable energy source—along with nutrient-rich digestate.

How Anaerobic Digesters Work:

The Role of Solid-Liquid Separation

One of the critical steps in optimizing anaerobic digestion is the solid-liquid separation of the waste streams prior to digestion. This process involves separating the waste streams into solid and liquid fractions, each of which can be managed and utilized more effectively. This can easily be done using LWR’s first wave system and the coagulants and flocculants discussed in April’s Fast Facts.

Benefits of Solid-Liquid Separation:

Sustainable Benefits

The integration of solid-liquid separation with anaerobic digestion not only enhances biogas production but also supports a circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources. This process helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and improve soil health.

LWR has an assortment of different lab-scale bioreactors to run anaerobic digestion trials on. We have two small 15 mL bioreactors to test substrate inoculum compatibility, equipped with various sensors for modeling. We also have a mid-size 500 mL system for testing treatability of the generated digestate, and a large 2 L bioreactor for larger scale sample digestion.

Looking Ahead

Next month, we’ll explore more innovative technologies and practices in waste management. Stay tuned as we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future.

Thank you for your commitment to environmental sustainability. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and making a positive impact on our planet.

Until next time, stay green and stay inspired!

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Funding will support the development of a technology platform that will transform animal agriculture waste into sustainable fuel and fertilizer.

Figure 8 Environmental has received a $274,922 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a groundbreaking technology that recovers ammonia from livestock manure.

This innovative process aims to transform animal agriculture waste into sustainable fuel and fertilizer, boasting a 90% ammonia recovery rate. This development not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides economically viable, clean energy solutions for the agriculture and maritime industries. Click the button below to read the full press release and stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

Are you the owner or operator of the PLANT or FIRST WAVE system? Join us this summer for Operator Training! 

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to enhance your expertise and optimize your system's performance. The training will focus on understanding data collection and advanced analytics, powered by LWR's cutting-edge Machine Learning technology.

Unlock the full potential of your system as we delve into practical insights and best practices. Space is limited, so claim your spot today and take your operation to the next level!

If you're looking to secure funding for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements, the REAP program intake deadline is quicky approaching. This program covers a wide range of eligible projects, offering significant opportunities for enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency. It's the perfect opportunity to invest in LWR's First Wave or PLANT system. Applications are due by June 30, 2024.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant is designed to support projects that enhance the resilience of food systems through innovative and sustainable practices. Eligible projects include those that improve water management, nutrient recycling, and overall sustainability in agriculture. (Need we say more!?)

Key Deadlines by State:

Don't miss this opportunity to advance your sustainable farming practices with the support of the RFSI Grant. For more information and application details, visit the grant's official website or contact us directly to discuss your project.

We recently had the opportunity to open our Innovation Center doors to Prairies Economic Development Canada. The group included Assistant Deputy Minister Alastair MacFadden, Director General Shelagh Hayes, and Senior Business Officer Shanon McAreavy, toured our facility to explore our cutting-edge manure treatment technologies and learn more about the innovative processes that drive sustainable livestock water recycling. We are proud to showcase the exciting work our team is doing as we continue our mission to maximize the benefits of on-farm manure processing!

Green Impact Partners (GIP) plans to create a Future Energy Park in southeast Calgary that will eventually be home to North America's largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas project. Rendering courtesy GIP.

Green Impact Partners Inc. has received significant regulatory approval from the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas for its $1.2 billion Future Energy Park. Located on the eastern edge of Calgary, this state-of-the-art facility will produce renewable natural gas and ethanol from non-food grade waste-wheat and manure, merging Alberta's energy and agriculture sectors.

The project is expected to create approximately 800 jobs during its 24-month construction phase and about 100 direct and indirect jobs during its operation. Once operational, it is projected to generate over $150 million in annual revenue for local wheat producers and will significantly contribute to both provincial and municipal tax revenues. The facility aims to produce over 3.5 million MMBtu of renewable natural gas, 300 million liters of cellulosic equivalent ethanol, and 350,000 tonnes of high-quality wet distillers’ grain annually, positioning it as North America’s largest carbon-negative biofuels facility.

By integrating manure into its feedstock, the Future Energy Park not only addresses waste management but also enhances the facility's sustainability and environmental impact.

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This edition of Fast Facts has been prepared by: