AURI report highlights opportunity for biogas growth via on-farm anaerobic digesters
CROOKSTON, Minn. — August 14, 2025 — A recent report estimates Minnesota has the potential to produce enough biogas to meet over 13% of the state’s natural gas demand. The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)’s new report, The Biogas Opportunity for Minnesota Farmers: A Business Guide for On-farm Anaerobic Digestion, is a roadmap to capitalize on that opportunity.
Anaerobic digestion is the breakdown of organic waste—like manure and food waste—in the absence of oxygen. It can create biogas to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), electricity, vehicle fuel, and heat. The digested materials from anaerobic digestion can also be used as fertilizer, animal bedding, and more.
“On-farm anaerobic digestion is not a new concept, but this guide shows the potential for Minnesota farmers to expand the use of digesters and create a bigger market that would help power the state’s economic engine,” says Luca Zullo, AURI’s senior director of science and technology. “In addition to being another revenue source, on-farm digesters offer other benefits like producing renewable energy, enhancing water quality, and reducing odor and greenhouse gases.”
The report highlights information including:
- Biogas potential in the United States and Minnesota
- Herd size considerations when looking at anaerobic digestion on a farm
- Different models of on-farm anaerobic digestion and partnerships
- Logistics of building and operating an anaerobic digestion system
- Costs and potential savings associated with on-farm anaerobic digestion systems
- Regulations related to on-farm anaerobic digestion systems
- The risks and benefits of this type of system on a farm
- How AURI can help with the process
“As demand for renewable clean energy continues to increase, Minnesota farmers have the opportunity to meet that demand and produce valuable byproducts by including anaerobic digesters on their farms,” explains Brad Matuska, business development director at AURI. “It’s a great use of resources we already have at our fingertips.”
In addition to the report, AURI’s Ag Innovation News podcast episode, “Is an Anaerobic Digester Right for Your Farm,” features biogas as the topic. In the interview, host Dan Skogen and AURI’s Brad Matuska discuss the use of anaerobic digesters on farms and the benefits they could provide to Minnesota farmers and the state.
Learn more about biogas opportunities by reading the full report, listening to the podcast, or visiting the AURI website.
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ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
Brad Matuska, Business Development Director Biomass Feedstocks
Office: 218.281.7600 ext. 143
Mobile: 320.267.3340
bmatuska@auri.org