Incentivize Innovation in the Cattle and Beef Industry

This effort will focus on manure and waste management of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), methane capture and reuse, organic fertilizer use, and other innovative technologies to help keep Montana beef in-state to reduce transportation emissions.

Digestion of manure and similar wastes allows for the capture and reuse of methane as energy and captures these pollutants before they enter the atmosphere or water. The energy used from methane can be used within the operation. The digested manure and wastes can be broken down into organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizers which can be used locally to help reduce transportation emissions, as well as the use of synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, separating these fertilizers can aid with strategic application which can improve water quality and soil health.

This measure aims to distribute $9 million in grants over 4 years. These grants are intended to support businesses in the adoption of innovative technologies, waste digesters, equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

A few goals of this incentive are to house 25,000 head of finishing cattle under innovative feed systems per year, for 4 years; digesting 45,000 tons of manure per year for 4 years; and 2MW solar PV installed per year for 4 years .

Opportunities for grants are forthcoming.