Significant business contribution made by Harper Adams Placement Student

Dyson Farming is pleased to announce that a key recommendation from a research project completed by placement student Rob Harris is now in operation. Dyson Farming is proud to give significant opportunities to all members of the team and always encourages staff to come forward with suggestions which, if viable, will be implemented.

Carrington AD plant was commissioned in January 2016 and BDFL soon recognised that there was an opportunity for the gas that had not been utilised to be captured, stored and used at a future date. This recognition coincided with the arrival of Rob Harris, who joined BDFL on his placement year whilst studying for a FdSc in Agriculture with Harper Adams University. Part of Rob’s degree involved the completion of a Professional Project and so, with a clear business challenge identified, Rob set out to understand the potential and present the business with a range of practical recommendations.

Rob produced an insightful report into the engine and gas flare usage at the anaerobic digestion plant at Carrington and alongside methods for gas storage to allow for deferred AD usage he went further to explore alternative end uses including fuel for transport, central heating and hot water for domestic properties.

James Thompson, Head of Farming at BDFL, recognised the value of Rob’s report and, following Farm Board approval for this significant investment, works commenced on the construction of a secondary digester with increased gas storage in summer 2018.  This investment is now returning a double-digit payback and will allow further development of the activity at Carrington. This is likely to have a significant and positive impact on fuel use in the business.

This week Rob, Jim Hayes (Farm Manager) and Paul Corbridge (AD Plant Manager) were delighted to be able to mark the completion of the works at a recent ceremony.

BDFL continues to explore ways of working in an eco-efficient manner and the potential to operate tractors on bio-methane is currently under investigation.