Digesters, genetics and why they started up the dairy again with George Dick from Dicklands Farm and Dicklands Biogas

Digesters, genetics and why they started up the dairy again with George Dick from Dicklands Farm and Dicklands Biogas

Author: Progressive Dairy editors April 21, 2026 Duration: 41:56

Join host Kimmi Devaney and dairyman George Dick from Dicklands Farm and Dicklands Biogas in Chilliwack, British Columbia, for a conversation about building and managing a digester, their genetics strategy and the evolution of their facilities over the last four decades. 

Learn more about their digester by visiting their website

Episode breakdown:

  • [~0:40] History of Dicklands Farm and what inspired the family to start dairying again in 1988
  • [~1:35] Evolution of facilities from 1988 until now
  • [~2:00] How robots have changed their farm
  • [~4:50] How data from the robots and other technology is utilized in management decisions
  • [~7:00] What they would change if they built new facilities today
  • [~8:40] Genetics strategy
  • [~12:05] Other genetic traits they are prioritizing
  • [~13:50] When and why they added the digester
  • [~16:10] The process of building a digester
  • [~18:55] Where they get the food waste for the digester
  • [~21:15] Receiving frozen products
  • [~23:00] The most rewarding part of owning a digester
  • [~24:35] Digester tours
  • [~26:50] Tour FAQs
  • [~28:30] Questions dairy producers should be asking when considering adding a digester to their operation
  • [~31:15] Running a digester as a separate business with different employees
  • [~32:00] Fertilizer pellet as a byproduct of the digester
  • [~35:30] Rapid-fire questions

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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