Traditional livestock farmers from Skien win regional agriculture award

Br. Skilbred has taken traditional farming a step further by producing electricity, heat and fertiliser from livestock manure on the farm. The jury highlights the operators’ willingness to invest in practical climate action and make good use of local resources. As an early adopter, the business has taken significant risks and gained experience that could prove valuable to others considering on-farm biogas production.

‘Our goal is to make meat production as sustainable as possible. With the biogas plant, we can make better use of livestock manure, generate energy and recover the nutrients in the manure. The award is an important recognition of the work we have put in,’ says Kristian Skilbred.

The farm’s biogas plant, the first of its kind in Telemark, is central to its development. It reduces methane emissions from conventional manure management, produces renewable energy locally and returns nutrients to the soil. The business also creates jobs, benefits the local economy and lays the foundations for future generations in farming.

The biogas generates around 500,000 kWh of electricity a year, as well as heat for use on the farm. The digestate is used as fertiliser, including through a partnership with a local vegetable grower.

'We work to use the resources we manage on the farm sustainably, and want to help reduce emissions through a three-in-one technological solution that delivers responsible manure management and local energy and fertiliser production,' says Skilbred.

Anniken Fægri Damm-Larsen, our Regional Director for Southern Norway, says she is impressed by this year’s award winner:

‘They show how ambitious business development can bring together food production, climate responsibility and efficient use of resources. They have led the way, investing in a solution that cuts emissions and creates local value, and they share their experiences to help the whole industry develop. This award is very well deserved,’ she says.