Agri-Mark to cut natural gas use at Massachusetts dairy plant through equipment upgrade

The companies estimate that the new system will reduce natural gas consumption by approximately 967,000 therms per year. This estimate does not account for a modest increase in electricity use. Agri-Mark has also installed an energy-efficient Finisher TVR and next-generation TVR technology, which are expected to save an additional 110,000 therms of natural gas annually.

The MVR system captures heat from milk vapor, compresses it and reuses it in the heating process. This recovers heat more efficiently and reduces reliance on high-pressure steam. After retiring its previous MVR system in 2022, the plant relied more heavily on a TVR system powered by steam from a natural gas-fired boiler. According to the companies, this increased fuel consumption, while temperature fluctuations led to additional maintenance and cleaning.

Following the upgrade, the plant has reported more consistent product temperatures, less maintenance and noise, and longer production runs. The equipment serves a plant that operates around the clock.

Eversource supported the project with financial incentives through its Mass Save programs, technical expertise and help planning energy-efficiency measures. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center also provided grant funding.

Agri-Mark is a cooperative owned by hundreds of farm families across New England and Upstate New York. It produces products under the Cabot Creamery and McCadam brands, as well as whey and milk protein ingredients for international markets.