Neogenyx Fuels Breaks Ground on Nebraska Feedlot Renewable Natural Gas Plant

Context Construction began this week on Nebraska’s first agricultural renewable natural gas plant. Located at a 12,000‑head feedlot, the project uses anaerobic digesters to break down manure and upgrade the biogas to pipeline standards.

The gas can replace diesel in trucks or be injected into the natural‑gas grid. Byproducts such as digested solids will be reused on‑site as bedding and fertilizer, closing the nutrient loop.

The plant is slated for completion in late 2026 and is designed to produce enough renewable natural gas to fuel roughly 500 heavy‑duty trucks annually. State and federal grants are covering a portion of the $85 million capital cost, with private equity filling the remainder.

Key Facts Michael Bakas, CEO of Neogenyx Fuels, called the groundbreaking a milestone that will bring investment, jobs, and position agriculture as a major domestic export engine. Abram Babcock, CEO of Adams Land & Cattle, said the project shows how farming can advance clean energy while delivering environmental and economic benefits locally.

The facility will convert livestock manure into pipeline‑quality renewable natural gas, using multiple anaerobic digesters to capture methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere. During construction, the project is expected to employ about 150 workers, with 30 permanent positions once operational. Annual methane capture is projected to avoid roughly 150,000 metric tons of CO₂‑equivalent emissions.

What It Means For Broken Bow, the plant signals a new source of rural employment during construction and long‑term operational roles. Environmentally, capturing manure‑derived methane reduces greenhouse‑gas emissions equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road each year.

Economically, the project adds a value‑added stream to the feedlot, potentially lowering operating costs and creating a market for low‑carbon fuel. As more farms explore similar digesters, Nebraska could become a hub for agricultural‑based renewable energy.

The facility is projected to generate over $2 million in annual tax revenue for Custer County. Researchers from the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln will monitor soil health impacts from the digested byproducts.

Watch for state incentives and utility contracts that may determine how quickly the gas reaches end‑users and whether other feedlots follow suit.