A Leading Farm in Energy Self-Sufficiency
Run by farmer Matti Marttila, Ala-Marttila Oy is a large, modern dairy and pig farm managing 700 hectares of arable land and housing 170 dairy cows, young cattle, and 1,200 pigs. The farm produces grass, rye, barley, oats, wheat, rapeseed, and peas – not only for feed but also for sale. With a team of five full-time employees and seasonal workers, Ala-Marttila demonstrates how professionalized and diversified farming can support both productivity and sustainability.
But this success hasn’t come without challenges. In recent years, droughts, heavy rains, and heat stress have disrupted cultivation and animal productivity. Crop diseases and feed deficiencies have also posed new risks. These pressures have motivated the farm to rethink its production model — placing climate action at the center of its operations.
From Waste to Worth: The Power of Biogas
The highlight of the demo event was the farm’s biogas plant, which turns manure into renewable energy. Participants observed how the farm processes biogas into compressed biomethane (CBG), used as a transport fuel directly on-site. This circular approach not only cuts greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces energy costs and improves manure logistics – a critical issue for large-scale livestock farms.
The demo included a slide presentation and a live demonstration of biogas refueling at the on-farm filling station. Visitors also explored the barn, where discussions on feed efficiency, soil health, and crop rotation practices offered a complete picture of the farm’s Adaptation & Mitigation Plan (AMP) in action.
Knowledge Sharing in a Harvest Season
Despite the busy autumn harvest, Matti Marttila dedicated time to prepare an insightful, multilingual presentation that combined data, visuals, and practical demonstration. His fluency in English and openness to dialogue made the session both professional and personal, sparking lively discussions among international guests. Posters, brochures, and carbon calculation results complemented the presentation, helping visitors connect numbers with tangible on-farm actions.
“It’s inspiring to see such a young and forward-thinking farmer leading by example. Matti’s openness to learn, improve, and share his experience truly stood out during the event,”
shared one participant during the reflection session.
Learning for the Future
Participants concluded the demo with a collective reflection, highlighting the farm’s achievements and suggesting ways to enhance future events – such as adding clearer demo points and more participatory activities. The overall feedback was highly positive: the theme, technology, and delivery captivated the audience, making Ala-Marttila Farm a model for how circular energy systems and sustainable livestock production can go hand in hand.
A Step Toward Climate-Resilient Farming
With emissions calculated at 0.83 kg CO₂e per litre of corrected milk and 0.3 kg CO₂e sequestered, Ala-Marttila is already showing measurable climate benefits. Supported by the Climate Farm Demo network, the farm continues to monitor and update its action plan – aiming to further enhance energy self-sufficiency, soil health, and carbon sequestration.
By transforming manure into fuel and sharing knowledge across borders, Ala-Marttila Farm perfectly illustrates how Europe’s new generation of farmers is driving the green transition – one biogas bubble at a time.
