Renewable Energy

Individual presentations from the Renewable Energy session were:

I. Introduction to Renewable Energy on the Farm

Why has farm energy become such a hot topic? This introduction to sustainable farm energy will provide background and a general overview of the rapidly growing interest in energy issues on the farm. 
Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension

II. Assessment of Potential On-Farm Renewable Energy Production: A National Overview

Is a wind turbine appropriate for you? What about solar electricity? Learn how to navigate the maze of renewable energy options available to farmers, including the difference between LLCs and cooperatives, the pros and cons of community wind farms, and how to evaluate the best renewable energy resources for your farm. 
Roya Stanley, National Renewable Energy Lab, Dept. of Energy

III. USDA Initiatives to Realize America's Quest for Energy Independence

Where is the U.S. heading with renewable energy? What does the President's energy initiative mean for U.S. farmers? This session will discuss joint USDA-DOE efforts and the many USDA programs that are designed to help farmers supply America's domestically produced energy. 
Carmela Bailey, CSREES, USDA

IV. Renewable Energy as Rural Development: Lessons from Iowa

Iowa is leading the U.S. in building its own bioeconomy. Hear about the various models of ownership and the local and state-wide economic impacts of this developing bio-industry. 
Jill Euken, Iowa State University