To generate energy on the farm, there are ongoing improvements in the efficiency of converting energy feedstocks into a fuel or usable energy source. These resources will help you understand the issues, logistical challenges and conversion technologies to find the most suitable systems for your operation and sustainability goals.
Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel 101
Important things to know when considering biodiesel for farm use, from the SARE bulletin Clean Energy Farming.
Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale Noncommercial Use and Production
This publication reviews some of the accepted practices associated with small-scale biodiesel production to make it a safe, environmentally sound practice that generates a quality product.Download File (796.50 kB)
Energy Independence: On-Farm Biodiesel Fuel Production
Roger Rainville is ahead of the curve when it comes to reducing costs on his farm near Alburgh, Vt. He’s currently producing biodiesel from canola and sunflower for about $1.70 a gallon.
Biomass Energy Training Curriculum
This curriculum provides training on biomass energy to extension agents and local officials so that they may deliver this information to their stakeholders. While it is written as a training guide for TN, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.
Anaerobic Digestion
Small-Scale Biogas Technology
This website has information on technology for turning organic waste into biogas for small-scale, on-farm energy applications.
Ethanol Production
From Fruit to Fuel
Missouri farmer Dan West turns his waste fruit into valuable ethanol.
Co-Products of Biofuels
Making use of the co-products of bioenergy production allows farmers the opportunity to further lower their carbon footprint and reduce their reliance on imported and non-renewable energy sources.
Feeding Corn Co-Products to Livestock
These two University of Nebraska manuals discuss the use of corn co-products in livestock rations:Corn Processing Co-Products Manual
Feeding Corn Milling Co-Products to Forage Fed Cattle
Storage Methods for Ethanol Co-Products
This University of Nebraska video series contains information on the storage and utilization of three unique co-product feeds from the ethanol industry.
Additional Resources
The following resources, which were not funded or produced by SARE, contain valuable information.
Biodiesel, Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas and Biomass Combustion (collections of fact sheets and articles on eXtension.org)
Conversion Processes for Biofuel Production (a collection of fact sheets and articles on eXtension.org)