Farm Energy Working Group
For Iowa's small and mid-sized farms
Mission
The Farm Energy Working Group supports research, education, and the implementation of a variety of energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy practices from on-farm resources to meet the needs of Iowa's small and mid-sized farms.
Events of Interest
Farm Energy Working Group meeting
Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Prairiewoods Retreat Center, Hiawatha, IA (near Cedar Rapids)
Presentations on:
Farm Renewable Energy: Mark Runquist, wind; Steve Fugate, biodiesel
Utility Farm Energy Programs: Claudia Smith, CIPCO/RECs; Bonnie Donnolly and Mark Kingland/Alliant
Grant Writing Workshop (National Center for Appropriate Technology/Farm Energy Working Group)
Feb. 1, 2010, Monday - 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Prairiewoods Retreat Center, Hiawatha, IA (near Cedar Rapids)
For Iowa farmers with small/mid-sized operations
Teresa Bomhoff of USDA rural development will present step-by step instructions on how to apply for a grant under the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), project eligibility, available writing assistance, and more. Attendees will receive a spiral bound workbook including factsheets, templates, and complete forms to use as a guide for writing an application. A session in western Iowa is being planned for early 2010. Updated information will be posted here and at www.localfoodlocalenergy.com
Hosted by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Farm Energy Working Group and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
Farm Energy Grant Recipient on Oprah.com
High Hopes Gardens near Melbourne, IA, received one of the Farm Energy Working Group's three demonstration grants to install a vertical axis wind turbine and compare its usage to the current 3-blade turbine on the diversified farm. Mark Runquist and Linda Barnes' story recently appeared on the Oprah.com web site under "Unexpected Ways to Go Green."