Learn About Renewable Energy Options on the Farm

On January 10, 2012, the Farm Energy Parters Network will host the Annual Ag Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center. Renewable energy options for farms and greenhouses will be high on the list of agenda topics at the show. 

This day-long schedule of educational presentations provides a unique opportunity to learn from the experts about renewable energy options for the farm. Following is the schedule of presentations:

9:00 - 9:45 Solar Heating (air and water)
     Vaughn Woodruff, Kennebec Valley Community College
     Lance Gatcomb, Weston Acres

9:45 - 10:30 Small Wind for Electricity
     Greg Fletcher and Mike Paradis, Kennebec Valley Community College
     Fred Sherburne, Top of Maine Farms

10:30 - 11:15 Solid Fuel/Biomass for Heating
     Mike Paradis, Kennebec Valley Community College
     Andrew Plant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

11:15 - 12:00 Geothermal Heating
     John Logan, Logan Consulting
     Mike Paradis, Kennebec Valley Community College

1:45 - 2:45 Solar Photovoltaic for Electricity
     Greg Fletcher, Kennebec Valley Community College
     Scott Cowger, Maple Hill Farm

2:45 - 3:45 Financing Your Farm Energy Project
     Representatives from various federal, state, and nonprofit groups will discuss funding available for farm energy projects.

3:45 - 5:00 Farm Energy Forum
     Got high energy bills? Thinking about efficiency investments, alternative fuels or carbon markets? Here's your chance to connect your farm's needs and opportunities with available resources. Meet fellow energy innovators and set priorities for Farm Energy Partners in the coming year. Maine-grown refreshments will be served. 

For more information about this one-of-a-kind program, contact Claudia Lowd, Maine Rural Partners Energy Innovation Coordinator by email at claudia@mainerural.org or by phone at 581-4523