High and fluctuating energy costs have caused economic challenges for many farmers. For this reason, more producers are seeking alternative energy sources to improve their energy independence and revenue.
As more innovative farmers seek ways to reduce energy use and increase agricultural efficiency, they are turning to renewable energy sources and sustainably produced biofuels. The use of such sustainable energy in agriculture allows farmers to not only reduce costs but also to generate long-term sources of income.
Growing Biofuel Crops
Biofuels may be derived from agricultural crops, including conventional food plants or from special energy crops. Biofuels may also be derived from forestry, agricultural or fishery products or municipal wastes, as well as from agro-industry, food industry and food service by-products and wastes.
Biofuels replace fossil fuels by using recently harvested plants; oilseed production for biofuels typically involves such plants as camelina, canola and sunflowers. Growing biofuel crops is considered renewable because the plants can be replenished quickly and easily. As side benefits, producers have a good source of feed production and can add oilseeds to multi-year crop rotations.
Common plant feedstocks include oilseeds (such as camelina, canola and sunflowers), sugar crops and grasses. Biomass pellets can be produced from perennial grasses, such as switchgrass.
Roger Rainville is ahead of the curve when it comes to reducing costs by growing biofuel crops on his farm near Alburgh, Vt. Rainville has developed expertise in producing, harvesting, processing and storing canola (and sunflower) oil, as well as the technical aspects of converting that oil into biofuel for use on the farm.
Biofuel energy can be created as biodiesel or ethanol, or converted from animal waste. Biodiesel is produced by combining vegetable oil or animal fat, alcohol and a catalyst, and it can be used in most diesel engines without any modifications. Ethanol can be produced from corn or fruit. For example, Dan West, who farms in Macon, Mo., turns excess apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and pears into ethanol. Using his ethanol to power his mower and tractor helps him be more self-sufficient.
Growing and processing biofuel crops such as camelina and other oilseeds produces both the oil and the meal. The oil can be used on farm or sold for a profit, and the meal can be used as a feed, reducing costs. This becomes a win-win for the producer.
Solar-powered Agriculture
Solar-powered farms use this clean, renewable energy to augment or replace existing fossil fuel energy sources. Solar energy on farms can be used for heating water, buildings and barns, and for creating power to operate equipment.
For example, one Northeast farm has expanded their growing season with an active solar heating system. They now can grow greens throughout the winter, as well as tropical fruits. Start with the basics and explore generating electricity from the sun, including the considerations you need to make before deciding to invest in a solar electricity system.
Wind power for Farms
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind energy is the world’s fastest-growing energy technology. The wind’s force is converted into mechanical power or electricity. On-farm wind turbines can stand alone, be connected to the grid or be combined with farm solar power. Many producers use wind power for water pumps; others have “wind turbine farms” in addition to their crops or livestock. Large wind turbines typically use less than half an acre of land, and farmers can continue to plant crops and graze livestock right up to the base of the turbines.
New York farmer Raymond Luhrman describes how his family operates their community-supported agriculture operation from electricity produced right on site. True sustainability in agriculture involves an effort toward reducing energy use. The energy alternatives highlighted here will help you improve your own energy efficiency while improving your bottom line!
Using solar or wind energy or producing biofuels from crop feedstocks and anaerobic digestion helps farmers achieve energy independence while improving profitability and reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Source: SARE
