Farm Energy Calendar of Events

August 30, 2008
Plainfield, Iowa

At this Practical Farmers of Iowa field day, Kim Odden, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College instructor, will demonstrate the process from seed to fuel and discuss issues important to on-farm biodiesel. Oilseed plantings on site at the Laydon and Mennenga farm will illustrate cropping possibilities.

August 30-31, 2008
Crestone, Colorado

This event includes presentations and demonstrations on biogas, biomass, and solar energy, as well as entertainment and local food. The fair is followed by an Alternative Building Home Tour.

August 30, 2008
Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program and the Tuskegee University Small Farms Program co-sponsor a full-day workshop on advanced biodiesel production and use, presented by Piedmont Biofuels. The workshop will include an introduction to biodiesel production, proper handling and use; a hands-on opportunity for participants to make a small batch of biodiesel; a tour of a mobile biodiesel production trailer, giving participants the opportunity to see all the components of a small commercial biodiesel production system in operation; and a discussion of control procedures designed to ensure the highest quality fuel. Funding for this workshop is provided by the USDA-Risk Management Agency, through a cooperative partnership agreement with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as part of a project called "Managing Farm Energy Risks."

September 3, 2008
Bloomingdale, Georgia

Coastal Georgia RC&D Council and Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District co-sponsor a full-day workshop on advanced biodiesel production and use, presented by Piedmont Biofuels. The workshop will include an introduction to biodiesel production, proper handling and use; a hands-on opportunity for participants to make a small batch of biodiesel; a tour of a mobile biodiesel production trailer, giving participants the opportunity to see all the components of a small commercial biodiesel production system in operation; and a discussion of control procedures designed to ensure the highest quality fuel. Funding for this workshop is provided by the USDA-Risk Management Agency, through a cooperative partnership agreement with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as part of a project called "Managing Farm Energy Risks."

September 8-9, 2008
Ames, Iowa

"Growing the Bioeconomy: from Foundational Science to Sustainable Practice" will focus on strategies to achieve the new federal cellulosic biofuels mandate and advance the Midwestern Governors Association energy and climate change platform. The schedule includes presentations of research, tours, and demonstrations.

September 10-12, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the third annual Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy. This meeting will continue and expand the essential exchange between industry, academia and government that has been so successful at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. The Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy will highlight recent advances in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics in the energy and manufacturing space. The conference organizers hope to foster international business relationships that will spur development of biobased economies in countries that have large agricultural feedstock resources.

September 13, 2008
Lake City, Minnesota

During this field day, participants will have the opportunity to see on-farm demonstrations including: Processing (nut cracker and/or oil seed press), cover cropping, and intercropping. For information on this full-day workshop, contact Rural Advantage, (507) 238-5449.

September 13-14, 2008
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Iowa Renewable Energy Association presents this event with workshops, demonstrations and speakers on solar and wind power, alternative fuels, and more.

September 16, 2008
Manhattan, Kansas

For more information on this event at K-State Alumni Center, e-mail Bill Hargrove, bhargrov@ksu.edu or call (785) 532-7419.

September 17, 2008
Sioux Center, Iowa

Under Dr. Ethan Brue, Dordt College, alternative design criteria have been used to develop a small-scale ethanol system that can be maintained and operated by an individual farmer or group of on-farm producers. At this Practical Farmers of Iowa field day, participants will have the opportunity to see this equipment in operation, view sorghum research trials, and take part in the discussion of economics and feasibility of home-grown ethanol.
Also, learn about PFI’s new energy project.

September 17-19, 2008
Napa, California

These workshops will address Waste-to-Energy, Combined Heat and Power, and Energy Efficiency for Farmers and Food Processors in California.

September 17-18, 2008
Austin, Texas

The 3rd Annual Texas Biofuels Conference & Expo will take an in-depth look at the latest regulatory, agricultural, and technical developments impacting the renewable fuels industry in Texas. This event will offer networking opportunities for industry leaders, regulators, and interested end-users to interact, while learning about topics related to the industry. Special attention will be given to the Federal Renewable Fuels Program and the impact it will have on the future of renewable fuels in Texas.

September 19-21, 2008
Kempton, Pennsylvania

This event is a three-day festival about renewable energy, natural building construction, sustainable agriculture, land-use planning, forestry and healthy living practices in general. Featuring dynamic speakers, national exhibitors, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, vendors, live music and entertainment, children's activities, food and more.

September 20-21, 2008
Lyons, Nebraska

Nebraska Renewable Energy Association offers a two-day workshop at Off-Grid Energy Farm. Oilseed crushing and farm scale oil refining are featured in a two-day batch process workshop.

September 20, 2008
Austin, Minnesota

Learn how you can take action to conserve the Earth's limited resources and make positive changes in your community. The event includes workshops, exhibits, solar-powered live music, movies, local food, and children's activities.

September 24 - 25, 2008
Portland, Oregon

American Wind Energy Association presents a two-day workshop, addressing current practices, wind speed studies, and identifying and reducing measurement bias and uncertainty. Landowners and project developers are among those encouraged to attend.

September 25, 2008
Akron, Ohio

Ohio State University's Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) Program will lead a public tour of three state-of-the-art composting and bioenergy facilities in northeast Ohio. The program is centered on anaerobic (no oxygen) digestion and composting.

September 26-28, 2008
Fredericksburg, Texas

This 9th annual event features exhibits and demonstrations, speakers and workshops, activities for kids, and music. Topics include solar and wind energy, water reuse, energy conservation, rainwater harvesting and organic growing.

September 26-28, 2008
Tunbridge, Vermont

This three-day event offers an all-day working animal intensive, as well as a trade show and conference. Draft Animal Presentations and Educational Workshops will be complemented by a swap meet and local food vendors.

September 27, 2008
Cambria, Iowa

At this Practical Farmers of Iowa field day, producers will learn what they can do to prepare for cellulosic bioenergy. Also, this event will show farmers and land owners how to convert to switchgrass from cool-season grasses.

September 28–30, 2008
Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Advanced Biofuels Workshop & Trade Show will address provisions of the Renewable Fuel Standard and the development of advanced biofuels technologies. Breakout sessions will focus on technology updates, feedstock management, market challenges, R&D activities, and government programs in support of advanced biofuels.

October 4-5, 2008
Boone, North Carolina

This workshop led by microhydro expert Don Harris will be held on the campus of Appalachian State University with a field trip to two local microhydro installations. Participants will learn about: site assessment techniques including the measurement of head and flow; system design; types of turbines and their associated performance and cost; system components such as the intake, penstock and balance of system; maintenance and troubleshooting; case studies; tips and tricks from an industry icon.

October 6-8, 2008
Madison, Wisconsin

This 8th annual conference addresses methane, ethanol, biodiesel, compost and bioproducts. Topics include biomass inventory, anaerobic digestion, biogas, and emerging technologies, among others.

October 6-10, 2008
Ames, Iowa

This 5-day workshop format includes: business management for biodiesel producers, biodiesel analytical methods, and biodiesel production technology.

October 18-19, 2008
Beech Mountain, North Carolina

North Carolina Wind Energy will offer this workshop led by Southwest Windpower at its Wind Energy Research & Demonstration facility. Participants will learn the basics of residential wind systems from the world’s leading manufacturer of small wind turbines. The hands-on portion of the workshop will involve a tour of the Beech Mountain wind turbines.

October 18, 2008
Auburn, California

This third annual farmer fair will feature keynote speaker Lynn Miller, editor/publisher of the Small Farmer's Journal, as well as demonstrations of horse-drawn equipment, a trade show, and resources fair.

November 21-23, 2008
Concord, North Carolina

This family fun-filled weekend will help teach us all how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, with seminars and exhibits. Topics include areas like agriculture, energy, organic food and products, transportation, home building and remodeling, soil and water management, household items and more. Admission is free.