News
Farmers can explore future at Michigan agri-energy conference

January 22, 2009, East Lansing, Mich. – Agriculture and energy are
becoming increasingly interconnected in a new and rapidly developing
economic sector and a world of opportunities is opening up to farmers
around generating, capturing and conserving energy.

January 22, 2009, East Lansing, Mich. – Agriculture and energy are becoming increasingly interconnected in a new and rapidly developing economic sector and a world of opportunities is opening up to farmers around generating, capturing and conserving energy.

Those who are interested in exploring the possibilities can attend the Michigan Agri-Energy Conference, March 30-31 at the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo.

In addition to featuring keynote speakers on what Michigan’s energy policy means for farmers, the U.S. Farm Bill’s Energy Title, how farmers can produce both food and fuel, and what the future holds for agri-energy, the conference will include a number of breakout sessions.

“Farmers who attend this event will learn about new opportunities for energy production on their farms,” says Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension bioenergy educator.

Sessions will focus on topics such as establishing anaerobic digesters, the emerging science behind using algae to produce biofuels, options for regional processing and transporting biomass, the use of forest products as biomass, growing crops for use as feedstock for biofuel production, generating wind energy for their own use or to produce income, harnessing solar or geothermal energy, and on-farm ethanol production.

The registration rates are $150 for the entire conference, $85 for March 30 only, $65 for March 31 only and $15 for a bus tour only. Fees include meals and refreshments and materials. Registrations are due March 13.

To register or learn more about the Michigan Agri-Energy Conference, visit www.agenergy.org, e-mail Pennington at pennin34@msu.edu or call ANR Conference Services at 517-353-3175.