EDITOR’S NOTE: This press release has been updated from a version published on June 16, 2021 to include a recording of the webinar.
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team monthly webinar series continued on Wednesday, June 23. This program focused on saving energy on the farm.
Join Joel Zook, from the Winneshiek Energy District, discussed how energy-saving measures can help lower operating costs. He covered common practices, from lighting to dairy equipment, to grain dryers and discussed what funding opportunities exist though the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program, as well as the REAP grant opportunities and utility rebates.
Zook also discussed how solar energy can be used on the farm and gave advice on siting solar, tax incentives and payback periods.
“We’ve improved efficiency by measuring the nutrients in feed, pounds of milk and milk composition, but most of the time we just write a check to the power company to pay for electricity,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Zook will help producers understand how to identify areas where they can conserve energy and lower operating costs.”
Zook works for the Winneshiek Energy District and is the lead technical adviser working with farmers, business owners and homeowners to help plan their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
He worked for several years within the ratepayer-funded utility efficiency programs, helping conduct small business audits, and has provided an Agricultural Energy Management Plan for over 50 Iowa farms.
Zook is a registered technical service provider for On-Farm Energy Audits with NRCS in Iowa and Minnesota.
- Region 1, Fred M. Hall: fredhall@iastate.edu or 712-737-4230.
- Region 2, Jennifer Bentley: jbentley@iastate.edu or 563-382-2949.
- Region 3, Larry Tranel: tranel@iastate.edu or 563-583-6496.
— Fred M. Hall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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