Page 19 – Farm Energy

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Sunflowers for Biofuel Production

Do you know that biodiesel energy can be made from sunflower seed oil? Oilseed sunflowers are grown easily and profitably at both small farm and large field scales.

http://create.extension.org/sites/default/files/w/1/12/Sunflower_field_in_full_flower.JPG

These sunflowers in southern Vermont were grown for on-farm biodiesel production.Photo: Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension.

Introduction
Current Potential for use as Biofuel
Biology and Adaptation
Production
Pest Management
Harvest and Storage
Potential Yields

Introduction

Oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is quickly gaining popularity as a feedstock crop …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Introduction to Energy-Efficient Tractor and Field Operations

Table of Contents
Introduction For additional information Contributors to this Article

Photo: Vern Grubinger.

Introduction

Tractors and related field equipment can use a lot of energy on the farm, so it makes sense to take practical steps to optimize their efficiency. These include:

Using Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory data to select a farm tractor. These test reports can be extremely useful to compare the performance of different makes and models.

Properly maintaining equipment. Timely replacement of air and fuel

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April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Budgeting Methods for Comparing a Biomass Energy Crop to an Existing Crop

Trying to decide if it makes sense to grow biomass energy crops to get into the expanding market? This article shows farmers how to compare the costs of crop production using enterprise budgets.

Introduction
Enterprise Budgets
Annualized Costs

Introduction

Demand for biomass renewable energy feedstocks is expanding. Biomass feedstocks can be converted to biofuels, Bioproducts or co-fired with coal electrical generation plants to meet impending carbon regulations and/or generate carbon credits. Co-firing with biomass also generates renewable energy credits …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Safety in Small-Scale Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Photo: Penn State Publications

Although the biodiesel manufacturing process is fairly straightforward, there are several aspects of biodiesel production that need careful attention to detail for a productive, safe, and environmentally sound practice. First, some chemicals used could pose serious risks to the operator or to the environment, unless the proper precautions are taken for storage, process safety, handling, ventilation, and use. Second, disposal of glycerol by-product and waste water generated from biodiesel production could cause environmental harm, unless …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

New Uses for Crude Glycerin from Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a major byproduct in the biodiesel manufacturing process. In general, for every 100 pounds of biodiesel produced, approximately 10 pounds of crude glycerol are created. As the biodiesel industry is rapidly expanding, a glut of crude glycerol is being created. Because this glycerol is expensive to purify for use in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries, biodiesel producers must seek alternative methods for its disposal. Various methods for disposal and utilization of this …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Diverse Plant Mixtures for Sustainable Biofuels

Mixtures offer advantages over monocultures. Michael Bomford photo.

Learn the benefits of planting diverse prairie grass mixtures for biofuel feedstocks.

Monocultures versus polycultures
Research Findings
Other diversification strategies

Monocultures versus polycultures

The vast majority of farm-based bioenergy production currently relies on monocultures: pure stands of a single plant species such as corn or soybeans. Yet researchers have long known that plant mixtures or polycultures offer numerous advantages, including resistance to plant diseases, insect pests, weeds …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Biodiesel Table of Contents

Photo: Karla Castillo

TOPICS:

Introduction to Biodiesel
Biodiesel Feedstocks
Biodiesel Processing
Biodiesel Safety
Using Biodiesel as a Fuel
Sustainability Issues and Life Cycle Analysis of Biodiesel

Introduction to Biodiesel

Oilseed Crops and Other Feedstocks for Biodiesel Production

VT Sunflowers for biodiesel. Photo:Vern Grubinger, UVM Extension

Introduction to Oilseed Crops for Biodiesel Production
- Feedstock Yields and Prices for Biodiesel
- Soybeans for

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April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Soil Erosion and Sustainable Biofuel Production

Learn strategies for growing feedstocks while reducing erosion.

Erosion near the edge of a freshly planted field after heavy spring rain. Bare soil is particularly susceptible to erosion. Crop residues can help hold soil in place. Photo: Michael Bomford.

Introduction to Soil Erosion

Soil Erosion and Biofuel Production

Introduction to Soil Erosion

There is strong interest in production and use of agricultural crops for biofuels. However, these crops, like all others, need to be grown in …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Farm Energy Efficiency and Conservation Table of Contents

Articles and Fact Sheets

Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Conservation on the Farm

Farm Energy Efficiency Checklist and Tips

Farm Building: Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Livestock Buildings – see below under Livestock Production Efficiency

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April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for Farms

Agricultural producers use a variety of refrigeration systems to extend the shelf life of perishable materials. Cooling not only reduces the potential for spoiling due to bacterial growth but also reduces humidity levels for some products. Refrigeration may also be used during sorting, processing, packaging, and storage.

Fruit and vegetable farmers must cool many of their products quickly after harvest; removal of field heat is important to maintaining produce quality and shelf life.

This large refrigerated room is used to

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