AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team monthly webinar series continues on Wednesday, June 23, from noon to 1 p.m. This program will focus on saving energy on the farm.
Join Joel Zook, from the Winneshiek Energy District, to discuss how energy-saving measures can help lower operating costs. He’ll cover common practices, from lighting to dairy equipment, to grain dryers and discuss 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 will also discuss how solar energy can be used on the farm and give 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.
Producers, dairy consultants and industry representatives can attend the webinar at https://iastate.zoom.us/my/dairyteamfredprogram.
No registration is required and there is no fee. For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist in your area.
- 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.
Photo credit: Milk cows in the compost barn, by Rafael Henrique/stock.adobe.com.