Farmer Discussion Group & Potluck Lunch Meeting
Energy Alternatives/Energy savings for Farms
Invited Guests
 
Held Monday, January 7, 2002
Elm Valley Farm
Cavendish, VT
 
Meeting Notes (printable notes)

Approximately 16 people braved over a foot of fresh snow to attend a farmer discussion group hosted by Don and Pat Davis. Don explained his family's long ties to the land, and past, current and future operations. Don formerly operated a hardware store and sawmill adjacent to the farmstead. Don has been active politically and is currently serving as representative to the Vermont Legislature. The farm currently milks 35 goats and ships the milk to Vermont Butter and Cheese. They also have some Ayreshire heifers and cows and they hope to start milking this spring or sooner. Pat formerly taught school and worked in banking before moving to Vermont and following her passion to be involved with animals.

photo w.gibson

Don related his switch from oil heat to an outdoor wood furnace. It saved him 1000 gallons a year in oil and allowed him to burn eight plus cords of "junk" wood he was able to scavenge. Savings paid for the wood furnace (approximately $4,000) and allowed him to invest in other things such as a system to allow him to quickly disconnect from the power grid to a backup pto-powered generator enabling him to be able to milk his herd and chill the milk during power outages. The farm houses some of their young stock in a Solar Barn, which they feel is economic (about $4/square foot) and healthy for the animals. The key to a good barn is the four feet of sand he brought in and snow removal at the eves in a winter like last year. He said the bedded pack often composts itself and he cleans it once a year. An added benefit is the Barn can be taken down and moved if desired. Don would like to move to a new barn and be "off grid" producing his own power. He feels his current monthly electric bill of $350/month is excessive and is investigating alternative and renewable energy sources.

Invited Guests

Jenn Cram and Jeff Manney of Efficiency Vermont explained that they are an "Energy Efficiency Utility" unique in the country, paid for by an "energy efficiency charge" (EEC) on consumer's utility bills to help Vermonters save energy and protect the environment. Jenn described some of the different programs offered including incentives to purchase ENRGY STAR®-labeled lighting and appliances. Other benefits are coupons and rebates, cash incentives for energy efficient ENERGY STAR®-labeled homes, technical assistance and financial incentives for businesses, and the dairy farm program that offers technical assistance and financial incentives to install new energy efficient equipment.

Jeff Manney Dairy Farm Project Manager for Efficiency Vermont described how he typically works with an interested farmer. He takes a call from a farmer and they discuss the farms energy saving ideas and he works with farmer to analyze their viability and follows through with the process through hiring a contractor and inspecting final project if necessary. Jenn mentioned the dairy farm program is currently being restructured so some aspects may change. A positive new change is the one page Incentive Application Form that allows farms to easily apply for lighting incentives and pre-approved custom measures.

Dave Bonta of the Solar Store and John Blittersdorf of Central Vermont Solar and Wind each spoke about alternative energy technology resources they have to offer. Both stressed the need for energy efficiency to precede investment in alternative fuel sources. Only then could they become affordable. Solutions often involve a hybrid approach looking at increasing efficiency along with different alternative energy supplies. Dave Bonta's Solar Store is in North Springfield, VT at the Junction of routes 11 and 106 and John Blittersdorf's Central Vermont Solar and Wind has a store in Rutland at 321 Main Street.

The meeting was sponsored by the Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District, the USDA/NRCS, UVM Extension and was facilitated by Willie Gibson, UVM Extension. All enjoyed a great potluck lunch. Look for an announcement of our next Farmer Discussion Group meeting on the : Ottauquechee Web Site .