New Farm BIll Program Can Advance Energy Crops

The 2008 Farm Bill contained the groundbreaking Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). This program can spur a new climate-friendly and farmer-friendly energy source. BCAP, implemented well, could make a major difference for our energy future.

REAP clean energy with prairie grasses today

While switchgrass is generally associated with ethanol production, a new report suggests that other uses, like pelletizing, can tap the energy source sooner, and perhaps, even more efficiently.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP, formerly Section 9006), part of the recently passed Farm Bill's Energy Title, has already funded pellet production projects and a number of pellet boiler installations. REAP could also become a prime resource for those who want to begin using energy crops for heating.

New Farm Bill Boosts Critical Clean Energy Investments

Today Congress overrode the President's veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the Farm Bill. The new legislation includes a significant clean energy development component - improved and new programs for wind power, advanced biofuels, energy efficiency, solar power and new energy crops for cleaner energy from America's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses.

Missouri co-op concentrates on powerful pellets

Section 9006 (REAP) grant recipient Flick Seed Co. puts incentives to good use pioneering a new source for fuel. These grass pellets fuel home heating and local power production.

Switchgrass as fuel touted for energy, cost benefits

Switchgrass grown on marginal farm acreage could be an efficient renewable fuel source while also protecting wildlife habitat and water quality, according to "Growing Wisconsin Energy," a study by Agrecol Corp.

The study produced by the Madison-based seed company with a grant from the state Department of Agriculture found that converting native grasses into renewable fuel could be a profitable enterprise for farmers and a relatively inexpensive fuel source for businesses and schools.

Rising energy costs hit farmers, ranchers hard

"The costs for fuel and other energy-related expenses are offsetting good grain and cattle prices for farmers and ranchers, particularly those who live long distances from nearby towns, according to Boyd Waara, vice president of First National Bank of Philip, and John Johnson, president of First Western Bank in Sturgis.

Waara said the high grain prices may be temporarily masking higher fuel costs. The full pain of the high fuel costs likely will be felt later when grain prices drop, he said."