Educational Curricula and Professional Development Training for Energy Efficient Production Practices.

Project Overview

ENC07-095
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2007: $49,947.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: North Central
State: South Dakota
Project Coordinator:
Dr. David Clay
Email
South Dakota State University

Annual Reports

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Education and Training: focus group
  • Energy: energy conservation/efficiency, energy use

    Abstract:

    A shift in agricultural focus from producing food and fiber to food, fiber, and energy can have adverse effects on agricultural sustainability.

    In this project the objectives have been achieved by editing curricula suitable for use in training sessions. This book contains 24 case studies (exercises) ranging from using historical techniques to overcome production barrier to calculating soil organic carbon maintenance requirements. A CD containing data sets is included with the book. This book was published by CRC Press. Case studies developed in the book have been used in university classes and workshops. Over the project, 7 related workshops have been held and 31 related presentations have been given. An outcome of this project that an on-farm testing program that will increase energy efficiency has been initiated in South Dakota.

    Project objectives:

    1. Develop educational modules and case studies that illustrate how cropping rotational diversity, whole farm management, and precision N and conservation management increase energy efficiency.

      Train agronomic professionals at 4 workshops on production practices designed to increase energy efficiency and how to conduct a whole farm energy assessment.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.