Building Extension Capacity in the North Central Region to Address Agricultural Energy Use

2010 Annual Report for ENC09-110

Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2009: $74,919.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2012
Region: North Central
State: Minnesota
Project Coordinator:
Patrick Walsh
UW-Madison
Co-Coordinators:
Scott Sanford
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Building Extension Capacity in the North Central Region to Address Agricultural Energy Use

Summary

After an initial delay waiting for contract details to be completed, the project is on pace to deliver energy conservation education information in the North Central Region in the Spring of 2011.

The purpose of this project is to utilize the considerable energy conservation expertise among collaborating North Central Region Extension programs to develop the capacity of agricultural educators to assist agricultural producers to adopt effective energy conservation practices.

The project focuses on five energy intensive agricultural systems: field crop production, animal housing, greenhouses, irrigation and grain drying. Regional Extension energy specialists have compiled existing information on energy conservation available in the region and will conduct a series of regional webinars to highlight best practices in each of the target areas. Resources generated will be shared broadly through the eXtension Sustainable Agricultural Energy community of practice. The program will be evaluated to determine the degree to which Extension agricultural educators understand the methods available to save on-farm energy and the degree to which agricultural producers increase their awareness of energy conservation practices.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The project has completed a first cut at curricula compilation and identification. The compiled educational information is being utilized to develop curricula for the webinars to be held this year. The project is on track to meet its performance target of conducting capacity building webinars in the North Central region for the five target agricultural systems. Short powerpoint presentations have been developed to support promotion of the webinars among the states.

Accomplishments/Milestones

-Curriculum identification and resource collection is complete
-Agricultural system content leads have been identified and contracts for service are in place
-Content leads have met to discuss webinar material development
– The eXtension Sustainable Agricultural Energy community of practice is actively involved in program implementation
-Short powerpoint promotional programs have been developed for each of the target areas
-Discussion with area leads on the schedule for conducting the webinars is ongoing
-Development of evaluation instruments is underway

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Project is still in the curricula development and delivery phase. Expected impacts/outcomes will occur after delivery of the webinars and through post-webinar follow up.

Collaborators:

William Kranz

wkranz1@uni.edu
Associate Professor
University of Nebraska
57005 866 Road
Concord, NE 68728
Office Phone: 4025843857
Scott Sanford

sasanford@wisc.edu
Senior Scientist
University of Wisconsin
460 Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
Office Phone: 6082625062
Kenneth Hellevang

kenneth.hellevang@ndsu.edu
Professor
North Dakota State University
NDSU Dept 7620, Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108
Office Phone: 7012311008
Truman Surbrook

surbrook@egr.msu.edu
Professor
Michigan State University
224 Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Office Phone: 5173533232
Kevin Janni

kjanni@umn.edu
Professor
University of Minnesota
1390 Eckles Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55108
Office Phone: 6126243005