NECC1501: Sustainable Farm Energy Production and Use

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/15/2016] [08/22/2017] [10/30/2018] [10/08/2019] [10/08/2019]

Date of Annual Report: 04/15/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/20/2016 - 01/21/2016
Period the Report Covers: 04/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Participants

Connecticut: Xiusheng (Harrison) Yang
Illinois: Xinlei Wang, Stanley Solomon Jr, Gary Letterly and Morgan Hayes
Maryland: Stephanie Lansing, Adel Shirmohammadi, Gary Felton, Kenneth Staver
New Hampshire: Matt Smith and John Aber
New Jersey: Tom Manning, David Specca, A.J. Both
Pennsylvania: Dan Ciolkosz, Michael Jacobson, Ed Johnstonbaugh
Virginia: John Ignosh
Wisconsin: Scott Sanford, Tim Baye, Rebecca Larson, Doug Reinemann

Brief Summary of Minutes

NECC 1501 Annual Meeting Minutes

20 Jan, 2016

University of Maryland Department of Environmental Science and Technology

Administrative Adviser Update:

Gary Thompson (Penn State) provided overview of regional project structure and function.

Farm Energy Coordinating Committee

Projects that go beyond what you are doing at your university

Meetings

Grant Proposals

Write a Multi-state Project, with outcomes and activities, with travel money from experimental state directors

Set goals at this meeting

Started April 1st, need a report within 90 days – minutes of the meeting

Report is April 1, 2015 to Sept 30, 2016

Recognize group on publications

Is this an important topic that needs to be addressed? Is it addressed better by multiple people rather than individuals? Looking for an outcome.

Station Reports:

Station reports were submitted by participating experiment stations (see below)

Project Plan Development Discussion:

Ideas of collaboration

Carbon Credits

Benchmarking

Wood Energy and Boilers/Heating
- Could be a separate topic in terms of wood energy teams on a state basis

Power purchase agreements
- both for solar, AD, etc. Solarize initiatives. And sharing of best practices

Curriculum– Renewable and Bio-based energy

Bioenergy crops

Digestion and Gasification/combustion work on manures and other wastes

Adding social science component and surveys

New technologies to reduce or produce energy – or bridging technologies

Lessons learned from projects

NSF workshop on Nexus in Feb in Nebraska

Clean Power Plan

Reduction of 30%+ on an annual basis – baseline year may be 2005 or 2011

Some states have reduced carbon emissions based on Renewable Energy, others have not

Coal fire generators may be privately owned or other states may be owned by utilities – shutting down plants to reduce

Or they need to buy credits in the form of alternative energy portfolios

Clean energy projects can be first tier (solar, wind biogas), but also tier 2 (fuel cells, energy conservation, special cases – ag production that sequesters carbon could be eligible)

Credit aggregators – trade on behalf of system owners

File comments to the state regulator who is writing the plan

USDA AFRI Foundational Grants – Rural energy efficiency and carbon credits markets

Next meeting to be held in 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by Scott Sanford and organized by Stefanie Lansing.

Meeting adjourned to site visit of USDA biogas facilities.

Accomplishments

The objectives of this regional project are to: <ol> <li>Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"</li> <li>Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy</li> <li>Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension</li> </ol> Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station.    <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Connecticut</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> UCONN Academic Plan: Smart resources grids: exploring technical solutions to grand challenges at the water-energy-food nexus Technical benefits of using storage tanks to manage low-quality water in the green industry Agroforestry riparian project for biofuel and environmental benefits <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Training of graduate students in sustainable energy Outreach via Connecticut State Climate Center Participating in research projects focusing on sustainable farm energy production and use Developing new research proposals in food-energy-water programs   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Illinois</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> UI team has been actively organizing workshops and field days to demonstrate the renewable biomass energy opportunities to IL farmers on the energy crop and biomass heat & power.  For example,  UI extension team worked with a farm in Central Illinois on a biomass heat project.  A biomass heat unit has been installed and demonstrated to provide heat to a farm equipment repair and maintenance shop building.  The unit is an outdoor hydronic heating unit for floor heat utilizing biomass bails.  This is part of an ongoing IL Depart of Transportation project to show the viability to use this type of system on IDOT remote shop facilities. A standalone solar powered water pumping for livestock grazing systems was set up in Dixon Springs to demonstrate solar application for livestock watering systems during the Sustainable Landscaping Expo in October 2015.  It was also demonstrated a solar power pack for emergency and general use applications to the mostly rural participants. The Illinois Sustainable Technologies Center project is funded by a US Forest Service Grant to look out applications for woody biomass for rural applications such as heating larger greenhouse operations. A project was conducted to investigate the optimum daily set point temperature for existing barn facilities to reduce the total energy use to achieve the maximum profitability. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> No accomplishments to report.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Maryland</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> The joint proposal “Quantifying and Demonstrating Scrubbing H2S from Farm-Based Anaerobic Digestion Systems” submitted by S. Lansing and G. Felton from the University of Maryland and C. Gooch from Cornell University was funded by NE SARE. The three-year project began September 2015. The joint proposal, “Evaluating different manure management practices in controlling spread of antimicrobial resistance from dairy farms” submitted by D. Aga and L. Sassoubre from University of Buffalo, S. Lansing and G. Felton from the University of Maryland, C. Gooch from Cornell University, and L. Raskin and K Wigginton from University of Michiagn  was funded by USDA-AFRI. The three-year project began January 2016. The proposal, “The fate of emerging contaminants in poultry litter digestion” submitted by S. Lansing, L. Yonkos and S. Yarwood from the University of Maryland was funded by USGS: Maryland Water Resources Research Center. The one-year project began March 2015. The proposal, “Ammonia removal from digested poultry litter” submitted by S. Lansing from the University of Maryland was funded by the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS). The two-year project began July 2014. The proposal, “Waste to energy: Gasification of poultry litter” submitted by S. Lansing from the University of Maryland was funded by the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS). The two-year project began July 2014. The proposal “Pilot anaerobic digester for campus food waste conversion” submitted by S. Hutcheson, S. Lansing and R. Kohn from the University of Maryland was funded by the University of Maryland Sustainability Fund. The two-year project began July 2014. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> See Publications: Contributions were made to publications on: 1) Methane and hydrogen sulfide dynamics in digesters, 2) psychrophilic anaerobic digestion of dairy manure, 3) designing anaerobic digesters for small farms, 4) co-digestion of forage radish and dairy manure, 5) the effect of temperature on the methane production, and 5) using switchgrass to restore Chesapeake Bay health and provide renewable energy.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           New Jersey</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> The joint proposal titled: “Farm Energy IQ” (Ed Johnstonbaugh, Penn State, PI) was completed during the fall of 2015. This proposal for in-service training was funded by NE-SARE. No new joint proposals have been submitted since. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> See Publications: Contributions were made to publications on 1) Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses, and 2) A comprehensive review of light emitting diode applications for horticulture.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           New Hampshire</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> None to report. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Continued to operate and modify the UNH heat recovery research composting facility Conducted research trials on how to maximize heat production, recovery, and utilization from an ASP composting operation Outreach and Consulting <ul> <li>Regional - Conducted six guided research tours on how to extract heat from composting. Tour groups included:</li> <li>Northeast Organic Farming Association (New England farmers and extension agents)</li> <li>UNH Soils and Land Use class (undergraduate students)</li> <li>Regional cooperative extension agents</li> <li>UNH Foundations of Sustainability in New England Class</li> <li>Manchester Community College Environmental Science Class</li> <li>USDA Climate Hub Network (Climatologists and Policy Analysists from across the country).</li> <li>International - Provided information on compost heat recovery systems to the following international groups:</li> <li>LM Tree Solutions of the United Kingdom</li> <li>National Agricultural and Food Research Organization (NARO) of Japan</li> <li>ZEDfactory of the United Kingdom</li> <li>Earthbank Resource Systems of Canada</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Pennsylvania</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No progress to date.  <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> At the April 2015 meeting of NECC-1501, two topic areas were identified for collaborative work: benchmarking and carbon markets.  Daniel Ciolkosz has prepared a draft project statement for joint work on benchmarking, and Ed Johnstonbaugh has prepared a similar document on carbon markets.  These plans will be discussed at the 2016 project meeting.  <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> The joint proposal titled: “Farm Energy IQ” (Ed Johnstonbaugh, Penn State, PI) was completed during the fall of 2015. This proposal for in-service training was funded by NE-SARE. No new joint proposals have been submitted since. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Research: Ongoing research includes the following: <ul> <li>Assessment of Rye as a bioenergy feedstock (T Richard)</li> <li>Assessment of transgenic tobacco as a bioenergy feedstock (T Richard, collaborating with DSU)</li> <li>Breeding of improved short rotation woody crops (J Carlson)</li> <li>Logistics characterization and optimization of biomass crops (J Liu)</li> <li>Farm scale pelleting equipment performance characterization (D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Collection and characterization of farm energy use data (D Ciolkosz)</li> </ul> Education: Courses with relevant farm energy content include: <ul> <li>B E 464 Bioenergy Systems Engineering</li> <li>BRS 422 Energy Analysis in Biorenewable Systems</li> <li>ABE 884 Biomass Energy Systems (online)</li> <li>ABE 885 Bioenergy Harvest and Logistics (online)</li> <li>ABE 888 Bioenergy Conversions (online)</li> </ul> Extension: We concluded our participation in the Northeast SARE Grant-funded Farm Energy IQ Project (http://articles.extension.org/pages/72595/northeast-farm-energy-iq-curriculum).  Ongoing Extension efforts include the following: <ul> <li>Website maintenance: www.energy.extension.psu.edu</li> <li>Renewable Energy Academy workshop series</li> <li>State Wood Energy Team grant (USDA Forest Service)</li> <li>Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance grant (USDA-RD)</li> <li>Participation in the PA Farm Show, Ag Progress Days, and related events</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Virginia</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> None <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> None <h3>Funded Projects:</h3> Lovell D., K. Hughes-Evans, C. Jane, M. Reiter, P. Burnette, R. Monley, J. Ignosh. September 2011 - September 2015. “On-farm demonstration of energy generation and phosphorus recycling as an alternative to land application of poultry litter on the Delmarva”. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant.  $421,650 Bassow A., K. Hughes, J. Corson-Lassiter, B. Monley, C. Musgrove, S. Jirka, P. Stuntz, J. Throwe, D. Kugler, D. McNutt, J. Ignosh. September 2011 - August 2015. “Using excess manure to generate farm income in the Chesapeake's phosphorous hot spots”. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant.  $848,424 Walker M., J. Ignosh, S. Barts, C. Clarke, P. Blevins, A. Fannon-Osborne, S. Jerrell, D. Jessee, J. Latimer, S. Mariger, C. Martel, T. Reed, H. Quesada Pineda. January 2014 - December 2015. Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative. Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. $373,500 Ignosh J., M. Booher, H. Alston. February 2015 - September 2015. "Solar Water Pumping Demonstration and Monitoring Project". Valley Conservation Council.  $1,548   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Wisconsin</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> None <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Training of NRCS Energy State leads to review energy audits (Sanford) Continuous outreach on Ag Energy Efficiency topics (Sanford) Improving mint distillation energy efficiency (Sanford) Introduction to Renewable Energy – course offered 2 times per year with approximately 120 students per year (Reinemann) Promotion of wood energy as an alternative to fossil fuel for businesses such as greenhouses.  (propane, oil, electricity) (Sanford) Promotion and installation of small scale bio-digesters in Uganda and Bolivia (Larson) Working with two county's solid waste commissions and multiple municipal owned wastewater treatment facilities to explore both feasibility and business cases for regional anaerobic digestion project. (Baye) Working with three ethanol plants in Wisconsin to assist their evaluation of adopting a biofuels/bioprocessing technology as a co-located/bolt-on project at one of their existing facilities.  Evaluation includes the viability of the technology and the firm selling the system.  Evaluation includes formation of legal entity (Special Purpose Entity (SPE), Joint Venture, etc.), transactional support on contracting and business plan for commercialization and coordination with other service providers. (Baye) <h3>Funded Projects:</h3> Essential Oil Extraction process engineering for improved energy efficiency, Sanford PI, Funding: USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. Collaborator: D. Bohnhoff, Develop a proto-type continuous flow steam distillation system and a closed-loop condensate water cooling system. Year 1 is development and testing, Year 2 & 3 will be modifications and on-farm testing. Project Dates: 9-1-2015 to 8-31-2018 WI Refuels with Wood Energy - Statewide Wood Energy Team – Sanford PI, Funding: US Forest Service pass thru WI State Energy Office. Collaborators: Clint Fandrich - WI State Energy Office Don Peterson - ,Jason Fischbach-UWEX, Tim Baye – UWEX, TJ Morice – Marth Wood Products, Lew McCreery – US Forest Service, Steven Hubbard – WDNR, Sabina Dhungana – WDNR. Assist in the development of training programs on using wood for thermal and process heat to replace fossil fuels. Provide content for a wood energy site. Provide consultation services for businesses interested in converting to wood energy. Develop publications on conversion to wood energy. Project Dates: 10-8-2014 to 7-31-2017.

Publications

<h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut</h2> No publications to report.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Illinois</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> None <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> None <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)</h3> None <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Presentations (Papers) </h3> Yang, S-J, X. Wang, and R. S. Gates. 2015. Effect of Optimum Daily Set Point Temperatures on Mechanically-Ventilated Growing-Finishing Swine Production.  Paper No 152188853. St. Joseph, MI: ASABE <h3>Other Creative Works</h3> None <h3>Workshop Sponsor</h3> Biomass Program Heat & Power System Tour. Schetter Farm Brighton, IL March 6, 2015 <h3>Workshop Participant</h3> None <h3>Refereed Publications (Pending)</h3> None   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Maryland</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> Freddy Witarsa, 2015. “Increasing the sustainability of psychrophilic small-scale anaerobic digesters.” PhD Dissertation, University of Maryland libraries. S. Lansing served as advisor and G. Felton served on the committee. Ashley J. Belle, 2015. “Coupling anaerobic digestion technology and forage radish cover cropping to optimize methane production of dairy manure-based digestion.” PhD Dissertation, University of Maryland libraries. S. Lansing served as advisor and G. Felton served on the committee. <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> None <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> Belle, A., Lansing, S., Mulbry. W., Weil, R.R., 2015. Methane and hydrogen sulfide dynamics co-digesting forage radish and dairy manure. Biomass and Bioenergy 80: 44-51. Witarsa, F., Lansing, S., 2015. Quantifying methane production from psychrophilic anaerobic digestion of separated and unseparated dairy manure. Ecological Engineering 78: 95-100. Lansing, S., Klavon, K., Mulbry, W., Moss, A., 2015. Design and validation of field-scale anaerobic digesters treating dairy manure for small farms. Transactions of the ASABE 58(2): 441-449. Belle, A, Lansing, S., Mulbry, W., Weil, R.R., 2015. Anaerobic co-digestion of forage radish and dairy manure in complete mix digesters.  Bioresource Technology 178: 230-237. Arikan, O., Mulbry, W., Lansing, S., 2015. Effect of temperature on the methane production from field scale anaerobic digesters treating dairy manure. Waste Management 43: 108-113. <h3>FactSheets (Published)</h3> Arikan, O., Mulbry, W., Lansing, S., 2015. Effect of temperature on the methane production from field scale anaerobic digesters treating dairy manure. eXtension: America’s research-based learning network. Available at: http://www.extension.org/pages/72729/ effect-of-temperature-on-methane-production-from-field-scale-anaerobic-digesters-treating-dairy-manu#.VZLTlEtDL85. Available online: April 30, 2015. Moss, A., Lansing, S.A., Felton, G.K., 2015. Anaerobic digestion: Products. University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet 998. <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Presentations (Abstract Accepted)</h3> Arikan, O., Mulbry, W., Lansing, S., 2015. Effect of temperature on methane production from field-scale anaerobic digesters treating dairy manure. Waste to Worth Conference. Seattle, WA. March 30 – April 3, 2015. Lansing, S., Eaton, A., Maile-Moskowitz, A., Galligan, T., 2015. Anaerobic digestion for sustainable sanitation linked to agricultural production in Haiti. American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Yarberry, A., Walsky, T., Lansing, S., Yarwood, S., 2015. Effects of iron addition on biogas quality and methanogenic communities during anaerobic digestion of dairy manure. American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Hassanein, A.A.M., Witarsa, F., Ling, Q., Lansing, S., 2015. Using digestion combined with microbial electrolysis cell to increase energy production. American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Belle, A., Lansing, S., Mulbry. W., Weil, R., 2015. Forage radish: A renewable source of energy production for dairy farmers. American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Maile-Moskowitz, A., Lansing, S., Eaton, A., Galligan, T., 2015. Haiti survey results: Sanitation practices, limitations and willingness to pay for sanitation facilities (poster). American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Perantoni, A., Yarberry, A., Lansing, S., Yarwood, S., Torrents, S., 2015. Enhancing biogas quality in anaerobic digestion systems with iron (III) additivies (poster). American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. (1st place in student poster competition). Kulow, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2015. Anaerobic digestion of poultry litter and post-digestion nutrient recovery (poster). American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Witarsa, F., Lansing, S., Hassanein, A.A.M., Yihong, G., Ling, Q., 2015. Comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of unheated Chinese dome digesters with heated and insulated plug-flow digesters in the US (poster). American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Bryant, T., Gaimaro, J., Shingleton, C., Wallach, M., Zester, J., Lansing, S., Kangas, P. 2015. Experimental anaerobic digestion of algae for biogas production (poster). American Ecological Engineering Society Conference. Stillwater, OK. June 2-5, 2015. Arikan, O., Mulbry, W., Rice, C.P., Lansing, S., 2015. The fate and effect of monensin during anaerobic digestion of diary manure. American Chemical Society National Meeting. August 16-20, 2015. Boston, MA. Lansing, S., 2015. Waste to energy treatment as an integral part of the food-energy-water nexus. Food-Energy-Water Nexus Workshop. NSF Workshop, FEW: Development and Application of Analytical Tools in Support of Food-Energy-Water Nexus Planning. Washington DC. October 27, 2015. <h3>Workshop (Invited Speaker)</h3> Lansing, S., 2015. Turning our waste into energy: Anaerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells. Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) Seminar Series. University of Maryland Baltimore County. Baltimore, MD. April 17, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Turning our waste into energy: Anaerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells. Council on the Environmental Junior Faculty Award lecture and reception. College Park, MD. June 10, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Turning waste into energy: Anaerobic digestion in US and developing world. USDA Cochran Fellows Program for Agricultural Waste for Energy Production from Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire. College Park, MD. June 16, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Biogas, MFCs and Bioenergy in the United States. Bioenergy production from animal waste. Chungnam National University. Daejeon, South Korea. November 10, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Biogas, MFCs and Bioenergy in the United States. International Symposium on Bioenergy Production Technology using Animal Manure. Jeonju City, South Korea. November 12, 2015. Staver, K. 2015.  Renewable Energy and Bay Health: Switchgrass.  Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s 16th Annual Eastern Shore Planning Conference:  Powering our Renewable Energy Future.  Easton, MD.  November 19, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Emerging manure to energy technologies. Agriculture and Environmental Law Conference. Annapolis, MD. November 20, 2015. Lansing, S., 2015. Emerging manure to energy technologies. Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension: Maryland Agricultural Nutrient Management Regulations. Laurel, MD. December 2, 2015.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           New Hampshire</h2> <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> Smith, M.M., and Aber, J. D. 2015. Heat extraction & utilization from composting as an alternativeto anaerobic digestion for reducing energy costs at dairy farms. In: UNH Dairy Report  2015. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. 33-35. Smith, M.M., and Aber, J.D. 2014. Heat recovery from compost. BioCycle, 55(2): 27-29. <h3>Presentations</h3> Smith, M.M. 2015. Heat recovery from composting: An innovative method for season extension and nutrient recovery. New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs Annual Meeting. September 22, 2015. Derry, NH. Smith, M.M., and Aber, J.D. 2015. Reducing energy requirements and closing the carbon cycle at the UNH Organic Dairy. UNH Graduate Research Conference. April 14, 2015. Durham,      NH. <h3>Dissertation (Pending)</h3> Smith, M. M. 2016. Creating an economically viable, closed-system, energy-independent dairy farm through the on-farm production of animal bedding and heat capture from an aerated static pile heat recovery composting operation. [Dissertation]. University of New Hampshire. 250 p. <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Pending)</h3> Smith, M, M., Aber, J. D., and Rynk, R. 2016. Heat recovery from composting: A comprehensive literature review. International Composting Conference, Oct. 24, Beijing, China.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           New Jersey</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> Armas Gutiérrez, I. 2015. Nutritional enhancement of lettuce using mutation breeding. M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University libraries. A.J. Both served as a member of the thesis advisory committee. <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> Mitchell, C.A., J.F. Burr, M.J. Dzakovich, C. Gómez, R. Lopez, R. Hernández, C. Kubota, C.J. Currey, Q. Meng, E.S. Runkle, C.M. Bourget, R.C. Morrow, and A.J. Both. 2015. Light-Emitting Diodes in horticulture. Horticultural Reviews 43:1-87. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ. <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> Both, A.J.,  L. Benjamin, J. Franklin, G. Holroyd, L.D. Incoll,  M.G. Lefsrud, and G. Pitkin. 2015. Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses. Plant Methods 11(43). 18 pp. Johnson, M., T.S. Villani, A. Azmat, J.E. Simon, and A.J. Both. 2015. Evaluation of algal biomass production on vertical aeroponic substrates. Algal Research 10:240-248. <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)</h3> Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, and A.J. Both. 2015. Experimental study of natural ventilation in an open-roof greenhouse during the summer. Acta Horticulturae 1107:67-74. <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Presentations (Papers) </h3> None <h3>Other Creative Works</h3> Both, A.J. 2015. LED lighting (abstract). Proceedings of the 60th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 3-5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 89. Both, A.J. 2015. High tunnel construction and operation update (abstract). Proceedings of the 60th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 3-5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 52. Johnstonbaugh, E., D. Ciolokoz, G. Musgrave, G. Roth, C. Callahan, S. Hawkins, A.J. Both, Z. Helsel, T. Manning. 2015. Farm Energy IQ workshop presentation videos. Manning, T., A.J. Both, and J. Rabin. 2014. Assessing on-farm equipment efficiency and energy use.  (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Web Publication). Available at: http://sustainable-farming.rutgers.edu/assessing-farm-equipment-efficiency/ <h3>Workshop Sponsor</h3> Both, A.J. and D. Specca. Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 2-3, 2015. Johnstonbaugh, E., D. Ciolokoz, G. Musgrave, G. Roth, C. Callahan, S. Hawkins, A.J. Both, Z. Helsel, T. Manning. Farm Energy IQ workshops (In-service training). Fairlee, VT (February 23-25, 2015), State College, PA (March 10-12, 2015), Columbus, NJ (April 8-10, 2015). <h3>Workshop Participant</h3> Both, A.J. Three presentations titled: ”Greenhouse heating“, “Greenhouse ventilation and cooling”, and “Supplemental lighting and shading“. Presented at the workshop titled: “Identifying and Modeling Energy Efficiency in the Greenhouse” (In-service training). Clarksville, VA. January 13-14, 2015. Both, A.J. Presentation titled: “Measuring LED lamps used for applications in horticulture”. Presented at the LED Symposium (organized as part of the USDA SCRI LED project). Tucson, AZ. February 20, 2015. <h3>Refereed Publications (Pending)</h3> Both, A.J., J.M. Frantz, B. Bugbee. 2016. Carbon dioxide enrichment in greenhouses. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media. Runkle, E. and A.J. Both. 2016. Delivering long-day lighting – Technology options and costs. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media. Both, A.J. and J.E. Faust. 2016. Light transmission: The impact of glazing material and greenhouse design. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media. Fisher, P., A.J. Both, and B. Bugbee. 2016. Supplemental lighting technology, costs and efficiency. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media. Wallace, C. and A.J. Both 2016. Evaluating operating characteristics of light sources for horticultural applications. Submitted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. Kubota, C., M. Kroggel, A.J. Both, J.F. Burr, and M. Whalen. 2016. Does supplemental lighting make sense for my crop? – Empirical evaluations. Submitted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, T. Maruo, and A.J. Both. 2016. Evaluating environmental conditions in open-roof greenhouses. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Pennsylvania</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> None <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> None <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> Ciolkosz, D., Hilton, R., Swomley, D., Yi, H., Puri, V., and G Roth. 2015.  Farm-Scale Biomass Pelletizer Performance for Switchgrass Pellet Production.  Applied Engineering in Agriculture  31(4)559-567.  Yi, H., Karamchandani, A., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.  2015.  Mechanical Quality Assessment of Compacts Using Powder Properties.  Bulk Solids. 01 June, 2015.  <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)</h3> None <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> Yi, H., Karamchandani, A., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.  2015.  Mechanical Quality Assessment of Compacts using Powder Properties.  Powder and Bulk Solids Magazine.  Ciolkosz, D.  2015. High Efficiency Homes - Part 1.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published September 30, 2015 Ciolkosz, D.  2015. High Efficiency Lighting on the Farm - Part 3.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published September 30, 2015 Ciolkosz, D.  2015. High Efficiency Lighting for the Farm - Part 2.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published July 9, 2015 Ciolkosz, D.  2015. Wood Energy Short Course and Tour July 21st.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published July 9, 2015 Ciolkosz, D.  2015. Using Corn to Dry Corn.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published May 12, 2015 Ciolkosz, D.  2015. High Efficiency Lighting for the Farm - Part 1.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu - published April 23, 2015 <h3>Presentations (Papers) </h3> Ciolkosz, D., Heil, N., and M. Jacobson.  2015.  On-Farm Production of Grass Pellets.  Presented at 2015 Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference (NABEC).  13 July, 2015.  Newark, DE.  Ciolkosz, D., and A. Demirci.  2015.  Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems: Student Preferences for Graduate Online Education.  Presented at 2015 Research Symposium.  Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment.  01 May, 2015. <h3>Other Creative Works</h3> Ciolkosz, D.  2015.  Case Study: Biomass Grass Pellets on the Farm.  FarmEnergyIQ Program.  Northeast SARE Grant.  Posted online at <a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/72679/manufacturing-wood-and-grass-pellets#.VXbsmM9VhBc">http://www.extension.org/pages/72679/manufacturing-wood-and-grass-pellets#.VXbsmM9VhBc</a> Ciolkosz, D.  2015.  On-Farm Production of Biomass Pellets.  FarmEnergyIQ Program.  Northeast SARE Grant.  Posted online at <a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/72679/manufacturing-wood-and-grass-pellets#.VXbsmM9VhBc">http://www.extension.org/pages/72679/manufacturing-wood-and-grass-pellets#.VXbsmM9VhBc</a> Hilton, R., Ciolkosz, D., and T. Baugher.  2015.  Top 10 Ways to Save Energy in Tree Fruit Production.  FarmEnergyIQ Program.  Northeast SARE Grant.  Posted online at <a href="http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Tree%20Fruit%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf">http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Tree%20Fruit%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf</a> Ciolkosz, D., Leslie, A., and T. Baugher.  2015.  Bearing Fruit with Energy Savings—Case Study.  Northeast SARE Grant.  Posted online at <a href="http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Tree%20Fruit%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf">http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Tree%20Fruit%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf</a> <h3>Workshop Sponsor</h3> Farm Energy IQ Workshop, State College PA.  March 2015.  National Bioenergy Day Open House and Tour.  Meadville, PA; Julian, PA; Loysburg, PA.  October, 2015.  <h3>Workshop Participant</h3> Ciolkosz, D., 2015.  Bioenergy – Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.  Presented at Delaware State University Teachers’ Conference.  March, 2015.  Dover, DE.  Ciolkosz, D. 2015.  Tree Fruit Energy Efficiency.  Farm Energy IQ Workshop, Fairlee VT (Jan 2015), State College PA (March 2015), Bordentown NJ (April 2015).  Northeast SARE Grant Farm Energy IQ Workshop Series.  Ciolkosz, D. 2015.  On-Farm Biomass Pellet Production.  Farm Energy IQ Workshop, Fairlee VT (Jan 2015), State College PA (March 2015), Bordentown NJ (April 2015).  Northeast SARE Grant Farm Energy IQ Workshop Series.    <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:           Virginia</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> Middleton, Amanda. Major Advisors: Reiter, M., W. Frame, J. Ignosh, R. Maguire. July 2015. Nutrient Availability from Poultry Litter Co-Products. <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> None <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)</h3> None <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> None <h3>Presentations (Papers) </h3> None <h3>Other Creative Works</h3> Hughes-Evans K., J. Ignosh, P. Burnette, and M. Reiter. 2015. Thermal manure-to-energy systems for farms: Technical and environmental feasibility. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Webinar, hosted by e-Extension on September 18, 2015.  Available at: <a href="https://learn.extension.org/events/2192">https://learn.extension.org/events/2192</a> Ignosh, J., L. Tucker, and J. Loving. 2015. "Exploring Virginia-based “Solarize” Project Models", Offered through the Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative: A Farm Energy Program for Southside and Southwest Virginia. Webinar. December 1, 2015.  Available at: <a href="http://www.aeei.bse.vt.edu/?page_id=371">http://www.aeei.bse.vt.edu/?page_id=371</a> Ignosh, J., M. Booher, A. Horn. "Solar Water Pumping Demonstration and Monitoring Project", Final Project Report to the Valley Conservation Council, Staunton, VA, November 6, 2015. Ignosh, J., K. Hughes-Evans, P. Burnette, and M. Reiter. 2015. The Farm Manure-to-Energy Initiative. In Abstracts 2015 Water Resources Conference of the Virginias, 48. Roanoke, West Virginia. Ignosh, J., M. Booher, and A. Horn. 2015. Use of Remotely Sensed Lidar Data to Assist in the Design and Siting Considerations for Transportable Solar-Powered Water Pumping Stations for Alternative Livestock Watering Systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. In Abstracts 2015 Water Resources Conference of the Virginias, 46. Roanoke, West Virginia. <h3>Workshop Sponsor</h3> Blevins, P., J. Ignosh, J. Miles, B. Loos, and C. Barbrow. 2015. "An Introduction to Wind Energy Workshop", Offered through the Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative: A Farm Energy Program for Southside and Southwest Virginia. Abingdon, VA, March 9, 2015. Branch B., J. Ignosh, C. Olgun, R. Lane, J. Latimer, D. Faulkner, D. Revis, and L. Gregory. 2015. "An Introduction to Ground Source Heat Pump Systems", Offered through the Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative: A Farm Energy Program for Southside and Southwest Virginia. Appomattox, VA, April 13, 2015. Latimer J., A. Both, J. Boldt, A. Hall, and J. Ignosh. 2015. "Identifying and Modeling Energy Efficiency in the Greenhouse: In-service Training Program", Buffalo Junction, VA, January 13-14, 2015. <h3>Workshop Participant</h3> None <h3>Refereed Publications (Pending)</h3> Stephenson, S., S. Chase-Walsh, A. Lindrose, J. Worley, and J. Ignosh. "Virginia Citizen's Guide to Environmental Credit Trading Programs: An Overview". Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication. In Press   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin</h2> <h3>Dissertations, Theses (Published)</h3> The Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulosic Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin and Michigan Agricultural Contexts: The Influence of LCA Methods and Spatial Variability on Environmental Impact Assessment, Julie C. Sinistore, PhD, UW-Madison <h3>Books (Published)</h3> None <h3>Book Chapters (Published)</h3> Hanna, Mark, Scott Sanford. 2015. Energy Management During Field Production Practices. Bioenergy – Biomass to Biofuels. Academic Press/Elsevier, London, UK. <h3>Refereed Journal Articles (Published) </h3> Meier, PJ, KR Cronin, EA Frost, TM Runge, BE Dale, DJ Reinemann, and J Detlor, 2015.  Potential for Electrified Vehicles to Contribute to U.S. Petroleum and Climate Goals and Implications for Advanced Biofuels.  Environ. Sci. Tech. 49(14)8277-8286. Aguirre-Villegas, H, R Larson and DJ Reinemann, 2015. Effects of management and co-digestion on life cycle emissions and energy from anaerobic digestion.  Greenhouse Gasses Science and Technology 5:1-19(2015). Sinistore, JC, DJ Reinemann, RC Izaurralde, KR Cronin, PJ Meier, TM Runge & XS Zhang, 2015.  Life Cycle Assessment of Switchgrass Cellulosic Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin and Michigan Agricultural Contexts. Bioenerg. Res.  Aguirre-Villegas, HA, TH Passos-Fonseca, DJ Reinemann, LE Armentano, MA Wattiaux, VE Cabrerra, JM Norman, and R Larson, 2015.  Green cheese: Partial life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity of integrated dairy production and bioenergy systems.  J. Dairy Science, 98(3)1571-92. Aguirre-Villegas, HA, R Larson, DJ  Reinemann, 2014.  From waste-to-worth: energy, emissions, and nutrient implications of manure processing pathways.  Biofuels, Bioproducts and Bio-refining, 8:770–793. Kraatz, S, JC Sinistore, and DJ Reinemann, DJ, 2013.  Energy intensity and global warming potential of corn grain ethanol production in Wisconsin (USA).  Food and Energy Security, June 2013. Aguirre-Villegas HA, FX Milani, S Kraatz, DJ Reinemann, 2012.  Life Cycle Impact Assessment and Allocation Methods Development for Cheese and Whey Processing.  Transactions of the ASABE 55(2)1-15. <h3>Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)</h3> Baye, T.M., Hartig, S.J., Johnson W.J., Hefner, C.H., 2015.  " Biomass Energy Project Development in Emerging Markets: Biofuels, Biopower, Bioproducts.”  Renewable Energy World/Power Generation Conference, Dec. 7-11, 2015, Las Vegas, NV <h3>Popular Articles (Published) </h3> Baye. T.M., “Does bioenergy have a future in the U.S.?”  September 16, 2015, The Conversation (https://theconversation.com/profiles/tim-baye-187775/dashboard#) <h3>Presentations (Papers) </h3> Sinistore, J.C., and Reinemann, D.J. 2011.  Beyond political boundaries: Ecological system boundary exploration of biomass production LCA for ethanol.  Proceedings of the ACLCA LCA XI Conference.  American Center for Life Cycle Assessment.  In Press.  Chicago, IL. Aguirre-Villegas, HA, S Kraatz, FX Milani, TH Passos-Fonseca,  and  DJ Reinemann, 2011. GHG Emissions and Energy Intensity of Cheese Manufacturing in Wisconsin.  ASABE Paper No. 110984 Passos-Fonseca, TH, S Kraatz, HA Aguirre-Villegas, L Armentano, and DJ Reinemann, 2011.  Variability and Uncertainty Analysis on a Life Cycle Assessment Case-study of Combined Dairy and Bio-fuels Production in Wisconsin.  Paper No. 111499, presented at the 2011 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Kraatz, S, DJ Reinemann, and JC Sinistore, 2011.  Methods for Solving the Multifunctionality Problem in the Life Cycle Assessment of Ethanol Production from Corn Grain.  Paper No. 1110828, presented at the 2011 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Passos-Fonseca, TH, HA  Aguirre-Villegas, S Kraatz, and DJ Reinemann, 2011.  Effects of feeding wet distillers grains and of different manure handling practices on GHG emissions and energy intensity of dairy production.  Poster presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Institute of Biological Engineers <h3>Other Creative Works</h3> Sanford, S.A., J. Hendrickson. 2015. On-Farm Cold Storage of Fall-Harvested Fruit and Vegetable Crops: Planning, Design and Operation. Bulletin A4105, pp 84, University of Wisconsin Extension. Sanford, S.A., D.S. Liebl, 2014. Wood Heating Appliances for Home and Businesses, Bulletin GWQ066, pp 16, University of Wisconsin Extension. Sanford, S.A. 2014. Lighting Technology: LED Lamps for Home, Farm and Small Business, Bulletin, A4050, pp 8, University of Wisconsin Extension. Barford, C, Reinemann, DJ, Gollnik, R and Narayana, A, 2013.  Farm-Based Bioenergy Infrastructure for Wisconsin: Too Big, Too Little or Just Right? Report to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin & the Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewables Administration, Focus on Energy program, August 2013.   Aguirre-Villegas H, S Kraatz , F Milani, A Newenhouse, TH Passos-Fonseca and DJ Reinemann 2011.  Understanding the Carbon Footprint of Cheese: Sustainable Cheese Production.  Poster Presented at the UW Cooperative Extension ANRE Program Area Annual Meeting, October 26-28, Wisconsin Dells, WI.  <h3>Workshop Sponsor</h3> Wood Energy Webinar Series - Series of 8 webinars for the general public. Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8. 56 people registered for 282 webinars USDA/NRCS Energy training Workshops (3 days/each) April 21-23, June 9-11, 23-25. 70 attendees. Trained NRCS State leads how to review an energy audit. Irrigation Management Professional Development training. Webinar series, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7; 54 attendees Workshops – Hancock June, Spooner – August 13 - 31 attendees Midwest Rural Energy Council Annual meeting – February 18-20, 2015. This meeting is aimed at rural utility personnel and electricians who do agricultural wiring. Presentation topics include power quality and agricultural energy management. It featured a pre-conference workshop on Advance Stray Voltage. MREC is a membership organization of energy suppliers and land grant Universities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and North Dakota.  Attendance was about 100. Stray Voltage Investigators’ Courses – May 5-8 2015, Black River Falls WI <h3>Workshop Participant</h3> Sanford, S.A. Presentation titled: “Irrigation 101. Midwest Forage Association, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Jan 20, 2015 - ~ 45 attendees. Sanford, S.A. Presentation titled: “Energy Efficient Ag Lighting”. Wisconsin Frame Builders Association, Eau Claire, WI. Jan 21, 2015 - ~ 30 attendees. Sanford, S.A. Presentation titled: “Greenhouse Energy Efficiency”, Brown Co Commercial Greenhouse meeting, Green Bay, WI, Jan 22, 2015 – 23 attendees. Sanford, S.A.  Two presentations titled: “Energy Issues for Indoor Crop Production”  and “ On-Farm Vegetable Crop Storage”. New Jersey Vegetable Growers Conference, Atlantic City, NJ, Feb  4, 2015. Sanford, S.A. Presentation titled: “Energy Efficient Ag Lighting”. Midwest Farm Energy Conference, Morris, MN. June 17, 2015 Sanford, S.A. Presentation titled: “Energy Efficient Wood Burning Appliances”. Commercial Flower Growers of WI, September 22, 2015

Impact Statements

Midwest Rural Energy Council Annual meeting – February 18-20, 2015. This meeting is aimed at rural utility personnel and electricians who do ag wiring. Presentation topics include power quality and agricultural energy management. It featured a pre-conference workshop on Advance Stray Voltage.

Date of Annual Report: 08/22/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/21/2017 - 06/22/2017
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

Lansing, Stephanie (slansing@umd.edu) - University of Maryland; Sanford, Scott (sasanford@wisc.edu) - University of Wisconsin; Smith, Matthew (m.smith@unh.edu) - University of New Hampshire; Specca, David (specca@njaes.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Ciolkosz, Daniel (dec109@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania State University; Yang, Xiusheng "Harrison" (xiusheng.yang@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut; Solomon, Jr, Stanley (jssolomo@illinois.edu) University of Illinois; Manning,
Tom (tmanning@njaes.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Callahan, Christopher (chris.callahan@uvm.edu) - University of Vermont;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2017 NECC 1501 meeting minutes.docx

Accomplishments

EXPERIMENT STATION:   Storrs (Connecticut)  Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The University of Connecticut group is leading an effort to develop <ol> <li>A stackable pallet greenbox farming system for urban agriculture.</li> <li>Computer-run simulation models for analyzing and comparing the controlled environment and energy dynamics between the newly developed greenbox system and traditional greenhouses.</li> <li>Up-to-date water and nutrient as well as energy management guidelines for greenbox crop production and provide users with educational opportunities that teach proper implementation at their own facilities.</li> <li>Proposals for farm energy research, education, and extension.</li> </ol> A protocol of the proposed greenbox farming system has been constructed for test. Energy management plans have developed for given set of environmental conditions for both traditional greenhouses and the newly proposed greenboxes for growing lettuce. A computer model for simulating the environment and energy use for the two systems has been developed. Once evaluated and validated, it will be used to analyze and compare the energy uses by the two systems in producing the same amount of produce. Objective 3: Joint Proposals A proposal entitled “Stackable farming for economically and environmentally urban food production” has been submitted to USDA NIFA SBIR program in October 2016. It has been selected by the funding agency for Phase I concept proofing. We are currently working on Phase II proposal for 2018, in which over $250K will be included for research work at University of Connecticut.   EXPERIMENT STATION:   Illinois Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities U of I team has been actively organizing workshops and field days to demonstrate the renewable biomass energy opportunities to IL farmers on the energy crop and biomass heat & power.  For example,  <ul> <li>U of I extension team worked with a farm in Central Illinois on a biomass heat project. A biomass heat unit has been installed and demonstrated to provide heat to a farm equipment repair and maintenance shop building.  The unit is an outdoor hydronic heating unit for floor heat utilizing biomass bales. An open house/field day was held at farm to highlight first full season of heating with the system.  This is part of an ongoing IL Depart of Transportation project to show the viability to use this type of system on IDOT remote shop facilities. IDOT project has applied for additional funding going into 2017.</li> <li>A US Forest Service Grant funded Illinois Sustainable Technologies Center project to evaluate woody biomass for rural applications such as heating larger greenhouse operations. The project moved toward analysis of several potential sites and selection of one as a demonstration site. A biomass heating unit has been purchased and preparation for installation in a small commercial greenhouse is underway.</li> <li>Design specifications of biomass heating system have been completed for a project at the University of Illinois Energy Farm complex. Installation of a biomass heating system is currently underway.</li> <li>A U of I extension team has written and received approval for a one year Smart Meter Education grant. Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence are the target audience for this statewide effort.  Year one efforts will primarily be focused  </li> </ul>   Objective 3: Joint Proposals A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and submitted to the USDA 2016 BFRDP Program. The proposal was not selected for funding.    EXPERIMENT STATION: Maryland Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The University of Maryland team has been working with farmers in implementing anaerobic digestion technology for dairy and poultry famers, as well as fluidized bed combustion for poultry manure. <ul> <li>The Maryland team has worked with a dairy farm in Cecil County, MD to upgrade their H2S scrubber and working towards installing a combined heat and power system for their covered lagoon digester with food waste co-digestion. The team has worked with them on identifying vendors, feasibility studies and collecting information on power purchase agreements. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate power purchase agreements and understanding opportunities with food waste co-digestion.</li> <li>The Maryland team has worked with farmers trying to understand the new nutrient trading program and how anaerobic digestion (with composting), combustion and gasification can be used for receiving future nutrient trading credits. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate this area and how farm energy technologies can be integrated into this program.</li> <li>The Maryland team has worked with a poultry farm in Dorchester County, MD to implement and quantify energy and biochar production from a fluidized bed combustion unit for poultry litter with electricity generation and heat recovery for heating the poultry houses. The team is still gathering data on this system, but create case studies and FactSheets based on the findings.</li> <li>The Maryland team has worked with a poultry farm in Worcester County, MD to implement and quantify biogas production and nutrient recovery from a poultry litter digester with post-digestion nutrient recovery and re-use of the effluent water in the front of the digestion system. The team is still gathering data on this system, but create case studies and FactSheets based on the findings.</li> <li>The Maryland team has worked with 5 dairy farms in Maryland and Pennsylvania to quantify antibiotic and nutrient transformations using different dairy manure processing technologies, including solid-liquid separation, composting, anaerobic digestion, open-air lagoon storage, and covered lagoon storage. The team has also collected information on antibiotic use at each farm for each treatment category on a monthly basis. The team is planning a dairy extension even in October 2017 to present results to date on how manure technologies affect antimicrobial resistance mitigation as well as help farmers understand the new state and federal antibiotic directives.</li> <li>The Maryland team has worked with 3 dairy farms in Maryland and Pennsylvania to quantify H2S reductions from biogas using biological scrubbers, air injection, and iron scrubbers. The team is also collecting data on operational parameters and capital/operational costs of each system. The team is planning a dairy extension even in October 2017 to present results on H2S scrubbing technology and how different systems affect reductions. Two Factsheets were co-written with Cornell University on this project.</li> </ul>   Objective 3: Joint Proposals A joint proposal was led by Stephanie Lansing for a NERA Planning grant in 2016 entitled, “Alternative Inputs and Outputs for Agricultural-based Anaerobic Digesters to Increase Economic Viability and Environmental Benefits”.  This proposal was not funded, as it was suggested that the activity proposed could be conducted as part of this coordinating committee. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: None   EXPERIMENT STATION: New Hampshire Objective 1: Survey Report Energy recovery from composting is an emerging technology, with the first commercial-scale non-prototype system going online in 2007. Though a handful of systems exist on farms in the Northeastern U.S., information pertaining to design and economic feasibility is sparse. As such, the greatest barriers for expanding these systems to other farms and composting facilities across the country is synthesizing and sharing existing knowledge. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities A group of agricultural stakeholders from across the Northeastern U.S. are forming the Compost Energy Recovery Network (CERN). This group is being led by members of UNH’s compost research team. The objective is to share knowledge and assist future stakeholders design systems based on lessons-learned from current practitioners.  Objective 3: Joint Proposals UNH is collaborating with regional leaders who develop and use compost energy recovery technologies. We have a strategic partnership with Agrilab Technologies of Vermont and City Soil of Massachusetts. Through this partnership, we recently submitted a proposal to the Rathmann foundation to assist in the design and utilization of a mobile compost energy recovery. With this unit, UNH will lend the system to a farm for a 3-month period to test the technology on their site to assess whether it is economically feasible. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:  New England Regional Dairy Farm Survey and Economic Analysis (Smith and Aber)             Conducted a survey of 129 New England dairy farmers (organic and conventional) with the primary goal of assessing what bedding materials farmers were using, why, and the cost. We also investigated other costs of operation, which included energy and fuel consumption. For conventional dairy farmers in New England energy/fuel costs ranked 5th most costly, while organic dairy farmers ranked energy/fuel 4th most costly. For both management systems, feed and labor were the most costly of all expenses (Smith and Aber 2017).   EXPERIMENT STATION:   New Jersey Objective 1: Survey Report – EPA, Region 2 has awarded Rutgers EcoComplex a Pollution Prevention Grant to conduct outreach and extension for reducing pollution from the food production and distribution chain through energy efficiency, water conservation and implementation of lower-impact ozone depleting refrigeration technology.  A survey of the energy use and types of refrigerants used in the industry are part of the deliverables and will be included in the final report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities – As a result of our EPA Region 2 Pollution Prevention Grant, we have met with farmers, food processors, distributors and retailers in the food supply chain.  We are in the process of collecting data on refrigeration systems used by the industry and their impact on greenhouse gas production and energy efficiency. Objective 3: Joint Proposals – no current activities Other accomplishments (not necessarily related to NECC-1501 Multistate Project Objectives <ol> <li>Energy studies</li> </ol> Conducted several energy audits in a variety of agricultural facilities.  <ol start="2"> <li>Promoting more efficient use of lighting</li> </ol> As a result of our horticultural lamp testing work, we proposed a label that contains key product information useful to greenhouse growers interested in using supplemental lighting for crop production.  Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders <ul> <li>The proposed lighting label has been presented to scientific and grower audiences across the US and at a scientific conference in Australia. Several lighting manufacturers have responded positively and indicated they would be adding the proposed label to their products. We plan to continue our outreach efforts for expanded implementation of the label.</li> <li>A variety of outreach presentations on high tunnel construction, greenhouse lighting, energy consumption, and electrical safety have been delivered at local and out-of-state venues. A $50K travel grant was secured from the USDA to help support travel expenses of NCERA-101 members who attended the 5th International Controlled Environment Meeting (AusPheno) in September 2016 in Australia. Rutgers University is contributing to a consortium headed by Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, that is funded by NYSERDA and aims to study greenhouse lighting and systems engineering.</li> <li>The Rutgers EcoComplex has organized three workshops targeting farms, food processors and food distributors including refrigerated warehouses for energy efficiency and water conservation technology and practices. The goal of the workshops was to make businesses aware of new technology developments for water conservation ,energy efficiency and refrigeration options that they could potentially implement in their businesses.</li> <li>The Rutgers EcoComplex has recently been designation as a regional hub for a “Clean Energy Proof of Concept Center and Accelerator Program”. Funding for this program was provided by the US EDA. As part of this program, Rutgers will be reaching out to start-up companies in the clean energy industry to help them succeed through the business development phase.</li> <li>The Rutgers EcoComplex recently completed an assessment on the co-digestion of food waste with dairy manure for clean energy production, nutrient recovery and manure management. The analysis looked at four different food waste and food processing waste feedstocks and blending ratios to determine which system would be more environmentally and economically beneficial.</li> </ul>   EXPERIMENT STATION:   Vermont (University of Vermont)  Objective 1: Survey Report <ul> <li>From Efficiency Vermont (JJ Vandette): <ul> <li>Dairy: implementing new barn circulation fan controls strategies (centralized VFD controls, though other designs are coming forward)</li> <li>Dairy: benchmarking automatic milking systems (launching soon to assess differences in system design and energy use)</li> <li>Maple sugaring: implementing rotary screw vac pumps with built-in VFDs (meter data proved the next generation of maple vac pumps)</li> <li>Maple sugaring: implementing high brix reverse osmosis (essentially deep oil savings and the electrification of the maple industry)</li> <li>All ag: planning Farm to Plate event re: food systems role in the VT Comprehensive Energy Plan</li> </ul> </li> <li>From VT Agency of Ag, Food and Markets (A. DePillis): <ul> <li>With regard to farm energy projects getting built, dairy prices seem debilitating.</li> <li>PV projects, occasionally with the farm as one of the off-takers, are getting built on farmland, raising land-access and preservation concerns. Projects are typically not farmer-owned. </li> <li>Big, complicated electricity projects, like digesters or wind power, in the absence of large subsidies, are stalled.</li> <li>Bioenergy thermal projects like biodiesel or wood or grass energy, are stalled due to lack of capital and the low price of fossil fuels.</li> <li>Two promising trends: compost heat recovery and RNG for transportation.</li> <li>Research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy: <ul> <li>Small digesters.</li> <li>Heat recovery from biochar production.</li> <li>Farming-friendly solar.</li> <li>Low-grade wool fibers for insulation and/or fertilizer.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Overall, we’re doing a poor job on climate-related messages. There’s good work out there on which to base outreach materials and even help farmers with strategies, and we’re missing the mark on messaging and offer farmers few things that will help viability. </li> <li>Joint proposals ideas for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension <ul> <li>Biochar: on-farm production and energy capture. Quality and agronomic results.  Update the eXtension factsheet, or maybe re-orient the focus/theme.</li> </ul> </li> <li>From UVM Extension Ag Engineering (C. Callahan): <ul> <li>Depressed fossil fuel prices have led to dramatically reduced interest in heating with alternatives and renewable fuels primarily due to (a) extended payback periods and even no-savings use cases, (b) cost and other burdens associated with conversion to a new system, and (c) overall operational burden (labor and attention) associated with alternatives. Especially the case with greenhouse heating systems.</li> <li>Dramatically reduced interest in on-farm biodiesel production for similar reasons.</li> <li>Local Food Initiatives (e.g. Vermont Farm to Plate) offer some opportunities to explore alternative energy models and also food businesses beyond farms.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Objective 2: Identify Opportunities <ul> <li>A regional, New England group has emerged with a focus on Farm Energy topics and are seeking to better coordinate research, education and funding initiatives in this sector. Participants include representatives from Land Grant Universities, State Energy Efficiency Utilities, State Agencies of Agriculture / Food / Markets / Natural Resources, and State Farm Energy Groups. This group will be gathering for a farm tour in Massachusetts in the week of June 26 and regularly discusses opportunities for joint programming and proposals.</li> </ul>  Objective 3: Joint Proposals <ul> <li>As an extension of the SARE Professional Development Program funded “Farm Energy IQ” Multi-State project previously reported to this committee by D. Ciolkosz (PSU), a team from The University of Vermont, Pennsylvania State University, and Rutgers University is coordinating a registration-funded workshop, “Introduction to Farm Energy Analysis: A Workshop for Users of Energy Audits”, scheduled for August 24-26 in New Jersey. This three-day workshop will cover the fundamentals of energy in agriculture with a specific focus on energy audits. The content is primarily intended for those who use the results of energy audits for making funding and project decisions. Interactive classroom sessions will be split with field visits to put new learning into action and reinforce critical concepts.  The workshop will conclude with a focus on the development of reports consistent with ANSI/ASABE S612 and discussion about trends and future opportunities in agricultural energy.</li> <li>UVM Extension in partnership with VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and Vermont Energy Investment Corporation / Efficiency Vermont secured funding from Green Mountain Power (VT Electric Utility) and the High Meadows Fund to support the installation of biomass boilers for heating Vermont Greenhouses / Hoop houses. This work continued earlier installation and demonstrations of biomass heating of greenhouses carried out by Grubinger and Callahan over the past 9 years. The projects were a combination of (1) incentive funding to offset increased capital expense associated with new heating systems and (2) engineering support in system design and installation. With the most recent funding, a total of six (6) new biomass heating systems were installed in greenhouses. This brings the total number of active systems associated with this work to twenty (20). </li> </ul>   EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Research project looking at a new way to distill oil from essential oil plants (mint) to improve energy input and reduce water use. Built prototype distillation unit, going into 2nd year of testing. Funded by USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. (Sanford) Outreach activities on anaerobic digestion in Wisconsin and Africa. Objective 3: Joint Proposals No current activities Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: Wisconsin State Wood Energy Team – Promoting the use of wood energy for heating, process heat and power. Offering free feasibility studies. (Sanford) <ul> <li>Pole Building insulation techniques - Evaluation and Optimization of Post-Frame Thermal Envelopes.  Continued work with graduate students Holstein and He on a rotatable guarded hot box. (Bohnhoff)</li> <li>Reducing Water for Anaerobic Digestion Collaborators: V. Tumwesige, S. Stefanos, A. McCord Funding: Securing Water for Food (SWFF). Objectives:  implementing solid liquid separation systems to reduce the water usage in East Africa (Larson)</li> <li>A Multi-Scale Platform for Technology Evaluation and Decision-Making in the Dairy-Water-Energy Nexus Collaborators: V. Zavala, D. Noguera, K. Karthikeyan, and A. Hicks Funding: NSF and USDA NIFA (INFEWS) Objectives: provide scientific based information on waste optimization across sectors to reduce environmental impacts (Larson)</li> <li>Multi-stakeholder decision-making for the development of livestock waste-to-biogas systems Collaborators: V. Zavala Funding: NSF CBET. Objectives: provide scientific based information on the development of anaerobic digestion systems (Larson)</li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

EXPERIMENT STATION: Vermont: A long-term DOE supported effort, the Vermont Bioenergy Initiative, has demonstrated the feasibility of oilseed crop production and processing toward the replacement of diesel fuel on farms with homegrown biodiesel (costs of $2.30-2.50 per gallon, EROEI of 3.6-5.9 to 1, net CO2 sequestration of 1,984-3,277 pounds per acre), perennial grasses as a solid, biomass thermal fuel for heating (results noted above) and of algae production systems connected with waste streams from agricultural and food system business to produce biomass and oil.

Date of Annual Report: 10/30/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/19/2018 - 07/19/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2017 - 09/30/2018

Participants

Physicall Present:
Dan Ciolkosz, Penn State
Ed Johnstonbaugh, Penn State
A J Both, Rutgers
Tom Manning, Rutgers
Kaushlendra Singh, West Virginia University
Drew Schivonne, University of Maryland

Online:
Matt Smith, University of New Hampshire

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2018 Meeting Minutes NECC 1501.pdf

Accomplishments

Accomplishments included in station reports uploaded in the Summary of Minutes section of this report.

Publications

Publications included in station reports uploaded in the Summary of Minutes section of this report.

Impact Statements

Impacts included in station reports uploaded in the Summary of Minutes section of this report.

Date of Annual Report: 10/08/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/07/2019 - 08/08/2019
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2018 - 06/30/2019

Participants

Experiment Station Participants
Connecticut Xiusheng (Harrison) Yang
Illinois Xinlei Wang, Stanley Solomon Jr
Maryland Stephanie Lansing, Adel Shirmohammadi, Gary Felton, Kenneth Staver
New Hampshire Matt Smith and John Aber
New Jersey Tom Manning, David Specca, A.J. Both
Pennsylvania Dan Ciolkosz, Michael Jacobson, Ed Johnstonbaugh
Virginia John Ignosh
Wisconsin Scott Sanford, Tim Baye, Rebecca Larson, Doug Reinemann

Brief Summary of Minutes

NECC 1501 Annual Meeting Minutes

August 07, 2019

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 1304 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

Welcome and Introductions

Attending: Scott Sanford, Jactone Arogo Ogejo, Ed Johnstonbaugh, Al Go, Charles Gould, Xinlei Wang, Siobhan Fathel, John Ignosh, Dave Specca, Kay DiMarco, Drew Swomley

Review of Agenda

Review of Minutes of Past Meeting

Ed Johnstonbaugh motion to approve (Scott Sanford second). Passed

Chair's Report

Kaushlendra Singh was not able to assume the role of chair this year, so Dan Ciolkosz will step in to chair today's meeting.

Station Administrator's Report

This is the year for the Administrative Advisory (G. Thompson) to conduct the mid-term review and evaluation of Progress, Coordination/Linkages, Information Exchange, Attendance/participation. Each category rated as Unacceptable, Fair, Good, or Outstanding.

Our first 5-year cycle will come to an end next September. Thus, we will need to decide if we want to propose renewing for another five years or not.

6. Station Updates

Virginia - Solar water pumping project - aimed to power the relocation of streamwater away from the riparian zone. Also, working with poultry litter to energy units, and emissions aspects thereof.

New Jersey - Focus on organics recycling/reutilization. Policy development / strategic planning is a need at this point.

Illinois - Biomass heating demonstration, smart meter education. Looked at potential for biomass production on highway right off way. Promoted wood heating for greenhouses. Farm PV is of increasing interest.

Wisconsin - Mint distillation project. Wood energy grant came to an end. Post frame building insulation work. Publications on wood energy, drip irrigation. Zimbabwe trip reinforced value of power reliability.

Michigan - Solar lease agreement workshops and publication. Organize a 4H renewable energy camp every summer. Energy efficiency work on facilitating grant procurement through energy auditing services. Have done ~500 farm audits. Lighting system upgrading is proving to be of great interest but also great confusion. Production benefits are being reported. Helped to establish an official list of energy efficiency measures for Agriculture. Developed a series of case studies/demonstrations of energy efficiency measure implementation.

Nebraska - Irrigation conversion from diesel to electricity has historically been very popular. Provided detailed solar project economic analysis (w/ OSU). Available on creative commons license. Targeting ag lenders with educational information. Offering solar design and installation workshop. Working with "field to market" analysis tools to assess farm operations from an energy perspective.

Maryland - AD research underway. Working on wood energy education. Carried out a need analysis for Maryland. Solar development a big area of interest. Delivered workshops on farm energy efficiency.

7. Planning Discussion

- Committee renewal

XWang - continue but make sure that we develop a dissemination pathway for the information that is shared.
AGuo - organize a webinar on these topics?
JArogo - perhaps meet more than 1x/yr?
DSpecca - continue and share info/tools/publications

Consensus - renew under current format, improve means for sharing information and collaborating.

- Next year's meeting location/host

2020 - meet at Omaha, Nebraska, during ASABE international conference - either before or after
2021 - meet at PSU - possibly with National Energy Extension Summit

- Committee officer selection

Chair - Xinlei Wang nominated (Sanford, second Johnstonbaugh)
Vice Chair - John Hay nominated (Sanford, second, Johnstonbaugh)
Motion passed.

- Committee activities/objectives

Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"

Reboot/Retry for this year.

Utilize data from Farm Energy Extension survey?

Al has farm audit data from Michigan, can share summaries

Dan will help keep authors on track.

Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy

Peak demand control / Adapting to real time pricing, incorporating energy storage.

Benchmarking

Solar leasing etc. - simultaneous regional workshop? Best practices for land management/crop establishment in a solar farm.

Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and extension

NEERA grant for solar leasing

SARE grants for events - regionalize individual efforts

Individual members encouraged to indentify specific opportunities and partners, then pursue funding.

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn (John Ignosh, Second Dave Specca) passed.

Accomplishments

The objectives of this regional project are to: <ol> <li>Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"</li> <li>Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy</li> <li>Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension</li> </ol> Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station.    <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Connecticut</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> Same as in 2017, the University of Connecticut group is focusing on the development of <ol> <li>A stackable pallet GREENBOX farming system for urban agriculture.</li> <li>Computer-run simulation models for analyzing and comparing the controlled environment and energy dynamics between the newly developed GREENBOX system and traditional greenhouses.</li> <li>Up-to-date water and nutrient as well as energy management guidelines for GREENBOX crop production and provide users with educational opportunities that teach proper implementation at their own facilities.</li> <li>Proposals for farm energy research, education, and extension.</li> </ol> A protocol of the proposed GREENBOX farming system has been constructed for test. Preliminary tests have been conducted with the protocol on energy and water use for growing lettuce. Results indicated that the GREENBOX farming system has the potential to be a new type of agricultural facility in urban settings. A computer model for simulating the environment and energy use for the two systems has been developed. Systematic laboratory studies have been planned to evaluate the simulation model, and to further test the performance of the system. Two presentations were made at the 2018 ASABE International meeting, based on that two manuscripts are being prepared for publication. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A proposal entitled “Stackable farming for economically and environmentally urban food production” has been submitted to USDA NIFA SBIR program in October 2016. It has been selected by the funding agency for Phase I concept proofing. We are currently working on Phase II proposal for 2018, in which over $250K will be included for research work at University of Connecticut. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> None to report.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Work on evaluating the quantity and quality of food waste generated by facilities producing greater than 40 tons per year in NJ is ongoing.  Several workshops on the topic of food waste have been conducted and two more are planned. The sustainability benefits of co-locating anaerobic digesters at animal farms or active landfills is also being evaluated. We continue to evaluate a variety of lamps for light output, light distribution and power consumption using our 2-meter integrating sphere and a small darkroom. We evaluated the spectral output of a variety of lamp technologies (INC, CFL, CMH, HPS, and LED) and compared various waveband ratios with sunlight. We are continuing our work on a comprehensive evaluation of ventilation strategies for high tunnel crop production. We are continuing our work on the evaluation of energy use in commercial greenhouses and comparing the information to model-based predictions. A variety of outreach presentations on the engineering aspects of high tunnels, greenhouse production, and energy consumption have been delivered at local and out-of-state venues.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No progress to date.  <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> U of I team has been actively organizing workshops and field days to demonstrate the renewable biomass energy opportunities to IL farmers on the energy crop and biomass heat & power.  For example,  <ul> <li>A biomass heating system has been installed at University of Illinois Energy Farm complex. The unit was put into use during the fall 2017. It has been a feature of several tours and open house events.  </li> <li>A U of I extension team received the Smart Meter Education grant for calendar years 2017, 2018 and 2019.  The application process for continued funding into 2020 has been started. Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence are the target audience for this statewide effort. Smart meters have been installed by both the large investor owned utilities in the state. The utilities are offering consumers access to the near real-time, hourly use data, along with hourly pricing programs. The extension team has focused on educating consumers on how the data and pricing programs can help them make better utilization and efficiency decisions. The team is unique among grantees in our focus on rural audiences including farms.</li> </ul> <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and was selected for funding. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: <ul> <li>The IL Department of Transportation biomass utilization grant project has been completed. The focus was on developing resource availability tools, biomass quality analysis, best operating procedures, and market opportunities. The final report included a description of the GIS based system for identifying and estimating the production from realistically harvestable acreage controlled by IDOT. The system excludes areas such as the first 15 to 30 feet from the roadway edge and very narrow strips. The need to develop appropriate highway safety protocols for harvesting was identified as an issue for further work. A review of related safety protocols provided some additional constrains fed back into the GIS system. Samples from a demonstration area of approximately 5 acres were analyzed for quality and burn characteristics.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>US Forest Service Grant funded an Illinois Sustainable Technologies Center project to evaluate woody biomass for rural applications such as heating larger greenhouse operations. A biomass heating unit was installation in a small commercial greenhouse and tested. There were two open houses to show off the project in 2018.  The final report has been submitted to the sponsor. </li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Pennsylvania</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No progress to date.  <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> Discussion among team members identified the following topics as opportunities for collaborative work: ·         Farm Energy Use Benchmarking (Research and Extension) ·         On-Farm Biogas Production (Research and Extension) <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A Beginning Ranchers and Farmers Development Initiative (BRFDI) proposal was resubmitted to create a farm energy program for beginning farmers.  Participants in the proposal included 14 individuals, mostly NECC members, from Penn State (3), Rutgers (3), Michigan State (2), Cornell University (1), University of Nebraska (1), Virginia Tech (1), University of Maryland (1), University of New Hampshire (1), University of Illinois (1).  The proposal was selected for funding and the project is currently underway.  <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> WIG: Penn State Extension obtained a Wood Innovation Grant to partner with Koppers Corporation to develop markets for biochar from used railroad ties.  AWSGP: Penn State Extension worked with the Association of Warm Season Grass Producers (AWSGP), helping them to obtain Northeast SARE Grant support for market development for Switchgrass and other warm season grasses.  REMAP: Ongoing efforts worked to develop solar PV renewable energy opportunities for rural municipal authorities in Western PA.  REDA: Project development assistance is provided for local implementation of the USDA-RD Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP). This program encourages third party ownership business models allowing non-profits to benefit. Student Research: Ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include: <ul> <li>Short Rotation Willow Debarking (A Chahal, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Sorption (J Desplat, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Bioenergy and Energy Security (B Hulse, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz)</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland</h2> No accomplishments to report. <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Virginia</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> <ul> <li>Addressing Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Challenges by Accelerating On-farm Evaluations of Innovative Practices at Poultry Farms. Relevance: The USDA estimates that there are 5,153 family-run poultry farms in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, with the majority located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As part of a larger response to achieve the nutrient reduction targets of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, five Bay states have identified alternative uses of manure, such as bioenergy, as practices integral to the implementation of the strategies expressed in their Watershed Implementation Plans. Therefore, my programming has included characterizing the on-farm performance of novel poultry litter-to-energy projects to better understand their energy, economic and environmental performance as well as farmer operational experiences in incorporating these technologies into their farms. Response: Since 2011, we have been part of a team to assess systems at farms across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These systems represent some of the new approaches which are needed to more efficiently address the fundamental nutrient imbalances between the US grain belt and certain animal-based agricultural systems within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. For instance, on an annual basis, one on-farm unit is capable of transforming nearly 400 tons of bulky phosphorous-rich poultry litter into approximately 60 tons of concentrated phosphorous-rich ash while also generating carbon-neutral thermal energy to provide the in-house temperature conditions to enhance bird development. The appropriate application of these technologies could dramatically expand the range of opportunities to more efficiently transfer phosphorous beyond the nutrient-loaded watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay region. Emerging Results: The application and on-farm evaluation of these innovative technologies could serve to help expand opportunities to: recycle finite phosphorous resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (via biomass fuel switching displacing propane, and increased efficiencies of nutrient transfer trucking logistics by concentration of phosphorous in ash co-product), respond to constraints to one of the more efficient animal-based protein production systems to feed a growing global population, and potentially help benefit poultry farmers by increasing their nutrient and energy management alternatives.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Design and Siting Considerations for Transportable Water Pumping Stations for Livestock Watering Systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Relevance: As a means to meet the goals of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, Virginia’s Watershed Implementation Plan II sets forth a series of sector-specific best management practices (BMPs) related to improving water quality. The suite of BMP targets for the agricultural sector, include approximately 102 million linear feet of additional pasture fencing proposed to be implemented by the year 2025. For some of these pastures, additional fencing may require alternative livestock watering systems. For some locations, access to grid-tied electrical power may present itself as a cost-effective option. However, for other locations the cost to extend the electrical grid to power a small water pump may prove to be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the installation of capital intensive and/ or cost-shared livestock watering improvements can be problematic on rented acreage. Response: In 2018 the project team continued their field work to evaluate the performance and farmer experiences with solar-powered watering systems. This year this work explored the use of a variety of transportable solar-powered water pumping systems as a means to provide water to livestock in coordination with host farmers at sites in the Middle River and Cowpasture River watersheds. This work is supported by a grant from the Virginia Agricultural Council. Results: Among host technology farmers, perceptions of these units ranges from generally positive and enthusiastic regarding their potential, to more reserved and less engaged in the management of these units. 2018 posed many challenges due to frequent high-water events due to extended rainfall. However, among the more involved farmers, enthusiasm remains and their input is being used to inform design of system modifications and training materials. System modifications are to include remote monitoring via Internet-of-Things (IoT) type technology to ensure system operation and reduce need for unnecessary travel, yet enable prompt notification when system is in need of service.</li> </ul> <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> <ul> <li>Leveraging Solar‐powered Water Pumping Technology to Meet Farmer Needs in Virginia. Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. J. Ignosh & M. Booher. $10,000. 07/01/19-06/30/20</li> <li>Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance: Technology Transfer for Transportable Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems. Principal investigators: $53,572. Ignosh J; Booher M; Horne ACBF; Chesapeake Bay Foundation; NRCS; VA Dept. of Forestry; Penn State University; University of Maryland; Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture; Future Harvest - Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. 09/01/2019-08/31/22</li> <li>Reducing Air Emissions from On-Farm Poultry Litter-Fueled Energy Systems. 2017 Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation Service: Reducing Air Emissions from On-Farm Poultry Litter-Fueled Energy Systems. K. Hughes-Evans, J. Ignosh, J. Ogejo, M. Buser, and C. Craige. $377,654 ($210,274). 11/17-9/20.</li> <li>Alternative fencing and watering systems to enhance grazing management and stream exclusion, Virginia Agricultural Council, $16,838. Booher & J. Ignosh, 07/01/2017-06/30/2019</li> </ul> <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> None <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Michigan</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> While a number of opportunities were explored, none resulted in a submitted proposal. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> None to report. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> <ul> <li>Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) program conducted several educational programs related to farm energy use.</li> <li>The Michigan Statewide Wood Energy Team (SWET) has assembled a growing series of case studies about facilities that use wood to heat and/or cool their buildings.</li> <li>A farmer tour was organized on Thursday, Aug. 17 to Grand Valley Farm in Rives Junction, Michigan, which has implemented a solar thermal system and other energy efficient practices including lighting improvements, irrigation efficiencies, and new grain drying technology.</li> <li>MSUE Floriculture team produced a 16 page brochure that presents 13 production strategies and technologies that greenhouse growers can use to reduce energy consumption and improve greenhouse production efficiency.</li> <li>MSUE organized a webinar on Agricultural Solar Electric Investment Analysis.</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Wisconsin</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> Research project looking at a new way to distill oil from essential oil plants (mint) to improve energy input and reduce water use. Built prototype distillation unit, going into 3nd year of testing. Funded by USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. (Sanford) <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and submitted to the USDA 2018 BFRDP Program <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Wisconsin State Wood Energy Team – Promoting the use of wood energy for heating, process heat and power. Offering free feasibility studies and outreach programming. (Sanford) Pole Building insulation techniques - Evaluation and Optimization of Post-Frame Thermal Envelopes (Bohnhoff)

Publications

<h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut</h2> <ul> <li>Wu, J., C. Liu, R. McAvoy, R. Raudales, D. Theobald and X. Yang, 2018. Energy and water use analysis for the Greenbox system in comparison with greenhouses. ASABE Paper No. 1800XXX. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI</li> <li>Liu, C., R. Raudales, R. McAvoy, D. Theobald and X. Yang, 2018. An experimental study on energy and water uses of a newly developed greenbox farming system. ASABE Paper No. 1800XXX. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI</li> <li>Yang, X., D. Theobold, R. McAvoy, J. Wu and C. Liu, 2017. Greenbox farming: A new system for urban agriculture. ASABE Paper No. 1700627. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI</li> </ul> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois</h2> <ul> <li>Li, X. Shen, F. L. Funk, X. Wang. 2018. Feasibility Study of Environmental Control of Dairy Barns using Air Conditioning or Evaporative Cooling. In Proc. of 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, September 25-27, 2018</li> </ul> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey</h2> Refereed journal articles: <ul> <li>Brumfield, R.G., L.B. Kenny, A.J. DeVincentis, A.K. Koeser, S. Verlinden, A.J. Both, G. Bi, S.T. Lovell, and J.R. Stewart. 2018. Analysis of Economic and Social Costs of Growing Petunia × hybrida in a Greenhouse Production System Using Alternative Containers. HortScience 53(8): 1179–1185.</li> </ul> Trade journal articles: <ul> <li>Shelford, T, T. Manning and A.J. Both. 2018. Vapor pressure deficit revisited. GrowerTalks, November issue. pp. 66, 67, 69.</li> <li>Both, A.J. and T. Shelford. 2018. Afraid of your shadows? GrowerTalks, June issue. Available at: <a href="https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=23645">https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=23645</a></li> </ul> Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations <ul> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. Two presentations: Greenhouse standards and Research, trends and partnerships. Presented as part of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association spring meeting. April 8. Austin, TX.</li> <li>Specca, D. and A.J. Both. 2019. Organized a two-day short course titled Greenhouse Crop Production. D. Specca and A.J. Both delivered presentations and hosted tours. March 21-22. Bordentown, NJ.</li> <li>Guran, S. and D. Specca. June 13, 2019. Sustainable Agritourism Meet-up at the Rutgers EcoComplex. Multiple speakers on the topic for developing educational information for agritourism opportunities that are based on sustainable agriculture practices and technologies.</li> <li>Specca, D. and S. Guran. 2019 BFRDP Video for How to Install Energy Efficient Hydroponic Systems Part of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher’s program for energy efficiency and conservation</li> <li>Manning, T.O. 2019. Energy in greenhouses. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 64th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 71-73.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. Supplemental light in greenhouses. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 64th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 74-75.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. High tunnel ventilation. Extension presentation for the High Tunnel Bramble Workshop organized by the TunnelBerries project team during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. January 28. Hershey, PA.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2018. Urban farming: Challenges, opportunities and perhaps a reality check from a commercial farming perspective. Presentation for the Rutgers Urban Ag Workshop. December 14. New Brunswick, NJ.</li> </ul> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:   Pennsylvania</h2> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Chahal, A., and D. Ciolkosz.   Submitted (2018).  A Review of Wood-bark Adhesion: Methods and Mechanics of Debarking for Woody Biomass.  Wood Science and Technology.  51(3). </li> <li>McVey, M., Elkasabi, Y., and D. Ciolkosz.   Separation of BTX chemicals from biomass pyrolysis oils via continuous flash distillation. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00409-1</li> <li>Covelli C., H. Yi, A. Karamchandani, D. Ciolkosz, and V. M. Puri, 2018. Evaluation of dry steam preconditioning on switchgrass pellet quality metrics. Transactions of the ASABE.  34(4) 637-644.  </li> </ul> Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Johnstonbaugh, E. and D. Ciolkosz.   Biochar: Properties and Potential.  Penn State Renewable and Alternative Energy Fact Sheet Series.  The Pennsylvania State University.  University Park, PA. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D., Chahal, A., and M. McVey.   NEWBio Extension Curriculum: Miscanthus, Swithchgrass and Shrub Willow Production for Bioenergy and Bioproducts.  Northeast Warm Season and Woody Biomass Consortium.  The Pennsylvania State University.  University Park, PA. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Ag Progress Days to Feature Energy Events and Display. Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 13 August, 2018.</li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Biochar: What Flavor Would You Like? Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 13 August, 2018.</li> </ul> Presentations (Papers)  <ul> <li>Fathel, S., Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Trends in Farm Energy, Online, Extension Resources and Education Programs.  Presented at 2019 Penn State Energy Days.  29 May, 2019.  State College, PA. </li> <li>Chahal, A., and D. Ciolkosz.   Characteristics of Short Rotation Woody Biomass Relative to Debarking.  Presented at Mid Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo (MABEX).  12-14 Sept, 2018.  Philadelphia, PA. </li> <li>Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.   Measurement of the Thermo Mechanical Process of Pelletization.  Presented at Mid Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo (MABEX).  12-14 Sept, 2018.  Philadelphia, PA. </li> <li>Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Usage of Functionalized Biochar as a Catalyst in Biofuel Production: Research Status, Findings, Challenges and Future Prospects.  Presented at Mid Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo (MABEX).  12-14 Sept, 2018.  Philadelphia, PA. </li> <li>Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Determination of motor oil sorption capacity of switchgrass and corncob particles; effect of particle size and torrefaction.  Presented at ASABE Annual International Meeting.  29 Jul – 01 Aug 2018.  Detroit, MI. </li> <li>Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.   Measurement and Characterization of Temperature and Pressure in the Pelletization Process.  Presented at 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting.  07-10 July, 2019.  Boston, MA. </li> <li>Fathel, S., Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz. 2019. Energy Opportunities for New Farmers.  Presented at 2019 NABEC Conference.  16-19 June, 2019.  Quebec, Canada. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Biomass Thermal as a Niche Market.  Presented at Mid Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo (MABEX).  12-14 Sept, 2018.  Philadelphia, PA. </li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor <ul> <li>Biochar and Torrefied Biomass Short Course. Penn State Bioenergy Short Course Series.  State College, PA.  October 24-25, 2018.  </li> <li>Farm Energy Day. Penn State Extension.  15 March, 2019.  Gettysburg, PA. </li> </ul> Workshop Participant <ul> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Farm Energy Trends and Opportunities.  Presented at Farm Energy Day, 15 March, 2019.  Getttysburg, PA. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   The Biodiesel Cooking Show: It’s easy!  …   or is it? Presented at 2018 Penn State Ag Progress Days.  14 Aug, 2018.  Rock Springs, PA.  </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Biochar Basics.  Presented at 2018 Penn State Ag Progress Days.  14 Aug, 2018.  Rock Springs, PA.  Ciolkosz, D.  2017.  An Introduction to Commercial Scale Wood Energy.  Presented at PA State Wood Energy Team Wood Energy Workshop.  27 Jan, 2017.  Honesdale, PA. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Fuels and Standards.  Presented at PA State Wood Energy Team Wood Energy Workshop.  27 Jan, 2017.  Honesdale, PA.  Also presented at PA State Wood Energy Team Wood Energy Workshop, 17 Feb, 2017.  Philipsburg, PA. </li> </ul> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Virginia</h2> <ul> <li>Ogejo, J. A., Bendfeldt, E. S., & Ignosh, J. (2018). Biomethane Production Technology (442-881 (BSE-240P)). Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from <a href="https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/442/442-881/BSE-240.pdf">https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/442/442-881/BSE-240.pdf</a></li> </ul> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin</h2> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)    Extension Publications (Published)  <ul> <li>The Basics of Drip Irrigation, Scott Sanford, John Panuska, A4119, 16 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.</li> <li>Poultry barn heating with wood energy, Scott Sanford, A4170, 6 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.</li> <li>How to Compare Heating Fuels, Scott Sanford, A4162, 4 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.</li> <li>Tips for Buying, Drying, and Storing Firewood, Scott Sanford, A4162, 4 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.</li> </ul> Invited Presentations (without Proceedings) <ul> <li>BSE Boot Camp – Presentation –Greenhouses Systems to Reduce Energy Usage & On-Farm Cold Storage Facilities – Nov 15, 2018</li> <li>Wisconsin State Wood Energy Team – Webinar: Economic Analysis for Wood Energy System Projects – July 26, 2018</li> <li>Irrigators Association of Minnesota Convention – Feb 15, 2018, Freeport, MN – presentation - Water Management Needs for Irrigated Crops</li> </ul> Posters (without Proceedings)  <ul> <li>Specialty Crops Research Initiative project director meeting – Poster on continuous-flow mint distillation system. July 30, 2018, Washington, D.C.</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut Recognizing the need of the world for a reliable, scalable, sustainable, and economically feasible approach to continuous food production for increasing urban population, University of Connecticut have been leading the effort to develop a robust stackable farming system based on standard pallet dimensions in urban warehouse environments. The overall idea is to grow food crops in standard growth boxes (GREENBOXES) with optimum environmental control, manage and operate many GREENBOXES in urban warehouse environment using computerized robotic facilities, and distribute food products to local network in pre- or postharvest conditions. By taking advantages of the new technological development in LED lighting, environmental sensors and controllers, information technology and internet of things (IoT), and “Amazon”-like indoor robotic facilities, the proposed farming system makes food crop production a true 3-dimensional industrial process in warehouses local to urban population. EXPERIMENT STATION: Illinois Presentations and workshops on energy crop and biomass heat & power have been delivered to farmers and other audiences. EXPERIMENT STATION: Maryland Presentations and written materials on anaerobic digestion systems in terms of energy production and waste management efficacies and biogas utilization and scrubbing have been delivered to a variety of audiences. EXPERIMENT STATION: New Jersey Quantification of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the utilization of Anaerobic Digestion of organic waste for the production of biomethane, liquid organic fertilizer and compost is underway. Nationwide, Extension and NRCS personnel and commercial greenhouse growers have been exposed to research and outreach efforts through various presentations and publications. It is estimated that this information has led to proper designs of controlled environment plant production facilities and to updated operational strategies that saved an average sized (1-acre) business a total of $20,000 in operating and maintenance costs annually. Greenhouse energy conservation presentations and written materials have been prepared and delivered to local and regional audiences. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings between 5 and 30%. EXPERIMENT STATION: Pennsylvania Presentations, written materials, on-site demonstrations, and responses to inquiries have been provided on farm energy production and use. EXPERIMENT STATION: Virginia EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin Developed three extension publications dealing with wood energy and comparison of different energy sources. Developed one extension publications dealing with the basics of micro irrigation.

Date of Annual Report: 10/08/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/16/2020 - 07/16/2020
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2019 - 06/30/2020

Participants

Pennsylvania State University: Dan Ciolkosz, Siobhan Fathel, Ed Johnstonbaugh, Gary Thompson
University of Illinois: Xinlei Wang, Stanley Solomon Jr
Maryland: Stephanie Lansing, Amro Hassanein, Drew Schiavone
Rutgers University: David Specca, A.J. Both
Virginia Tech: John Ignosh
University of Wisconsin: Scott Sanford, Shiba Kar
Michigan State University: Satish Joshi, Charles Gould, Al Go
University of Nebraska: John Hay

Brief Summary of Minutes

NECC 1501 Annual Meeting Minutes

July 16, 2020

Location: Zoom Meeting Room, https://psu.zoom.us/j/92127435745

or Call: 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID# 921 2743 5745

1. Welcome and Introductions

Attending:

Pennsylvania State University	Dan Ciolkosz, Siobhan Fathel, Ed Johnstonbaugh, Gary Thompson
University of Illinois	Xinlei Wang, Stanley Solomon Jr
Maryland	Stephanie Lansing, Amro Hassanein, Drew Schiavone
Rutgers University	David Specca, A.J. Both
Virginia Tech	John Ignosh
University of Wisconsin	Scott Sanford, Shiba Kar
Michigan State University	Satish Joshi, Charles Gould, Al Go
University of Nebraska	John Hay

2. Review of Agenda

3. Review of Minutes of Past Meeting

Ed Johnstonbaugh motion to approve (Scott Sanford second). Passed

4. USDA Administrator’s Report

Gary Thompson, administrative advisor (AA) for group.

1501 scheduled to terminate September 30, 2020

New project, NECC 2001 approved unanimously in May to begin October 1, 2020 for 5 years. Reviews were very positive, provided some constructive suggestions.

"Appendix E" - group membership list - does not roll over. Can ask your experiment station director to add you or do it yourself, following instructions shared by Gary.

Annual report will include minutes of this meeting, plus summary of station reports, and will be due in 90 days. Follow same format as in years past. Turn in to Rachel Unger at PSU.

Gary leaving PSU, to become southcentral region AA. Thus there will be a new AA assigned shortly by Northeast Executive Director of Experiment Stations. New AA can be a department head - feel free to suggest someone.

AJ - What is the financial update on what is happening in Washington DC?

We are starting to see some opening up in terms of opportunities for renewable energy. NIFA has transitioned from DC to Kansas City, and is moving things along pretty well, in spite of losing 50% of workforce. Scott Angle (Director, NIFA) has stepped down, Parag R. Chitnis is interim director. We are seeing that most appropriations for capacity funding (i.e. Hatch, Smith-Lever) are flat.

AJ - What is normal in terms of travel support for regional project group meeting attendance?

All decisions for that are made at the local (i.e. university) level.

5. Station Updates

(See attached reports for additional details)

Penn State:

Teaching two energy courses.

Extension includes Beginning Farmers grant, Biochar projects, Farm Energy Day workshops, e-extension. Research includes thermochemical-biochemical conversion, pelletizer characterization, shrub willow debarking, cotreatment of AD. New projects starting include C-Change and MASBio AFRI CAPs. University digester now built and operating.

Illinois:

Solar Farm 1.0 was completed in 2015, 20.8-aces, 5.87MW capacity, provides 2% of campus electricity. In 2019, Solar Farm 2.0 (54 Acres, 12.1 MW) was approved. Scheduled to be completed by end of 2020.

Extension work - several research projects have wound down, extension efforts haven't yet ramped up. Smart meter outreach project in Year 4. Working on solar with John Hay (UNeb). Interested in redirecting the apparent downturn in renewables interest into effort towards a new direction.

New Jersey:

Food waste now mandated to be recycled - lots of interest in Anaerobic Digesters. Four projects underway to serve as receivers of food waste / AD systems. Need use for liquid digestate as well as solids.

Working with lighting systems for plant growth. Developing standards with ASABE, testing fixtures. Published high tunnel production guide for berries, biosystems engineering textbook. Bill Roberts died last month, 98 yrs. Inventor of double poly cover for greenhouses.

Wisconsin:

Finished mint distillation project.

Taking part in BFRDP project

Teach BSE 362 - Renewable Energy Systems (online)

Pubs on tunnel ventilation microenvironments.

Analyzed biogas status in Wisconsin.

Monthly energy newsletter (Sherrie Gruder).

Scott retiring. AJ - we could write a letter to the UW dean requesting that they hire a replacement.

Maryland:

Doing capacity building within MD Extension. Conducted a thorogh survey.

Developing an energy extension website for MD

Two solar projects ongoing - legal issues analysis, and training initiative.

Did a Barriers to Anaerobic Digestion survey.

Analyzed "biochar from poultry litter" project.

Analyzed MD regulations related to AD and other bioenergy applications.

Worked with poultry litter digester to do proof of concept testing.

Wrote technical reference guide for biogas production and utilization.

Worked on algae digestion w/ port of Baltimore.

Researched nanoparticles and their impact on AD.

Researched biochar in AD.

Worked on ammonia extraction from AD effluent

Researched treatments of feedstock and impact on AD.

Michigan:

Studying public attitudes to renewables and biofuels.

Working on ag solar lease guidance.

Powering Ag workshops - showcasing successful farms.

Doing farm audits.

Hoping to pursue a project to look at promoting greater adoption of solar. Working on a model solar ordinance.

Interested in going after leftover AgEMP money to do energy education. Any interest in a team proposal?

Energy efficiency program expanding. Getting involved with utilities. Receiving requests for help with grain dryers, greenhouses, irrigation.

Discussion - farm land conversion to solar PV - community and government attitudes and actions? NJ does not permit. Some in NE see it as a way to protect farmland.

Discussion - consortium of university digester owners/operators?

Nebraska:

Comments on Nebraska "Integrated Farm" of 1980s (digester, solar, wind, etc.)

Teaches energy sciences minor, with some ag content.

Working on irrigation, including irrigation efficiency. Looking at modeling that takes into account variable price of electricity.

Working with "field to market" organization to quantify sustianability of the fields from which they source their crops, use that info as an educational tool.

Discussion - any work on integrating energy and water conservation? This could be a atrategy for maintaining the relevance of farm energy.

Virginia:

Worked on Poultry litter to energy conversions,

Market development for ash and biochar, BFRDP, Mobile solar pumping systems for livestock.

Providing webinars and outreach on solar farms in VA.

6. Review of Last Year, Plans for Future Year

BFRDP rolling along

Book - need to do internal review

Where to publish? Perhaps we need to engage some editors. Perhaps Springer or Elsevier? Charles has contact at Elsevier.

What about open access? This would be preferred.

Contact Rick Rhodes, ED for NEERA, to ask about potential for providing $$ for open access.

Alternately, consider an open access journal with a "special issue".

Charles looking to tap into financial assistance for implementing energy conservation measures. NRCS has leftover funds most years in many states. Project would be to provide support for farmers to access those funds, enlarge pool of TSPs. If we make this a multi state project, it can be bigger ($5M instead of $1M). Would involve four individuals, each at 0.25 FTE. Will help train TSPs to better understand farms, smooth out issues between USDA and utilities.

Not a lot of info out there on the long term impact of these efforts.

Drew mentioned the need to develop local expertise in MD.

MSU developed a certification and training program for auditors.

Perhaps we should work to expand ASABE S612 for standardized methods and/or develop a standard training program for farm energy auditors.

Scott has an energy efficiency website that he'd like to find a new host to maintain. Consists of multiple calculators for different farm types. USDA Energy Self Assessment Calculator. USDA decided not to take it over.

wisc.edu

Other ideas?

Promote an AFRI CAP on the concept of net zero energy farming?

Integrated grants on...

Undergrad education modules on energy auditing

US DOE P2 (pollution prevention) grant opportunities?

ANDIG3 project produced curriculum on AD and other forms of bioenergy. Charles Gould will work on updating and publishing.

Campus Farm Digester Community Group - Stephanie L to organize.

Deliverables for next year:

Book – Dan to organize towards placing in hands of publishers by close of 2020

NRCS EQUIP Proposal - Charles

Calculators – All to contact Scott with ideas for hosting

Curriculum development – Charles to spearhead process

Digester operator group – Stefanie to organize

e-extension – Dan to organize

Response to proposal review:

e-extension overlap

sharing of curriculum

ag resiliency

All to review (will email around).

Next year’s meeting:

Tentatively plan to meet at NEES, Oct 2021

7. Adjourn

Motion to adjourn (John Ignosh, Second Dave Specca) passed.

Accomplishments

The objectives of this regional project are to: <ol> <li>Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"</li> <li>Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy</li> <li>Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension</li> </ol> Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station.  <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> Two draft chapters titled “Energy Efficiency - Greenhouse Energy Management” and “On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal” were developed as part of our committee’s efforts to report on the regional farm energy status and outlook. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> We are participating in the USDA-funded “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” project that was developed in collaboration with members of this committee. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Professor emeritus William (Bill) J. Roberts passed away on May 21, 2020 at the age of 88. Bill is perhaps best known for the invention of the air-inflated, double-layer polyethylene film system for covering the roof of a greenhouse. In 2004, the site of the original greenhouse at Rutgers University was designated as ASABE’s 44th National Historic Landmark. Bill retired in 1999. He will be especially remembered for his warm personality that included many hugs, jokes, and stories. We are working on a repository of Bill’s publications that span his 50-year career in agricultural engineering. We plan to make this repository available online later this year.   Tom Manning, greenhouse engineer and previous contributor to our committee retired in 2019. He continues to offer consulting services, but is no longer involved with the research and outreach at the NJ Ag Experiment Station.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:      Illinois</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> We helped draft the following: Chapter 02: Energy Efficiency – Smart Metering (Wang, Johnstonbaugh) <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> A U of I extension team received the Smart Meter Education grant for calendar years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.  The application process for continued funding into 2020 has been started. Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence are the target audience for this statewide effort. Smart meters have been installed by both the large investor owned utilities in the state. These utilities are offering consumers access to the near real-time, hourly-use data, along with hourly pricing programs. The extension team has focused on educating consumers on how the data and pricing programs can help them make better utilization and efficiency decisions. The team is unique among grantees in our focus on rural audiences including farms.  During 2019, the major focus pivoted from awareness of new resources to implementing efficiency and cost reduction strategies.  In 2020, additional solar energy information was added to the mix.  The focus is on how individual or community solar projects might play into longer term cost savings.     <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and was selected for funding. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: The Solar Farm 1.0 is rated at 5.87 megawatt DC/ 4.68 megawatt AC.  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved construction of a 20.8-acre solar farm in November 2012. It has been operational since December 11, 2015. The Solar Farm produces an approximately 7,200 MWh annually or approximately 2% of the annual electrical demand for the Urbana campus making this site one of the largest university solar arrays in the country. Solar Farm 2.0:  Construction of a new 54-acre, 12.1 MW(dc) Solar Farm has been approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees as the sole member of Prairieland Energy, Inc. Referred to as "Solar Farm 2.0," the new utility-scale array will be located north of Curtis Road, between First Street and Dunlap Avenue in Savoy. Solar Farm 2.0 will produce approximately 20,000 MWh per year, nearly tripling the university’s existing on-site renewable energy generation. The overall project is on track to be completed by the end of 2020.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Pennsylvania</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> We organized a shared repository for chapter drafts, and helped draft the following: Chapter 01: Energy Use on the Farm (Ciolkosz, Go) Chapter 02: Energy Efficiency – Smart Metering (Wang, Johnstonbaugh) Chapter 08: On-Farm Energy Production - Biofuels (Ciolkosz, Steiman)  <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> no progress to report <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> Team members participated in two AFRI CAP proposals: C-Change (Lead Institution: Iowa State University): Focused on anaerobic digestion of manure plus crops.  MASBio (Lead Institution: West Virginia University, includes SUNY ESF, Virginia Tech, West Virginia State University): Focused on converting marginal and abandoned lands to biomass production, primarily for bioproducts but with energy a secondary market.  The ongoing Beginning Ranchers and Farmers Development Initiative (BRFDI) project, which includes several NECC 1501 participants, continued to produce extension video material on energy topics for new farmers and ranchers.  <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> WIG: Penn State Extension completed its Wood Innovation Grant, in which they partnered with Koppers Corporation to develop markets for biochar from used railroad ties.  The no cost extension is underway, in which extension materials for the general public will be developed.  Solar PV: Several projects were undertaken relative to solar photovoltaic systems, including Solar Leasing Extension:  A fact sheet and webinar were developed and delivered to educate farmers about land leasing for utility scale solar project development.  Solar Project Development: Ongoing efforts worked to develop solar PV renewable energy opportunities for rural municipal authorities, businesses, and non-profits in Western PA.  Biochar Extension: An extension seed grant was obtained to demonstrate biochar utilization as a soil amendment and provide information to municipal customers about the properties and performance of biochar.  Student Research: Ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include: <ul> <li>Short Rotation Willow Debarking (A Chahal, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Sorption (A Arya, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Bioenergy and Energy Security (B Hulse, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz)</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> An initial survey (Sept 2018–April 2019) of 75 participants was given to systematically investigate the financial and policy barriers to anaerobic digestion (AD) implementation in terms of capital costs, maintenance, regulations, and incentives with industry, regulators, and farmers in the US. In July 2019 to June 2020, the survey responses data were processed and analyzed. The analysis of respondent data has shown large support for food waste diversion policies and the positive relationship between potential food waste policies and the development of anaerobic digestion in the US. Results have also shown a large overlap between actual and perceived motivations for AD implementation throughout various participant populations. The survey also displayed higher variability in participant responses around policies and laws regarding to biogas and electricity. A survey was issued to all University of Maryland Extension (UME) Educators and Specialists (283 eligible Faculty) between October 2018 – March 2019 to assess the interest and need for energy-related outreach, education and programming. The survey achieved a 34.6% response rate (n=98) with the survey data processed and analyzed between April 2019 and April 2020. Results indicated that farmers and ranchers account for 27% of those clientele in Maryland that are currently seeking energy-related information from UME; prioritizing energy-related economics (19%), heating (14%) and energy assessments (9%). Grid-tied solar PV (13%) and land leasing for renewable energy systems (12%) were also top priorities for those clientele currently seeking information on clean energy technology. The primary barriers to energy programming were perceived as an insufficient understanding of clean energy technology and high costs associated with clean energy.. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> The University of Maryland team has been working with farmers in implementing anaerobic digestion technology for dairy and poultry famers, as well as fluidized bed combustion for poultry manure. <ul> <li>The Maryland team has worked with a dairy farm in Cecil County, MD to upgrade their digester and installing a combined heat and power system for their covered lagoon digester with food waste co-digestion. The team has worked with them to identify vendors, review feasibility studies and collect information on power purchase agreements. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate power purchase agreements and understanding opportunities with food waste co-digestion. Work funded under Maryland Department of Agriculture.</li> <li>The Maryland team worked with farmers interested in the new nutrient trading program and how anaerobic digestion (with composting), combustion, and gasification can be used for receiving future nutrient trading credits. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate this area and how farm energy technologies can be integrated into this new program.</li> <li>The Maryland team conducted third-party monitoring of system operations of a fluidized bed combustion unit for poultry litter for heating the poultry houses in Dorchester County, MD to implement and quantify electrical and thermal energy and ash production. The Final Report and Fact Sheet were submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture.</li> <li>The Maryland team developed a white paper to increase farmer and utility companies understanding of Code of Metering Law and Maryland regulations ((COMAR) 20.50.10.01) and the relationship between the COMAR and anaerobic digestion technology.</li> <li>The Maryland team worked with a poultry farm in Worcester County, MD to implement and quantify biogas production and nutrient recovery from a poultry litter digester with post-digestion nutrient recovery and re-use of the effluent water in the front of the digestion system. The team has completed gathering data on this system, and conducted life cycle assessment of the technology. We are finalizing the final report and Fact Sheet and will submit to Maryland Department of Agriculture in 2020.</li> <li>The Maryland team is working on reducing antimicrobial resistance through integration of engineering and social science, Dr Lansing team lead a multi-million USDA grant that developed a new method for antibiotic detection in manure and determined the effect of advanced treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and composting, on resistance.</li> </ul> The Maryland team has been working with on-farm energy efficiency and conservation. <ul> <li>The Maryland team organized an energy in-service in October 2019 in Ellicott City MD, with 45 participants to explore various energy-related policies, technologies, financial opportunities, and energy programs in Maryland. UME educators, specialists and other faculty explored programming to reduce energy use, lower energy costs, and implement clean energy technology for farms and rural businesses. Topics included an overview of Maryland’s energy outlook, the impacts of energy efficiency, a panel discussion on energy efficiency programming, woody biomass opportunities, geothermal potential, a panel on solar development in the region, on-farm solar implementation, anaerobic digestion technology and opportunities, and a panel discussion on project financing and development.</li> <li>The Maryland team is developing an energy Extension program to help farmers and ag service providers reduce on-farm energy use, sustainably increase energy production, and minimize energy expense through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and the implementation of renewable/alternative energy systems on farms. Relevant programming included: 4 lectures/presentations; 1 workshop/demonstration; 1 in-service training; 6 one-on-one consultations; 1 energy Extension website; 1 fact sheet; reaching 138 individuals.</li> <li>The Maryland team worked with farmers interested in on-farm solar PV technology and development. This Extension programming addresses the socioeconomic, legal and technical issues associated with on-farm solar PV and its BMPs on a farm. Schiavone is leading a SARE grant dealing with Extension training for on-farm solar. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers, ag service providers, local government, landowners, and solar developers understand how farm energy technologies can be sustainably implemented. Relevant programming efforts in this area include: 5 one-on-one consultations; 1 workshop; reaching 50 individuals.</li> </ul> <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> None to report. <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> None to report.   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Wisconsin</h2> <h3>Objective 1: Survey Report</h3> No accomplishments to report. <h3>Objective 2: Identify Opportunities</h3> Research project looking at a new way to distill oil from essential oil plants (mint) to improve energy input and reduce water use. Built prototype distillation unit, Project completed March 2020. Funded by USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. (Sanford) <h3>Objective 3: Joint Proposals</h3> A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and submitted to the USDA 2018 BFRDP Program <h3>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h3> Undergraduate Course: BSE/ENVIR ST  367 — RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS Students will learn about the state-of-the-art in renewable energy applications including biomass for heat, electric power and liquid fuels as well as geo-energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. Students will do engineering calculations of power and energy availability of renewable energy sources and learn about requirements for integrating renewable energy sources into production, distribution and end-use systems. Taught 3 times per year. On-line course. <h1>5. Annual Station Impacts</h1> <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois</h2> The smart meter education project involved eight U of I extension educators from across the state.  The group presented to 68 group resulting in 2214 contacts across the state during 2019.  There was a notable increase in knowledge (97%) and likelihood to take steps to improve energy efficiency in the home (71%) among those who completed surveys. Presentations and workshops on energy crop and biomass heat & power have been delivered to farmers and other audiences. <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:      Maryland</h2> New manure management energy systems are being installed in Maryland farms with expertise from Maryland Extension on operation and quantifying functional parameters of waste to energy. Transformations of nutrients, and antibiotics, as well as energy production efficiency, are being quantified in manure to waste technologies used on-farm by the University of Maryland team, with on-going material content (Fact Sheets and articles) being produced and new workshops and events planned. In addition, Maryland team created a chapter entitled, “On Farm Energy Production – Biogas,” currently under review for publication which will provide farmer’s with a complete guide to understanding digester implementation on-farm. <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey</h2> Nationwide, Extension and NRCS personnel and commercial greenhouse growers have been exposed to research and outreach efforts through various presentations and publications. It is estimated that this information has led to improved designs of controlled environment plant production facilities and to updated operational strategies that saved an average sized (1-acre) business a total of $25,000 in operating and maintenance costs annually. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings of between 5 and 30%. <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:    Pennsylvania</h2> Presentations, written materials, on-site demonstrations, and responses to inquiries have been provided on farm energy production and use.  <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Wisconsin</h2> Developed three extension publications dealing with wood energy and comparison of different energy sources. Developed one extension publications dealing with the basics of micro irrigation.

Publications

<h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey</h2> Dissertations, Theses (Published): <ul> <li>Li, Y. 2020. The effects of Silicon nutrition on hydroponically grown lettuce, bok choy, and basil. Ph.D. Dissertation. Rutgers University Libraries. 219 pp. (A.J. Both served as major advisor)</li> </ul> Book Chapters (Published): <ul> <li>Shelford, T.J. and A.J. Both. 2020. Plant production in controlled environments. In Introduction to Biosystems Engineering, N.M. Holden, M.L. Wolfe, J.A. Ogejo, and E.J. Cummins (Eds.). Published by ASABE in association with Virginia Tech Publishing. 28 pp.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Published): <ul> <li>Li, Y., A.J. Both, C.A. Wyenandt, E.F. Durner, and J.R. Heckman. 2019. Applying Wollastonite to soil to adjust pH and suppress powdery mildew on pumpkin. HortTechnology. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04391-19. 10 pp.</li> </ul> Popular (Trade Journal) Articles (Published):  <ul> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. Revisiting the measurement of light. GLASE Technical Article Series. Available at: <a href="https://glase.org/">https://glase.org/</a></li> </ul> Other Creative Works: <ul> <li>Both, A.J. 2020. High tunnel design and control. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 65th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Atlantic City, NJ. February 4.</li> <li>Lewus, D.C. and A.J. Both. 2020. Using CFD to improve high tunnel ventilation. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 65th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Atlantic City, NJ. February 4.</li> <li>Lubna, F. and A.J. Both. 2020. Poster: Life cycle assessment (LCA) of supplemental lighting systems used for controlled environment crop production. Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference. Philadelphia, PA. January 6-9.</li> <li>Mattson, N. and A.J. Both. 2020. Horticultural lighting systems energy-savings calculations. GLASE Webinar. February 20. Available at: https://glase.org/resources/webinars/</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. Greenhouses: An overview. Presentation for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in East Orange, NJ. May 3.</li> <li>Both, A.J., K. Demchak, E. Hanson, C. Heidenreich, G. Loeb, L. McDermott, M, Pritts, and C. Weber. 2019. High tunnel production guide for raspberries and blackberries. Available at: https://www.tunnelberries.org/</li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor: <ul> <li>Our annual Greenhouse Crop Production Short Course was cancelled due to COVID-19. It was originally scheduled for March 19-20, 2020.</li> </ul> Workshop Participant: <ul> <li>Both, A.J. 2019. Hydroponics: Benefits and risks. Presentation during the Annie’s Project Workshop titled: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. New Brunswick, NJ.</li> </ul> Refereed Publications (Pending): <ul> <li>Shelford, T., C. Wallace and A.J. Both. 2019. Calculating and reporting key light ratios for plant research. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.</li> <li>Lewus, D. and A.J. Both. 2019. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve high tunnel ventilation. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2020. Crop irrigation. Chapter submitted for the 19th edition of the Ball Redbook. 4 pp.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2020. Glazing. Chapter submitted for the 19th edition of the Ball Redbook. 6 pp.</li> <li>Li, Y., J. Heckman, A. Wyenandt, N. Mattson, E. Durner, and A.J. Both. 2020. Potential benefits of Silicon nutrition to hydroponically grown sweet basil. Submitted for review to HortScience.</li> <li>Greenwood, D., R.G. Brumfield, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, N. Polanin, A. Rouff, A. Rowe, and R. VanVranken. 2020. Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. Submitted for review to the Journal of Extension.</li> <li>Llewellyn, D., T.J. Shelford, Y. Zheng, and A.J. Both. 2021. Measuring and reporting lighting characteristics important for controlled environment plant production. Submitted for review to Acta Horticulturae. (The LightSym meeting in Malmö, Sweden was postponed to 2021).</li> <li>Shelford, T.J., N. Mattson, and A.J. Both. 2021. A greenhouse daily light integral control algorithm that takes advantage of day ahead market electricity pricing. Submitted for review to Acta Horticulturae. (The LightSym meeting in Malmö, Sweden was postponed to 2021).</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:   Pennsylvania</h2> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Nunes, L., Ciolkosz, D., and T. Causer.   Biomass for energy: a review on supply chain models. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.  120 (2020). 8pp. </li> <li>Jacobson, M., and D. Ciolkosz.   Plantation Forestry and Pellet Production in Kenya.  Biomass and Bioenergy.  135(2020) 105519. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D., Desplat, J., and K. Schiffer.   Raw, Torrefied, and Alkaline Treated Biomass as a Sorbent for Lead in Water.  Bioresources.  14(4), 8530-8542.   </li> <li>Causer, T., and D. Ciolkosz.   Thermal treatment of Biomass for the Circular Economy.  in Nunes, L.J.R., Pimentel, C., Azevedo, S.G. and Matias, J.C.O. (Eds.), “New trends for the biomass energy development: from wood to circular economy”, Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA.</li> <li>Chahal, A., and D. Ciolkosz.   A Review of Wood-bark Adhesion: Methods and Mechanics of Debarking for Woody Biomass.  Wood And Fiber Science, 51(3). 12pp. </li> <li>McVey, M., Elkasabi, Y., and D. Ciolkosz.   Separation of BTX chemicals from biomass pyrolysis oils via continuous flash distillation. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 9(2019)1-9.</li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Johnstonbaugh, E., Brockett, D., and D. Ciolkosz.   Landowner Leasing for Utility Scale Solar Farms.  Penn State Renewable and Alternative Energy Fact Sheet Series.  The Pennsylvania State University.  University Park, PA. </li> </ul> Presentations (Papers)  <ul> <li>Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.   Measurement and Characterization of Temperature and Pressure in the Pelletization Process.  Presented at 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting.  07-10 July, 2019.  Boston, MA. </li> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Technoeconomic Analysis for Assessing the Costs Associated with Debarking of Bioenergy Crop: Shrub Willow.  Presented at Ag Equipment Technology Conference 2020, ASABE.  February 10, 2020 - February 12, 2020. </li> <li>Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V, Puri. Measurement and Characterization of Temperature and Pressure in the Pelletization Process.  Presented at the 2019 Drawdown Conference.  16-18 September, 2019.  University Park, PA. </li> <li>Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Effect of Torrefaction on Glucose Yield of Wheat Straw.  Presented at 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting.  07-10 July, 2019.  Boston, MA. </li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) <ul> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Puri, V., Jacobson, M., and J. Liu.   Mechanical Characteristics of Wood Bark Interface of Shrub Willow.  Industrial Crops and Products.  Submitted for Publication. </li> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Techno-Economic Analysis for Assessing the Supply Chain Associated with debarking of bioenergy crop: Shrub Willow.  Biomass and Bioenergy.  Submitted for Publication. </li> <li>Memis, B., Ciolkosz, D., Richard, T., and M. Hall.   Impact of Alkali Pretreatment and Torrefaction on Glucose Production From Wheat Straw.  Submitted for Publication.</li> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Factors Affecting Wood-Bark Adhesion for Debarking of Shrub Willow.  Biosystems Engineering.  Accepted for Publication. </li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland</h2> Dissertations, Theses (Published) <ul> <li>Choudhury A., 2019. Hydrogen sulfide removal in anaerobic digestion. Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland. December 2019. Advisor: Stephanie Lansing.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2020. Biochar addition with Fe-impregnation to reduce H2S production from anaerobic digestion. Bioresource Technology 306: 123121. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechn.2020.123121.</li> <li>Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., May, P., Kangas, P., Lansing, S., 2020. Complementing energy production with nutrient management: Anaerobic digestion system for algal turf scrubber biomass. Ecological Engineering 143, 105618. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.105618.</li> <li>Achi, C.G., Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., 2020. Enhanced biogas production of cassava wastewater using zeolite and biochar additives and manure co-digestion. Energies 13(2), 491. doi: 10.3390/en13020491.</li> <li>Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2019. Methane and hydrogen sulfide production from co-digestion of gummy waste with a food waste, grease waste, and dairy manure mixture. Energies 12 (23), 4464. doi: 10.3390/en12234464.</li> <li>Choudhury, A., Shelford, T., Felton, G., Gooch, C., Lansing, S., 2019. Evaluation of hydrogen sulfide scrubbing systems for anaerobic digesters on two dairy farms. Energies 12 (24), 4605. doi:10.3390/en12244605.</li> </ul> Extension Publications (Published)  <ul> <li>Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., Felton, G., 2020. Poultry litter combustion on the Eastern Shore of Maryland: Case Study. University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. Understanding farm energy. University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet.</li> </ul> Invited Presentations (without Proceedings) <ul> <li>Lansing, S., 2020. Bioenergy technologies in the food, water, energy nexus. University of Maryland Global STEWARDS Annual Meeting. College Park, MD. January 24, 2020.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2019. Ecological Engineering and Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Anaerobic Digestion and Algal Turf Scrubbers. Invited Panel. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Moss, A., Hassanein, A., Cloyd, N., 2019. Biogas Enhancement & Ammonia Extraction for Increased Revenue in Waste-to-Energy Systems. Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MIE2) Board Meeting. College Park, MD. July 30, 2019.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2019. On-farm anaerobic digestion. Maryland Energy In-Service Training. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019.</li> <li>Schiavone, D. 2019. Energy efficiency and conservation priorities. Maryland Energy In-Service Training. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019.</li> </ul> Presentations (without Proceedings)  <ul> <li>Stephanie Lansing, Hülsemann, B., Choudhury, A., Schueler, J., Lisboa, M.S., Poindexter, C., Oechsner, H., 2019. Food waste co-digestion in Germany and the United States: From lab to full-scale systems and associated policy implications and barriers. American Soc. of Agricultural Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., May, P., Kangas, P., Delp, D., 2019. Anaerobic digestion system for algal turf scrubber biomass: Energy production with nutrient uptake for storm water management. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.</li> <li>Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019. Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.</li> <li>Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Tikekar, R., 2019. Effect of metal nanoparticles on anaerobic digestion. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019. </li> <li>Lansing, S., 2019. Grant opportunities and third party verifications. Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Council Conference. Baltimore, MD. July 8-10, 2019.</li> <li>Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2019.  Application of anaerobic co-digestion for converting aquaculture waste into energy. Seminar Presentation at The Freshwater Institute. Shepherdstown, WV. October 23, 2019.  </li> <li>Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019. Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter. University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.</li> </ul> Posters (without Proceedings)  <ul> <li>Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019, Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., Felton, G., Hassanein, A., Moyle, J., 2019. Poultry litter to energy with soil amendments and nutrient removal (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Delp, D., May, P., Kangas, P., Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., 2019. Algal production to remove nutrients from the Chesapeake Bay with bioenergy production at the Port of Baltimore (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Heat and mass transfer modeling in baled switchgrass. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Moisture measurement of switchgrass via time-domain reflectometry. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Thermophysical properties of baled switchgrass. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.</li> </ul> Other Creative Works Reports <ul> <li>Lansing, S., Moss, A., Hassanein, A., Cloyd, N., 2020. Biogas Enhancement & Ammonia Extraction for Increased Revenue in Waste-to-Energy Systems. Final Report to Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MIE2). 15 pages.</li> <li>Anchor QEA, Lansing, S., 2019. Integrated algal flow-way, digester, and fuel cell demonstration project, 2019. Final Report. Prepared for US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service. 157 pages.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., 2019. Quantifying and demonstrating scrubbing H2S from farm-based anaerobic digestion systems. Final Report to NE SARE. 23 pages.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., Felton, G., 2019. Fluidized bed combustion of poultry litter demonstration project. Final Report to Maryland Department of Agriculture. 15 pages.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Felton, G., Hassanein, A., 2019. Maryland Net Metering Code and Anaerobic Digestion Technology. Submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Energy Administration. 3 pages.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Izursa, J.L., 2019. Waste to Energy: Gasification of Poultry Litter. Final Report to Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS). 16 pages.</li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor <ul> <li>Schiavone, D. Energy In-Service, University of Maryland Extension. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019. 45 participants.</li> </ul> Workshop Speaker <ul> <li>Schiavone, D., 2019. Electric and Gas-Powered Hand Tools and Small Farm Equipment, Cultivate Baltimore. Baltimore, MD. August 15, 2019. 15 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2019. Identifying Agricultural Energy Priorities and Energy Extension Programs. Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council. Keedysville, MD. December 11, 2019. 20 attendees.</li> </ul>   <h2>EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin</h2> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Mondaca MR, CY Choi, NB Cook (2019) Understanding microenvironments within tunnel-ventilated dairy cow freestall facilities: Examination using computational fluid dynamics and experimental validation, Biosystems Engineering183, 70-84.</li> <li>Zhou B, X Wang, MR Mondaca, L Rong, CY Choi (2019) Assessment of optimal airflow baffle locations and angles in mechanically ventilated dairy houses using computational fluid dynamics, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 165, 1-11.</li> <li>Rojano F, PE Bournet, M Hassouna, P Robin, M Kacira, CY Choi (2019) Modelling the impact of air discharges caused by natural ventilation in a poultry house,Biosystems Engineering180, 168-181.</li> <li>Chung HW, J Li , YH Kim, JMC Van Os, SH Brounts, CY Choi (in review) Using Implantable Biosensor and Wearable Scanners to Monitor Dairy Cattle Heat Stress in Real-Time, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.</li> <li>Wang, H., R. A. Larson, and T. Runge. "Impacts to hydrogen sulfide concentrations in biogas when poplar wood chips, steam treated wood chips, and biochar are added to manure-based anaerobic digestion systems." Bioresource Technology Reports 7 (2019)</li> </ul>   Extension Publications (Published)  <ul> <li>Kar, Shiba, (2018) Biogas in Wisconsin: Status, opportunities and challenges, Center for Land Use Education / University of Wisconsin Extension. <a href="https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/clue/Pages/Biogas-in-WI.aspx">https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/clue/Pages/Biogas-in-WI.aspx</a></li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Energy On Wisconsin – Monthly newsletter about renewable energy issues, policy, incentives, local energy projects, clean energy jobs, national projects and policy. Editor: Sherrie Gruder (<a href="https://energyonwi.extension.wisc.edu/">https://energyonwi.extension.wisc.edu/</a>)</li> </ul> Invited Presentations (without Proceedings) <ul> <li>BSE Boot Camp – S. Sanford, Presentation – Drying wet grain & Keeping Crop fresh for Market, October 30, 2019 - 10 attendee</li> </ul> Conference Presentation (with proceeding) <ul> <li>Sanford, D. Bohnhoff, (2019) Mint Distillation Condenser Cooling Water Recycling Systems, ASABE Paper No 1900612, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.</li> <li>Sanford, D. Bohnhoff, (2020) Essential Oil Extraction Process Engineering for Improved Energy Efficiency, ASABE Paper No 2001174, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.</li> </ul> Videos <ul> <li>Sanford, Refrigeration sizing for a walk-in/drive-in cooler.</li> <li>Sanford, What you need to know about wood energy!</li> <li>Sanford, Reducing Energy costs for drying grain</li> <li>Sanford, How can you compare heating costs of different fuels?</li> <li>Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Project – Energy Answers</li> </ul>