Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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

2. Review of Agenda

3. Review of Minutes of Past Meeting

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

4. 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.  

5. 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.

8. Adjourn

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

The objectives of this regional project are to:

1. Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"
2. Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy
3. Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension

Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Connecticut

Objective 1: Survey Report

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

Same as in 2017, the University of Connecticut group is focusing on the development of

1. A stackable pallet GREENBOX farming system for urban agriculture.
2. Computer-run simulation models for analyzing and comparing the controlled environment and energy dynamics between the newly developed GREENBOX system and traditional greenhouses.
3. 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.
4. Proposals for farm energy research, education, and extension.

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.

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.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

None to report.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey

Objective 1: Survey Report

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

No accomplishments to report.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

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.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois

Objective 1: Survey Report

No progress to date. 

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, 

• 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.  
• 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.

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 was selected for funding.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

• 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.

• 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. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Pennsylvania

Objective 1: Survey Report

No progress to date. 

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

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)

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

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. 

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

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:

• Short Rotation Willow Debarking (A Chahal, D Ciolkosz)
• Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)
• Biomass Sorption (J Desplat, D Ciolkosz)
• Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, D Ciolkosz)
• Bioenergy and Energy Security (B Hulse, D Ciolkosz)
• Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz)

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland

No accomplishments to report.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Virginia

Objective 1: Survey Report

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

• 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.

• 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.

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

None

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Michigan

Objective 1: Survey Report

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

While a number of opportunities were explored, none resulted in a submitted proposal.

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

None to report.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

• Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) program conducted several educational programs related to farm energy use.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• MSUE organized a webinar on Agricultural Solar Electric Investment Analysis.

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 3nd year of testing. Funded by USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. (Sanford)

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 2018 BFRDP Program

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 and outreach programming. (Sanford)

Pole Building insulation techniques - Evaluation and Optimization of Post-Frame Thermal Envelopes (Bohnhoff)

EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut

• 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
• 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
• 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

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois

• 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

EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey

Refereed journal articles:

• 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.

Trade journal articles:

• Shelford, T, T. Manning and A.J. Both. 2018. Vapor pressure deficit revisited. GrowerTalks, November issue. pp. 66, 67, 69.
• Both, A.J. and T. Shelford. 2018. Afraid of your shadows? GrowerTalks, June issue. Available at: https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=23645

Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• Manning, T.O. 2019. Energy in greenhouses. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 64^th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 71-73.
• Both, A.J. 2019. Supplemental light in greenhouses. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 64^th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 5. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 74-75.
• 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.
• 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.

EXPERIMENT STATION:   Pennsylvania

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

• 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). 
• 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
• 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.  

Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)

Popular Articles (Published) 

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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.
• 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.

Presentations (Papers) 

• 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. 
• 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, 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. 
• 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. 
• 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, 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. 
• Fathel, S., Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz. 2019. Energy Opportunities for New Farmers.  Presented at 2019 NABEC Conference.  16-19 June, 2019.  Quebec, Canada. 
• Ciolkosz, D.   Biomass Thermal as a Niche Market.  Presented at Mid Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo (MABEX).  12-14 Sept, 2018.  Philadelphia, PA. 

Workshop Sponsor

• Biochar and Torrefied Biomass Short Course. Penn State Bioenergy Short Course Series.  State College, PA.  October 24-25, 2018.  
• Farm Energy Day. Penn State Extension.  15 March, 2019.  Gettysburg, PA. 

Workshop Participant

• Ciolkosz, D.   Farm Energy Trends and Opportunities.  Presented at Farm Energy Day, 15 March, 2019.  Getttysburg, PA. 
• 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.  
• 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. 
• 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. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Virginia

• Ogejo, J. A., Bendfeldt, E. S., & Ignosh, J. (2018). Biomethane Production Technology (442-881 (BSE-240P)). Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/442/442-881/BSE-240.pdf

EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

Extension Publications (Published) 

• The Basics of Drip Irrigation, Scott Sanford, John Panuska, A4119, 16 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.
• Poultry barn heating with wood energy, Scott Sanford, A4170, 6 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.
• How to Compare Heating Fuels, Scott Sanford, A4162, 4 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.
• Tips for Buying, Drying, and Storing Firewood, Scott Sanford, A4162, 4 pg., UW-Extension Publication, 2018.

Invited Presentations (without Proceedings)

• BSE Boot Camp – Presentation –Greenhouses Systems to Reduce Energy Usage & On-Farm Cold Storage Facilities – Nov 15, 2018
• Wisconsin State Wood Energy Team – Webinar: Economic Analysis for Wood Energy System Projects – July 26, 2018
• Irrigators Association of Minnesota Convention – Feb 15, 2018, Freeport, MN – presentation - Water Management Needs for Irrigated Crops

Posters (without Proceedings) 

• Specialty Crops Research Initiative project director meeting – Poster on continuous-flow mint distillation system. July 30, 2018, Washington, D.C.