How concerned are you about energy conservation and efficiency ?
Have you implemented practices/technologies during the past 5 year with a specific goal of reducing energy consumption or improving energy efficiency?
If so, briefly explain.
How surprised were you by the run up in energy prices in 2008? Do you expect to see $4 diesel again in the near future?
How do you feel about wind energy in IL? Is it an issue in your community?
Would you be interested in leasing some of your land to a wind energy company?
Would you be interested in growing biomass for a bio-refinery if you could get paid $100/ton FOB? If so, how would this change your current farming operation?
Are you familiar with any state or federal programs that provide funding for improvements in energy efficiency in agriculture? If so, briefly describe the program and how you learned about it.
Would you be interested in an energy audit of your farm if it were free or guaranteed to save you money?
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29 comments:
Male
Farmer
42
College Education
1) In this day and age im pretty concerned about the energy conservation. Years ago nobody even thought about things like that, but today its becoming a serious issue which needs to be addressed by all producers.
2) Yes I have. Not so much different technologies but definately different practices. I try not to run my equipment as much and have them operation as few hours as possible. It's little things here and there that I do to try to conserve energy.
3) Not very surprised at all. Like I said nobody really gave it a concern until it was too late. It was bound to happen and everyone felt the effects of it in 2008. $4 dollar diesel is not completely out of the question. It could very well happen again, but lets hope not.
4) I think wind energy in Illinois is a wonderful thing. I believe that it is going to be the future of energy in a big way. We actually have two windmills in the community and they generate a good amount of power for the town. Oh heck yeah I would be interested in leasing some of my land to a wind energy company, theres good money to be had there, more money than farming I can guarantee you that.
5) I really dont have an interest in producing any biomass, ill stick to the windmill idea hahaha.
6) Ive heard small talk from other farmers within the community about such programs, but Im not sure if its just jibjab or not. Never really heard of an acutal government program but it is something that I will look in to.
7) Yes definately. I think that someone would be foolish not to. I would like to see if im using my energy efficiently and what things I could implement to become more efficient with my farm practices and conserving more energy.
Male
Agronomist/Farmer
41
College Ed.
I believe it is a small concern, but nothing I would get worked up over at this time.
No
Yes, I expected them to be that high. When you get the government involved they tend to damage what is already in place. If it was not for Al Gore's so called "green revolution" we would not be in this ordeal where everybody is now so concerned with the environment. Study's and scientists have shown there results related to the environment and global warming, and there's are more believable and accurate than Al Gore's and the government. This is the reason why we see high gas prices not the price of crude oil.
I am fine with it, more money in my back pocket without having to give up much or pay for anything.
Yes, I would lease the max amount of land that could be used. Its free money waving in your face.
If there was a market for it in the near vicinity I would do it, but at this time there isn't one so I would not be interested.
No
As long as the government doesn't have as much authority as it does today in our global market and thus creating the dollar to decline in value each and every day. Also, the White House needs to step out and smell the roses and actually listen to the people rather than plead and persuade the people of the U.S.
Male
57 yrs
Farmer
High school
- I am a little concerned about it, but I'm not scared to death. It is something every farmer should be aware of, but I don't think it's reached a level to where we need to start a panic. Everything we do now, we have done for years. I think everything we know now that leads people to be concerned about energy has always been there... we have just had people look into it.
-No, I haven't. I use my equipment the least possible already due to high fuel costs. Fuel costs are high as it is, and that's enough for anyone to cut back.
-It doesn't suprise me, although I don't see the need for it. I wouldn't be suprised to see diesel go up again. I feel that price has nothing to do with the farmers, it's just the government.
-I think wind energy in IL would be a good idea. It hasn't become an issue in my community...we don't use it.
-I would be interested in leasing my ground to a wind energy company. That's easy money. And you will probably get more money from that then farming alone.
-I would maybe be interested in that, if I had a strong confidence in getting that price. That is a lot to ask for. And I wouldn't comepletely change my farming operation unless I knew I would get that.
-No, I'm not aware of any.
-Yes, I would if it was free. But if it does cost anything, I wouldn't. Anything I could do to save money on energy, I could find out from other sources than an energy audit.
45
Male
Farmer
college education
I am a little concerned but not to worried about it right now. I believe we should be aware of this issue.
Not really, I am trying to use my equipment less.
I was not to surprised by it and I believe it could happen again.
It is not a big issue in our community. There is a wind farm 15 miles away and there is already wind towers on our ground.
Not right now.
No
Yes
51
Male
H.S. Education
State of Illinois truck driver
As of right now I have a lot more problems to worry about than energy conservation.
No I really haven't implimented any practises that reduce energy use.
I was not too terribly surprised about the high cost of energy in 2008 and thought it may have been overdue. $4 diesel doesn't sound that far away. Could bring a lot of farmers down.
Wind energy would definitely benefit IL but will it provide all the energy we need and is it completely reliable. What happens when there are weeks of low winds?\
No I would not lease land to wind energy companies.
In my age I am not really interested in changing any of my practises.
No not aware of any programs.
Yes, if anything is guarenteed free or to lower your cost you definitely have to look into it.
51
Male
Farmer
Some College
I am very concerned with energy conservation and running efficiently. by opperating more efficiently you are able to save money that is wasted on unnecessary things which incresases your proffit.
yes, we have incorporated auto steer and other more fuel efficient equipment.
the dramatic increse in this price caught us all off guard, but after seeing this happen once the thought of 4$ fuel seems as though it will happen soon.
i feel that harnessing the power of wind to create energy is amazing. this is a natural renewable resource that we should take advantage of. i would love to have wind mills on every acre of land i have, its way more proffitable.
i would have to do more research on this before i would just jump into this, but it seems like a good idea.
no
yes, if it is free is totaly worth it. it can only help you.
1.) I have some concerns about energy conservation I try and do the little things like turn off the lights, and shut down things I’m not using. I know it is going to be a big issue in the future so I am trying to do the little things now, so in the future it is easier to adapt to other energy conserving methods.
2.) Not really, we try and use led bulbs when replacing old ones, but that is about it for right now. We’ve looked into solar panels, and some bio-diesel options for our tractors but have not made any decisions yet.
3.) No, I believe that from now on were going to have to pay more for our energy. It is becoming more scarce, and is non-renewable, I don’t see it becoming any more affordable in the near future. I’m sure we will see $4 diesel again, I know it’s ultimately up to the market, and price fluctuations.
4.) I think wind energy is a great technology, I’ve seen the towers along the highways on farmland, and I think they’re great. No, it’s not an issue at all, there are farms nearby that have smaller windmills operating on their farms.
I would definitely be interested, I think it’s a great idea. I think we should all be pursuing alterative ways of powering our homes and businesses, wind energy is a great option.
5.) Yes, I would. That’s an incredible price for such a simple material to produce. If I did adopt this practice, I would just have to set aside some money to start up any new inputs I would need. Then I would adjust my yearly calendar around the biomass production. I would want to see if the time producing this biomass is compensating for any loss of profit caused by adopting the new method.
6.) No, I am not currently aware of any such programs in my area. I know that you can enter a program for having the solar and wind energy inputs on your land, but I haven’t researched much further than that.
7.) I definitely be interested in an audit, especially if it is done for free, and can save me money. I wouldn’t be so sure about the “guaranteed” part, some people are apprehensive when they see that word. But I’m sure there is always a way to improve a current energy system and make it more efficient.
39
Male
NRCS
Bachelors Degree
1. Energy conservation and efficiency is something that isn't a major factor in my line of work. Although, it's very important that we take both into consideration.
2. No
3. The increase in energy prices wasn't really a shocker. Prices couldn't remain at that level forever. It is likely that diesel fuel will reach $4 a gallon in the next 2-3 years.
4. Wind energy has the potential to play a vital role in the production of energy for residents of Illinois. There is ample space. It's just a matter of funding.
5. I don't personally farm, but talk with several on a daily basis. I believe that if the price was right there would be some serious potential growing biomass.
6.
male
farmer
50
wiu grad with honors
Very much so because of the price of the energy inputs.
Yes, a new grain dryer.
Caught off guard would really hope we dont see $4 diesel again.
I dont like seeing it put on very good farm ground.I also dont like the fact you can not use spray planes very close to them either. Yes. Not at this time.
I wouldnt be interested at this time.
No.
Male
47
Farmer
High School
1. I think we should be aware of this issue and deal with it when the time comes but im not that worried about it now.
2. No
3. No i wasn't that suprised and i think it will happen again in the next 5 years.
4. I think wind energy is a good supplement to our energy needs but i don't think that it will be the answer to our energy needs. I would allow a tower to be built in some out of the way places on my property.
5. I would grow biomass if there was a good way to ship it but i would have to do some research on this before i made a decision.
6. I talked to a guy a couple weeks ago that was thinking about putting in new energy efficent drying system but there were so many requirements that he had to meet in order to qualify for the program that he didn't do it because of the hassle.
7. Yes i think it would be interesting to see how much energy i use and how i could save some money on it.
58
Male
Farmer
College Graduate
1. Input costs are affected by energy efficiency, a farmer has to be concerned about energy. The government tries to regulate some energy products and so that also is a concern. On the other hand, energy products are part of a farmers expenses.
2. Yes, we no-till and have for a lot longer than the past 5 years. Fewer passes through the field means less energy consumption. We also use soy-diesel and ethanol gasoline in all equipment and vehicles, so that helps as well. Our equipment is also kept in good condition with regular maintenance so that it runs efficiently as well.
3. Given the politics I'm not surprised. Once you've seen a price, it isn't as hard for the big companies to manipulate that type of price again. The sticker shock is gone and so unfortunately it shouldn't surprise anyone to see prices like that again.
4. We aren't in a very good spot to have anyone interested in our land for leasing, but close there are lots of wind turbine sites in progress or already in process. Wind energy is an issue in our surrounding communities and probably will increase.
5. Not so interested in that at this time. We will stick to corn and beans and help the ethanol and soy based products.
6. Not really past the regular farm programs for no-till.
7. Probably not.
Ex-Farmer
48
Male
1.) I am concerned about it, but it is hard to find ways to constantly conserve energy and still get done what you need to.
2.)No, not really
3.)I wasn't that suprised, and yes I think it could definitly make it that high
4.)I think it is a great source of renewable energy. And yes I would lease out my ground for a wind turbine
7.) Sure
5.)
Male
47
Farmer
High School
1.I am not really concerned.
2. No I have not
3. I believe we will see $4.00 diesel again. I was not surprised by the increase in price.
4. I think it is a great idea but I really don't think it is the answer. I would rent my land for wind energy for a nice price. It is really not an issue in my community.
5. I would but I would have to look into it.
6. No
7. Yes
47
Indiana
Farmer/Purdue Grad
I am concerned, i am just scared that not only are we gona have a shortage, how high are the prices gona get?
I have put in new dryers to cut back on my natural gas cost.
We will see $4.00 dollar gas agian.
Methane seems to better than wind energy according to trial studies.
no
no
yes
Male
44
Farmer
High School Degree
Very concerned, I want to become more efficient as a farmer, produce higher yields, and lower the cost.
Yes, I use green star guidance on equipment to get more crops per acre. I also use no till because its more efficient and it saves fuel.
Not suprised, the economy is bad and it was an election year. I do expect diesal price to rise but I hope it does not.
I like the idea of wind energy and I think its safe for the environment. Its an issue in our community because there are no wind energy systems here. But I do think that wind energy systems are starting to populate Illinois.
No, I am happy the way Im running my farm now.
No, but I am looking forward to getting into some of these programs.
Yes, anything to save money.
64
Male
Farmer
Some College
Yes i am concerned. I know i wont be around to face the real energy crisis that will soon effect al farmers but it is a important issue legislation needs to act on.
No i have not
Not surprised at all. I expect to see 4$ diesel again in the near future. I lock in my diesel at the beginging of each year usually saveing money in the long run.
I support the windmills. We've had over 50 windmills go up in the last year and are expecting more growth in our community. I see nothing but postive outcomes from this technology
Yes i would
No. Too old, dont wana change much at my age
None that i have been informed with. I would interested though
NO
How are concerned are you about energy conservation and efficiency ?
On a scale of 1 to 10.....7.
>
> Have you implemented practices/technologies during the past 5 year with a specific goal of reducing energy consumption or improving energy efficiency?
> If so, briefly explain.
> Yes. I have been staying with a 50/50 soybean corn rotation and using no-till planting.
> How surprised were you by the run up in energy prices in 2008? Do you expect to see $4 diesel again in the near future?
> I was not at all surprised due to the event of $7 corn and $10 soybeans. I do not expect to see $4 diesel in the near future because I do not think that our current administration will allow it.
>
How do you feel about wind energy in IL? Is it an issue in your community?
If it is cost effective I say embrace it. Yes on second part
>
Would you be interested in leasing some of your land to a wind energy company?
>na
>
Would you be interested in growing biomass for a bio-refinery if you could get paid $100/ton FOB? If so, how would this change your current farming operation?
> Yes I would be interested...would hopefully be more diversified than corn and soybeans.
>
Are you familiar with any state or federal programs that provide funding for improvements in energy efficiency in agriculture? If so, briefly describe the program and how you learned about it.
> Yes. Grants to help with energy efficiency on the farm such as grain dryers.
>
Would you be interested in an energy audit of your farm if it were free or guaranteed to save you money?
Absolutely
Age:69
Occupation:Farmer
Education: High School
1.) My major concern is having an energy source of some kind around for the generations that will follow me on this farm.
2.) I'm not going to say that I live and breath this stuff, but in the past few years i have tried to cut down on things like the number of times i go over the fields, not driving equipment home every night, and mapping my movements to fields to cut down on fuel use. I sure hope we dont see those prices again, they almost broke me the first time around(answered while laughing).
3.)I dont like it, thats just me though. It seems like more of an eyesore than anything else. You couldnt pay me enough to have one of them on my property!
4.)An old guy like me no, but i would really recommend it to the younger farmers out there.
5.) Sure, who wouldnt be? If it is going to save me money then i say heck yea.
Male
Farmer
48
I'm more concerned about efficiency than conservation. I dont farm the most acres but what I do farm I want to be efficient at it.
I have put up quite a few solar fence chargers and started using the tractor the least amount we could. I am seeing some differences, but they are barely a blip on my radar. I'm saving more with the fence chargers than anything.
I wasn't that surprised. I figured something like that was going to be here sooner or later. I sure hope not. But I am sure it will be here again.
I think that it is a good idea. They have talked about it not too far north of my town but that is about it. I would lease some land for a couple windmills.
I would try it for a year or two. It would depend on how many tons an acre I would get. I wouldn't think that it would change my operation that much. We already chop silage, I would just substitute it.
No, haven't read anything yet.
I wouldn't see why not.
Male
50
Local Farmer
I am not overwelmingly concered. It is definately something that I take into consideration. After all, energy is an expense and anytime you can reduce an expense you profit more.
I have purchased some new equipment that is more efficient that what I had. I am trying to figure out ways to consume less energy, but it is a slow process, since we have done things generally the same way for so long.
I was not surprised that energy prices jumped, I was just surprised to see them jump so much. I sure hope we do not see $4 dielel again, that definately put a dent in our income, but I would not be completly surprised.
It seems like it could be a good source of energy. I just dont think that we can fesibly have enough wind farms to produce a huge amount of energy. This is not an issue in my community. I would have to look into the specifics of wind energy more thoroughly, but it is an interesting prospect.
I would probably be interested in growing biomass if that was the case. I would not want to put too much of my land into biomass production right off. If it worked out I would consider putting more land into biomass production.
I am not familiar with any programs that give directly to that initiative.
I would be interested in an energy audit. I couldn't hurt to see my operation from that perspective.
Male
36
Farmer
Bachelors Degree
Very concerned, especially after the huge price run-up we witnessed last year.
I was very surprised. I think it was a big shock to almost everyone. I think prices are on their way back up but hopefully they won't go back up that far.
I think wind energy is a good thing. It has not been established in our area yet.
?
Not really
Yes I think that would be a nice thing to have.
Age 69
male
Some College
Farmer
Have you implemented practices/technologies during the past 5 year with a specific goal of reducing energy consumption or improving energy efficiency?
If so, briefly explain.
I mostly no-till and I put in a command center in our bins to reduce using extra gas
How surprised were you by the run up in energy prices in 2008? Do you expect to see $4 diesel again in the near future?
High priced corn and beans made the high priced diesel along with everything else. I could defiantly happen again.
How do you feel about wind energy in IL? Is it an issue in your community?
Not around here. I think it would be beneficial.
Would you be interested in leasing some of your land to a wind energy company?
Yeah, at least in talking to a company
Would you be interested in growing biomass for a bio-refinery if you could get paid $100/ton FOB? If so, how would this change your current farming operation?
Probably not.
Are you familiar with any state or federal programs that provide funding for improvements in energy efficiency in agriculture? If so, briefly describe the program and how you learned about it.
I’m not aware of any
Would you be interested in an energy audit of your farm if it were free or guaranteed to save you money?
I probably would take one.
63
No College
Farmer
How concerned are you about energy conservation and efficiency ?
I am concerned about it but not as concerned as most people are today. I don’t really think about it that much to be completely honest
Have you implemented practices/technologies during the past 5 year with a specific goal of reducing energy consumption or improving energy efficiency?
If so, briefly explain.
Unfortunately I have not.
How surprised were you by the run up in energy prices in 2008? Do you expect to see $4 diesel again in the near future?
Not in the near future I do not. I feel that it has peaked for now but in the far future it might get that high.
How do you feel about wind energy in IL? Is it an issue in your community?
I think that it is a good idea. I just don’t like how it is taking the farmland out of production.
Would you be interested in leasing some of your land to a wind energy company?
No way unless it was poor soil and they gave me the right amount of money.
Would you be interested in growing biomass for a bio-refinery if you could get paid $100/ton FOB? If so, how would this change your current farming operation?
I would like it, I wouldn’t change anything because at this point I believe my farm is producing a lot of biomass.
Are you familiar with any state or federal programs that provide funding for improvements in energy efficiency in agriculture? If so, briefly describe the program and how you learned about it.
No I am not.
Would you be interested in an energy audit of your farm if it were free or guaranteed to save you money?
I would be interested.
60
Male
Some college
Part time farmer
I am very concerned about energy and waste
I have tried. Not leaving power on when it is unnessecary. Less Trips accross the field and buying a more fuel effecient truck and tractors.
I wasn't surprised I was pissed. I don't know what the near future is considered, but I see it happening withing the next few years.
I think it is a good thing, any alternative energy is a good thing. I think its only an issue for those people who don't think its a good idea. Yes I would be interested in leasing my ground. I would like to pick and choose what I like to them.
I would be interested in it. It would make it more profitable. I don't know if it would affect the tillage or anything really.
No
Yes
51
male
Farmer
4 years college
Some what concerned,not at the top of my priority list as of now honestly.
No I to use my equipment as little as I can get by with.
I was not to surprised
Havent thought alot about it, yes I would be interested if the price is right.
No
No
Yes
Male
Farmer
47
High School Diploma
1) Not like I should. I think that we could cut our costs a lot by doing that, but we haven't looked into it yet.
2) I wasn't surprised at all. I think that everything is getting out of hand now a days, and YES we will see it in the near future.
3)Well since I'm from missouri, that isn't helping me much. I will say that we have thought about putting up a wind turbin to run our hog barns, but that's about as far as we have gotten.
4) It would have to be in a specific place on my property, or they would have to show me that it would benefit me very well.
5)Well I would have to gain more knowledge on it. Because of right now, I don't feel like I know enough about the subject.
6)I'm sure there are, but I am not currently up to date with them.
7)Of course! I don't see why that would be bad at all. I don't know anyone in their right mind that would turn that down.
Male
43
DC of NRCS
1.How concerned are you about energy conservation and efficiency?
He was concerned enough to buy energy saving lightbulbs and drive his vehicle less, but he thought that when it is time there will a new energy source made.
2. Have you implemented practices/technologies during the past 5 years with a specific goal of reducing energy consumption or improving energy efficiency? If so, briefly explain.
He said he used energy saving lightbulbs, used his appliances only when needed and Uses ethanol gas to try and save money on his over all energy consumption.
3 How surprised were you by the run up in energy prices in 2008?
He was surprised, he told me he predicted they'd go back down in the early fall which they did.
4. How do you feel about wind energy in IL? Is it an issue in your community?
He never really paid attention to wind energy, it's not an issue in his community. He was worried windmills would screw up waterfowl migration through the area.
6. Are you familiar with any state or federal programs that provide funding for improvements in energy efficiency in agriculture?
No
7. Would you be interested in an energy audit of your farm if it were free or guaranteed to save you money?
Yes
1. With today’s federal legislative action aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, these two areas are front and center not only nationally, but international as well. Energy efficiency and conservation go hand in hand. The promotion of energy conservation and increased/improved efficiency is not new to the electric industry. For years, utilities have developed consumer education awareness programs to promote conservation and efficiency in an effort to reduce energy consumption and lower the demand for energy. Lowering demand of energy results in lower costs for consumers and postpones the need for costly new electric generation.
2.Yes. Currently, we offer attractive rebates based on the total number of tons required for installation of ground source heat pumps (that use the earth’s stable temperature) to both heat and cool homes and businesses. We also offer rebates on water heaters. In addition, we have technical personnel available to answer conservation/efficiency questions. We offer home/business energy audits. We provide information and refer consumers to web sites and make local referrals to qualified vendors for new construction or improvement projects.
3.Not at all surprised. The United States is in a very dangerous situation in terms of exposure to market volatility driven by increased demand/competition globally, not to mention the exposure to wars/skirmishes that interrupt the normal flow of crude oil/fuel to world markets.
I would not be surprised to see fuel prices soar again. We can only hope that we have learned our lesson and can move swiftly to reduce/eliminate our dependence on foreign countries.
4.In Iowa, wind generation is big business. There are at least two turbine blades manufacturing locations in Iowa. In the past few years, an incredible amount of wind turbines have been constructed in northwest and western parts of the state. I would say, the opinion on the street is mixed- 50%pro/50%con. Our generation cooperative purchases a great deal of the wind generation capacity coming from 2 wind farms in Missouri. Currently, a third wind farm is under construction and plans are to purchase its energy capacity as well.
Personally, I would not be interested in leasing land for wind turbines.
5.If I had available ground for bio-mass production, I would certainly take a serious look at it economically. It would depend on my ability to provide the bio-mass product contractually as well as the plant’s ability to sustain itself on a long term basis. There would be much to consider and study before a definite decision could be made.
Such a decision could have significant impacts on any farming operation.
6.First, I am aware of some debate at the federal level to increase funding for land put aside to offset the carbon emission (allowances) for electric generation. And, secondly, carbon sequestration, which is the capture and storage of carbon underground, is an area that is gaining momentum as utilities struggle with the climate change issue.
7.Absolutely. I would offer the following comment, of all the audits and reports I have seen, I don’t know of one completed audit that did not offer some self-help improvement(s) or solution(s) for the homeowner/business. However, it has been my experience that because of the cost of the suggested improvements and possibly the hassle of finding someone to actually perform these small jobs, most recommendations for improvement never are completed.
Male
43
part time farmer
highschool
Very, We are always attempting to lower cost. Energy conservation and efficiency are key in lowering cost.
We starting making biodiesel to lower fuel costs.
Surprised at how fast it went up but not that it got there. It will go up again. Our country has some of the lowest fuel costs.
Most definitely. I have looked at putting up a wind generator on our farm.
Yes, I would have to look at the profit margin to make sure it was a good business decision. It would not be that big of a change. Mainly at harvest.
Fed tax credit for biodiesel use on the farm. $1 per gallon prorated based on percentage. (B50 $0.50 / B100 $1 per gallon) Found thru the internet while researching biodiesel production.
Yes
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