Environmentalists like to point their finger at "big oil" for pollution problems. This is a fairly balanced article that notes the blame for the degradation of the Caspian and its fisheries resources is a result of numerous sources.
Analysis: Oil pollution in the Caspian
by John C.K. Daly
Washington (UPI)
Sep 20, 2007
The Caspian is the world's most easily accessible major oil region yet to be fully developed. Both Western nations and former Soviet republics are rushing to exploit its vast hydrocarbon wealth.
Environmental issues are increasingly moving to the forefront of this exploitation. While nations bordering the Caspian piously insist that environmental worries top their list of concerns, cynics maintain that environmental issues are a facade for the nations to rewrite what they have come to regard as increasingly exploitative production-sharing agreements signed in the heady days following the implosion of the Soviet empire. The truth is probably somewhere in between.
The Caspian is the world's largest enclosed body of water, with a surface area of 143,244 square miles. Its pollution comes from three sources: inflowing rivers bringing contaminants from their watershed area, offshore oil production platforms and the rising Caspian tanker trade.
As for riverine pollutants, the bulk comes from Russia. As the Volga flows through Russia's European heartland, and 11 of Russia's 20 largest cities are...(complete story here).
The world likes to point its finger at the U.S. for the pollution problems on this earth. We actually do a better job than almost any nation in the world at protecting our water, land and air resources. Yes, we do generate a lot of garbage and a lot of air pollutants because of our level of industrialization and our advanced economy, but if we manage them the way other countries did, we would have to put snow plows on our vehicles to move the garbage out of the way to get to work and wear respirators and oxygen tanks to breathe.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Angolan Oil Reserves
Angola's approach to developing their oil industry makes good sense to me.
Analysis: Angolan oil piques interest
by Carmen Gentile
Miami (UPI) Sep 20, 2007
Angola's national oil company announced that 10 blocks will be offered for tender in a licensing round planned for late 2007, part of its efforts to capitalize on Africa's No. 2 oil reserves.
The offering by Angola's state-run Sonangol E.P. will extend into early 2008 and included both onshore and offshore blocks. The state firm relies heavily on production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies to maximize its untapped oil potential, Oil Minister Jose Botelho Vasconcelos said.
"We are a Third World economy, and have difficulty obtaining capital," he said this year, according to the Washington Post. "We therefore prefer production-sharing agreements because government investment is only required once a discovery has been declared economically viable."
Sonangol's latest offering will likely pique the interests of both traditional petroleum powerhouses and newcomers hoping to procure alternative oil sources to Middle Eastern suppliers.
Angola's estimated 10 billion to 20 billion barrels of reserves has...(complete article here).
With tightening supplies due to growing economies, Angola's reserves look very attractive. It also is far enough away from the Middle East to provide some supply security. I hope U.S. companies end up with a big chunk of this, but the Chinese will be very aggressive.
Using private money to develop their oil production and distribution capacity is smart on the part of Angola. Why us government dollars when private industry will do it for you?
Analysis: Angolan oil piques interest
by Carmen Gentile
Miami (UPI) Sep 20, 2007
Angola's national oil company announced that 10 blocks will be offered for tender in a licensing round planned for late 2007, part of its efforts to capitalize on Africa's No. 2 oil reserves.
The offering by Angola's state-run Sonangol E.P. will extend into early 2008 and included both onshore and offshore blocks. The state firm relies heavily on production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies to maximize its untapped oil potential, Oil Minister Jose Botelho Vasconcelos said.
"We are a Third World economy, and have difficulty obtaining capital," he said this year, according to the Washington Post. "We therefore prefer production-sharing agreements because government investment is only required once a discovery has been declared economically viable."
Sonangol's latest offering will likely pique the interests of both traditional petroleum powerhouses and newcomers hoping to procure alternative oil sources to Middle Eastern suppliers.
Angola's estimated 10 billion to 20 billion barrels of reserves has...(complete article here).
With tightening supplies due to growing economies, Angola's reserves look very attractive. It also is far enough away from the Middle East to provide some supply security. I hope U.S. companies end up with a big chunk of this, but the Chinese will be very aggressive.
Using private money to develop their oil production and distribution capacity is smart on the part of Angola. Why us government dollars when private industry will do it for you?
Bio-fuels Bi-products
What to do with the bi-products?
Fortifying Feed with Biodiesel Co-products
By Ann Perry
September 20, 2007
Biofuel research isn’t just a matter of finding the right type of biomass—corn grain, soybean oil, animal fat, wood or other material—and converting it into fuel. Scientists must also find environmentally and economically sound uses for the by-products of biofuel production. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Brian Kerr and William Dozier have done just that.
Current biodiesel supplies are often made...(complete article here).
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. We will see many new and innovative products over the next few years as a result of the growing bio-fuels industry.
Fortifying Feed with Biodiesel Co-products
By Ann Perry
September 20, 2007
Biofuel research isn’t just a matter of finding the right type of biomass—corn grain, soybean oil, animal fat, wood or other material—and converting it into fuel. Scientists must also find environmentally and economically sound uses for the by-products of biofuel production. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Brian Kerr and William Dozier have done just that.
Current biodiesel supplies are often made...(complete article here).
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. We will see many new and innovative products over the next few years as a result of the growing bio-fuels industry.
National Animal Identification System
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a voluntary State-Federal-Industry partnership that consists of a modern streamlined information system designed to help producers and animal health officials respond quickly to any animal health events occurring in the United States. The NAIS came about because of outbreaks of BSE in Europe, Canada and the U.S.
Livestock producers are traditionally very independent individuals. Government oversight and intrusion into their business is something that has a long history of resistance within the livestock industry. If viewed as a government program, NAIS will be doomed for failure unless it becomes mandatory. If it can be implemented within a voluntary framework, the industry has the opportunity to help shape the program to their benefit rather than burden.
NAIS begins with premise registration. Registering your premises with the NAIS is simple, quick and free. It does not require your participation in any of the other components of the NAIS.
Why should you register your premise with the NAIS? The primary reason is that it opens the lines of communication between you and animal health authorities. If there is a disease outbreak or other animal health event, you are ensured of being alerted. If the event puts your animals at risk, you will be provided with the information and assistance to take action to protect your herd. This was important to producers in Southeastern Colorado, Northeast New Mexico, and Western Kansas this past winter. Those producers whose premises were registered as part of the NAIS were first to receive assistance during the extreme blizzard conditions that occurred. Because their premises were registered, they were the first to receive emergency hay drops.
The second component of the NAIS is animal identification. Animal identification can be individual or group/lot. The individual animal identification number (AIN) is unique and stays with the animal for its lifetime. It links the animal to its birthplace or premises of origin. When combined with animal tracing, the AIN links the animal to each premises/location that has been reported for it. The individual identification option is best for breeding animals such as herd bulls that may be transferred individually from operation to operation. If your primary enterprise is selling a calf crop as a group to stocker or feedlot operations, the group/lot identification may be the best option.
The AIN is not restricted to use within the NAIS. The same identifier may be used with compliant animal health or breeding herd management systems. This provides maximum flexibility for the producer.
The final component of the NAIS is animal tracing. It is currently under development through a cooperative effort of state and private sector groups. Once this component of the system is in place, the producer may choose the industry database within which to enroll their animals. This will give producers the ability to know where purchased animals have been and to what potential diseases they may have been exposed. This component of the system also will provide consumers with the greatest possible assurance that in the event of an animal disease outbreak, control measures can be expedited to locate all potentially exposed animals and remove them from the production chain until the disease outbreak is resolved.
It is the stated goal of the NAIS to be able to trace to its origin within 48 hours, any disease outbreak. Such a goal will require extensive cooperation among many industry components to achieve. It will involve federal and state officials, livestock auction markets and dealers, feedlots, stocker operators, cow/calf producers, and all other entities which may handle the animals.
The result of implementing the NAIS will be a stronger, safer food production industry that consumers can be assured is providing them with the best quality product. Producers will benefit from a more stable market less subject to the scares of media hype.
Livestock producers are traditionally very independent individuals. Government oversight and intrusion into their business is something that has a long history of resistance within the livestock industry. If viewed as a government program, NAIS will be doomed for failure unless it becomes mandatory. If it can be implemented within a voluntary framework, the industry has the opportunity to help shape the program to their benefit rather than burden.
NAIS begins with premise registration. Registering your premises with the NAIS is simple, quick and free. It does not require your participation in any of the other components of the NAIS.
Why should you register your premise with the NAIS? The primary reason is that it opens the lines of communication between you and animal health authorities. If there is a disease outbreak or other animal health event, you are ensured of being alerted. If the event puts your animals at risk, you will be provided with the information and assistance to take action to protect your herd. This was important to producers in Southeastern Colorado, Northeast New Mexico, and Western Kansas this past winter. Those producers whose premises were registered as part of the NAIS were first to receive assistance during the extreme blizzard conditions that occurred. Because their premises were registered, they were the first to receive emergency hay drops.
The second component of the NAIS is animal identification. Animal identification can be individual or group/lot. The individual animal identification number (AIN) is unique and stays with the animal for its lifetime. It links the animal to its birthplace or premises of origin. When combined with animal tracing, the AIN links the animal to each premises/location that has been reported for it. The individual identification option is best for breeding animals such as herd bulls that may be transferred individually from operation to operation. If your primary enterprise is selling a calf crop as a group to stocker or feedlot operations, the group/lot identification may be the best option.
The AIN is not restricted to use within the NAIS. The same identifier may be used with compliant animal health or breeding herd management systems. This provides maximum flexibility for the producer.
The final component of the NAIS is animal tracing. It is currently under development through a cooperative effort of state and private sector groups. Once this component of the system is in place, the producer may choose the industry database within which to enroll their animals. This will give producers the ability to know where purchased animals have been and to what potential diseases they may have been exposed. This component of the system also will provide consumers with the greatest possible assurance that in the event of an animal disease outbreak, control measures can be expedited to locate all potentially exposed animals and remove them from the production chain until the disease outbreak is resolved.
It is the stated goal of the NAIS to be able to trace to its origin within 48 hours, any disease outbreak. Such a goal will require extensive cooperation among many industry components to achieve. It will involve federal and state officials, livestock auction markets and dealers, feedlots, stocker operators, cow/calf producers, and all other entities which may handle the animals.
The result of implementing the NAIS will be a stronger, safer food production industry that consumers can be assured is providing them with the best quality product. Producers will benefit from a more stable market less subject to the scares of media hype.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Dispersed Generation Strategy
Dispersed generation capacity for security...
Best Energy Strategy: Small, Green And Local, Experts Say
Science Daily — A new study says the best energy strategies to meet the world’s growing demand for electricity are green, small and local.
The wisest energy strategy for the United States, and indeed other countries facing similar challenges, is to move away from their reliance on large-scale centralized coal and nuclear plants, and instead, invest in renewable energy systems and small scale decentralized generation technologies.
According to Benjamin Sovacool from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, these alternative technologies are simultaneously feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable and secure.
The electricity sector as it currently operates is at the mercy of ....(complete article here).
I always heard, "don't put all of your eggs in one basket!" This makes sense. Read the whole article.
Best Energy Strategy: Small, Green And Local, Experts Say
Science Daily — A new study says the best energy strategies to meet the world’s growing demand for electricity are green, small and local.
The wisest energy strategy for the United States, and indeed other countries facing similar challenges, is to move away from their reliance on large-scale centralized coal and nuclear plants, and instead, invest in renewable energy systems and small scale decentralized generation technologies.
According to Benjamin Sovacool from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, these alternative technologies are simultaneously feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable and secure.
The electricity sector as it currently operates is at the mercy of ....(complete article here).
I always heard, "don't put all of your eggs in one basket!" This makes sense. Read the whole article.
More Meat in Developing Countries
As affluence increases, diets change. People want a little meat in their diets in spite of what the Vegans and PETA have to say.
Livestock producers should invest more in biosecurity and disease monitoring
17 September 2007,
Livestock producers should invest more in biosecurity and disease monitoring
17 September 2007,
Rome - Global animal food production is undergoing a major transformation that could lead to a higher risk of disease transmission from animals to humans, FAO warned today.
“The risk of disease transmission from animals to humans will increase in the future due to human and livestock population growth, dynamic changes in livestock production, the emergence of worldwide agro-food networks and a significant increase in the mobility of people and goods,” FAO said in a policy brief (Industrial Livestock Production and Global Health Risks).
“There is no doubt that the world has to depend upon some of the technologies of intensive animal food production systems,” said FAO livestock policy expert Joachim Otte.
“But excessive concentration of animals in large scale industrial production units should be avoided and adequate investments should be made in heightened biosecurity and improved disease monitoring to safeguard public health,” he added.
More affluence – higher meat consumption
As countries have become more affluent...
The United States has the most advanced production agriculture in the world -- especially when it comes to meat production. Poultry, swine and cattle are fed in confined situations where the highest quality meats can be produced. Confined feeding can be safer than "free-roaming" animals. In a confined situation diets are controlled very closely (have you ever seen a pig eating garbage? -- how about a cow?). Diseases are monitored and treated continuously. Manure is captured and either composted, used as fertilizer, or in growing frequency, being used as fuel.
One of the keys to creating "safe" confined animal feeding facilities in developing countries will be the regulation and control of antibiotic and growth promotant usage. Drug residues in meats, and antibiotic resistance due to improper use are definitely issues.
Location of such facilities also must be regulated. Uncontrolled runoff into water sources can create serious health risks to human populations. However, any control of what gets into water in many of the developing countries will be a step up from the current state of affairs.
"The movement of animals and the concentration of thousands of confined animals increase the likelihood of transfer of pathogens. Furthermore, confined animal houses produce large amounts of waste, which may contain substantial quantities of pathogens. Much of this waste is disposed of on land without any treatment, posing an infection risk for wild mammals and birds."
The greater risk in most of the countries that will be affected by this is from lack of human waste sanitation.
Our Tax Dollars at Work
Taxpayer dollars overseas...
EPA Targets $2 Million to Fight Climate Change with Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries
Release date: 09/18/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 18, 2007) China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and Ukraine will have projects funded under the auspices of the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international effort promoting near-term, cost-effective projects that capture and use methane as a clean-energy source.
EPA is announcing the award of $2 million for projects that will enhance the capture and use of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas twenty times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The primary component of natural gas, methane is also a valuable and clean-burning energy resource.
"An investment in methane capture and use projects is an investment in a more environmentally sustainable future," said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "By financing international projects through the Methane to Markets Partnership, the U.S. government and its global partners are cutting greenhouse gases while...(complete article here).
OK, I know $2 million is nothing to the Federal Budget, but it's our taxpayer dollars. Why is it we are spending it in this list of countries?
Argentina
Brazil
China
India
Korea
Mexico
Nigeria
Russia
Ukraine
Let's see... some of them have oil, some are important trading partners, some are just big and hairy -- I mean scarey -- I guess I don't have a clue. You spread $2 million around 9 countries and none of them get much. It's like throwing pocket change to a street beggar. Except none of these countries is on the low end of the economic spectrum. A few U.S. universities will benefit from some of the money -- including my alma mater of Texas A&M -- but this really doesn't make sense to me. I guess it provides the opportunity for the administration to pay lip service to the idea that they are combating Global Warming.
EPA Targets $2 Million to Fight Climate Change with Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries
Release date: 09/18/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 18, 2007) China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and Ukraine will have projects funded under the auspices of the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international effort promoting near-term, cost-effective projects that capture and use methane as a clean-energy source.
EPA is announcing the award of $2 million for projects that will enhance the capture and use of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas twenty times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The primary component of natural gas, methane is also a valuable and clean-burning energy resource.
"An investment in methane capture and use projects is an investment in a more environmentally sustainable future," said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "By financing international projects through the Methane to Markets Partnership, the U.S. government and its global partners are cutting greenhouse gases while...(complete article here).
OK, I know $2 million is nothing to the Federal Budget, but it's our taxpayer dollars. Why is it we are spending it in this list of countries?
Argentina
Brazil
China
India
Korea
Mexico
Nigeria
Russia
Ukraine
Let's see... some of them have oil, some are important trading partners, some are just big and hairy -- I mean scarey -- I guess I don't have a clue. You spread $2 million around 9 countries and none of them get much. It's like throwing pocket change to a street beggar. Except none of these countries is on the low end of the economic spectrum. A few U.S. universities will benefit from some of the money -- including my alma mater of Texas A&M -- but this really doesn't make sense to me. I guess it provides the opportunity for the administration to pay lip service to the idea that they are combating Global Warming.
Biofuel Impact in Third World
Bio-fuel production in less developed countries presents a problem not faced in the U.S.
Science Daily — The nations of Asia and the Pacific are being urged to study the issue of biofuels with greater care before deciding on how they will use their agricultural products to generate energy.
This appeal was issued at the end of a recent Expert Consultation on Biofuels organized by the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) together with the Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in India, the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico. The consultation was held at IRRI's headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, on August 27-29.
"There's no doubt biofuels will have an impact on agriculture in Asia and the Pacific and present some very interesting new opportunities," APAARI's executive secretary, R.S. Paroda, said. "But we need to be absolutely sure this will not affect the region's food security and its continuing efforts to alleviate poverty."
Science Daily — The nations of Asia and the Pacific are being urged to study the issue of biofuels with greater care before deciding on how they will use their agricultural products to generate energy.
Scientists say there is an urgent need to support the current rush toward major decisions on biofuel policies in Asia and the Pacific with solid research and unbiased information about their potential benefits, impact, and risks.
This appeal was issued at the end of a recent Expert Consultation on Biofuels organized by the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) together with the Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in India, the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico. The consultation was held at IRRI's headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, on August 27-29.
"There's no doubt biofuels will have an impact on agriculture in Asia and the Pacific and present some very interesting new opportunities," APAARI's executive secretary, R.S. Paroda, said. "But we need to be absolutely sure this will not affect the region's food security and its continuing efforts to alleviate poverty."
Many less-developed economies are somewhat dependent on subsistance (or marginally better) farming to feed the mass of their people. What happens when the demand for land to grow crops destined for bio-fuels trumps the needs of the people to feed themselves? We aren't talking about democracies in most of these countries. We are frequently talking about dictatorships or planned economies. The farmers themselves likely will not benefit to a great extent. It may pump some dollars into the hands of the elite few, but trickle down in most of these economies doesn't work especially well.
EU Energy Policy
Breaking monopolies has been a tool of economic regulation for many years. On the surface it looks like a good idea because common sense tells us that competition benefits the consumer. I agree that competition is good, I just disagree with how the EU wants to accomplish their goal.
EU New Policy Plan Targets Energy Giants
by Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (SPX)
Sep 20, 2007
The European Commission proposed a new energy policy package on Wednesday, seeking to split European energy giants and curb foreign takeovers in an effort to boost competition and ensure security of supply. "An open and fair internal energy market is essential to ensure that the European Union (EU) can rise to the challenges of climate change, increased import dependence and global competitiveness.
This is about getting a better deal for consumers and business and making sure that third country companies respect our rules," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who presented the third package of its kind.
Despite progress made after the opening up of the European energy markets to competition, a process which started 10 years ago, the commission said there were still serious challenges regarding all aspects of energy provision and use.
One outstanding problem stood with big European energy companies such as RWE and EON in Germany and EDF and Suez in France, which now control both the generation and the transmission of their gas and electricity.
The European Union's executive arm has long sought separation of production and supply from transmission networks in the energy sector. In its controversial proposal, it listed two options, the so-called ownership unbundling and the approach of "independent system operator."
Under the ownership unbundling, an option preferred by the commission, EU energy giants will be forced to sell...(complete story here).
I believe that deregulation is the answer. Admittedly it has its dangers, but a free market with oversight for abusive behavior is preferred. Competition is advantageous, but let the marketplace determine how it is to come about. Don't force it through regulation. Monopolies arise out of efficiency or necessity or by regulation. If companies become inefficient in a free market, competition will arise. Let it arise.
EU New Policy Plan Targets Energy Giants
by Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (SPX)
Sep 20, 2007
The European Commission proposed a new energy policy package on Wednesday, seeking to split European energy giants and curb foreign takeovers in an effort to boost competition and ensure security of supply. "An open and fair internal energy market is essential to ensure that the European Union (EU) can rise to the challenges of climate change, increased import dependence and global competitiveness.
This is about getting a better deal for consumers and business and making sure that third country companies respect our rules," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who presented the third package of its kind.
Despite progress made after the opening up of the European energy markets to competition, a process which started 10 years ago, the commission said there were still serious challenges regarding all aspects of energy provision and use.
One outstanding problem stood with big European energy companies such as RWE and EON in Germany and EDF and Suez in France, which now control both the generation and the transmission of their gas and electricity.
The European Union's executive arm has long sought separation of production and supply from transmission networks in the energy sector. In its controversial proposal, it listed two options, the so-called ownership unbundling and the approach of "independent system operator."
Under the ownership unbundling, an option preferred by the commission, EU energy giants will be forced to sell...(complete story here).
I believe that deregulation is the answer. Admittedly it has its dangers, but a free market with oversight for abusive behavior is preferred. Competition is advantageous, but let the marketplace determine how it is to come about. Don't force it through regulation. Monopolies arise out of efficiency or necessity or by regulation. If companies become inefficient in a free market, competition will arise. Let it arise.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Local Efforts Trump the Federal
This strikes me as common sense. Let the people who use the lake, the ones who affect the lake, the ones who are affected by the lake, put together a plan to keep the lake healthy. A little guidance from the experts is certainly in order, but if the problems can be solved locally -- as they should -- they can keep the federal government out of it.
Sept. 19, 2007
Stakeholders Helping to Protect Cedar Creek Watershed
Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Clint Wolfe, 972-952-9653,cwolfe@ag.tamu.edu
KAUFMAN – Water quality has declined in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, but experts with the Texas A&M University System are helping landowners and government officials develop plans to plans to clean the water that flows into the 160-acre lake.
Stakeholders in the reservoir's four-county watershed have an opportunity to offer opinions and help draft the Watershed Protection Plan for Cedar Creek Reservoir, said Darrel Andrews of the Tarrant Regional Water District. They can form their own plans and act voluntarily in the coming years before regulatory agencies impose changes.
"This is a proactive approach," said Andrews, the water district's assistant director of environmental services. "Let's get everybody involved before it gets to the level that draws somebody in who is going to make us do it."
A meeting to finalize plans for a committee on the issue will be held Oct. 23 at the Kaufman County Library, 3970 S. Houston Street in Kaufman. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Landowners, agricultural producers, municipal and county leaders, environmental group representatives and other area residents are encouraged to participate, Andrews said. The watershed covers portions of Henderson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Van Zant counties.
"Local stakeholders provide a point of view that is needed to create a viable plan that will result in a cleaner water source," he said.
Experts with Texas Cooperative Extension, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the water district have led efforts to form the committee, officials with each agency said. They will collaborate with the Texas Water Resources Institute on efforts to study water quality and improve the reservoir, said Clint Wolfe, grant and project coordinator with the Experiment Station in Dallas.
The project will eventually expand to include four other major reservoirs managed by the Tarrant district in the Trinity River basin, Wolfe said. The district serves 1.6 million people in 11 counties.
"We will be collecting data for the watershed protection plan," Wolfe said. "The planning involves a nine-step process outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
The process also includes assembling stakeholders and developing pollution-reduction programs, Wolfe said. The goal is to implement best management practices to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the reservoir.
Experts will be looking to landowners and local government officials for ideas on the most practical approaches to solving the problem, said Dr. Balaji Narasinham, a research scientist with the Spatial Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University.
"We have to determine the most effective ways of keeping sediment and nutrients out of the lake," Narasinham said.
Project coordinators have set a tentative May deadline for an initial watershed protection plan that would include the project's timetable, Wolfe said. The reservoir was built in 1965 and filled to capacity in 1969, according to the water district. A 16-year research study showed an increasing trend of excessive amounts of nutrients, which results in declining water quality.
Many environmental issues can and should be solved locally. I applaud this type of initiative.
Sept. 19, 2007
Stakeholders Helping to Protect Cedar Creek Watershed
Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Clint Wolfe, 972-952-9653,cwolfe@ag.tamu.edu
KAUFMAN – Water quality has declined in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, but experts with the Texas A&M University System are helping landowners and government officials develop plans to plans to clean the water that flows into the 160-acre lake.
Stakeholders in the reservoir's four-county watershed have an opportunity to offer opinions and help draft the Watershed Protection Plan for Cedar Creek Reservoir, said Darrel Andrews of the Tarrant Regional Water District. They can form their own plans and act voluntarily in the coming years before regulatory agencies impose changes.
"This is a proactive approach," said Andrews, the water district's assistant director of environmental services. "Let's get everybody involved before it gets to the level that draws somebody in who is going to make us do it."
A meeting to finalize plans for a committee on the issue will be held Oct. 23 at the Kaufman County Library, 3970 S. Houston Street in Kaufman. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Landowners, agricultural producers, municipal and county leaders, environmental group representatives and other area residents are encouraged to participate, Andrews said. The watershed covers portions of Henderson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Van Zant counties.
"Local stakeholders provide a point of view that is needed to create a viable plan that will result in a cleaner water source," he said.
Experts with Texas Cooperative Extension, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the water district have led efforts to form the committee, officials with each agency said. They will collaborate with the Texas Water Resources Institute on efforts to study water quality and improve the reservoir, said Clint Wolfe, grant and project coordinator with the Experiment Station in Dallas.
The project will eventually expand to include four other major reservoirs managed by the Tarrant district in the Trinity River basin, Wolfe said. The district serves 1.6 million people in 11 counties.
"We will be collecting data for the watershed protection plan," Wolfe said. "The planning involves a nine-step process outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
The process also includes assembling stakeholders and developing pollution-reduction programs, Wolfe said. The goal is to implement best management practices to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the reservoir.
Experts will be looking to landowners and local government officials for ideas on the most practical approaches to solving the problem, said Dr. Balaji Narasinham, a research scientist with the Spatial Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University.
"We have to determine the most effective ways of keeping sediment and nutrients out of the lake," Narasinham said.
Project coordinators have set a tentative May deadline for an initial watershed protection plan that would include the project's timetable, Wolfe said. The reservoir was built in 1965 and filled to capacity in 1969, according to the water district. A 16-year research study showed an increasing trend of excessive amounts of nutrients, which results in declining water quality.
Many environmental issues can and should be solved locally. I applaud this type of initiative.
Farmers and Conservation
Corn growers want to tell folks how conservation is important to farmers.
NCGA Video Tells Conservation from Viewpoint of Growers (9-19-07)
The connection between the nation’s corn growers and the land they farm is the subject of a new video from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
Titled “Growing for the Future,” the story includes reminiscences from corn growers about the farming practices they grew up with, and how they’ve been able to take advantage of new technology to protect soil from the continuing threat of water and wind erosion, reduce agricultural inputs and improve the long-term health of their fields.
“This is an important step to communicate with people who may not have any first-hand knowledge about agriculture,” says NCGA President Ken McCauley. “With all the concern about the impact of agriculture on the environment, it’s vital for people to know the role agriculture has in protecting our environment.”
Corn growers from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri speak from the heart about the challenges they faced in their environmental efforts. “We’re changing fertility, we’re changing the amount of water that we apply, we’re changing the tillage, we’re using variable rate technology for both insect control, disease control and also nutrient management,” noted agronomist Mike Petersen. “That’s huge!”
The video also brings out the link between growers and the land, making it clear that environmental responsibility is a part of their lives. “The soil has given back to us over the years,” concluded Byron Weathers, of Yuma, Colo. “If we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
The new video is part of a broader campaign by NCGA to provide factual information to the public about corn and the environment. The video is available for download on the NCGA Web site. The video runs approximately 10 minutes, and is viewable and in three sections. An NCGA “white paper” on sustainable agriculture and smaller topic briefs are also available on the site.
It is important that consumers understand the connection between farmers and the land for which they are stewards. It is a story that bears repeating.
NCGA Video Tells Conservation from Viewpoint of Growers (9-19-07)
The connection between the nation’s corn growers and the land they farm is the subject of a new video from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
Titled “Growing for the Future,” the story includes reminiscences from corn growers about the farming practices they grew up with, and how they’ve been able to take advantage of new technology to protect soil from the continuing threat of water and wind erosion, reduce agricultural inputs and improve the long-term health of their fields.
“This is an important step to communicate with people who may not have any first-hand knowledge about agriculture,” says NCGA President Ken McCauley. “With all the concern about the impact of agriculture on the environment, it’s vital for people to know the role agriculture has in protecting our environment.”
Corn growers from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri speak from the heart about the challenges they faced in their environmental efforts. “We’re changing fertility, we’re changing the amount of water that we apply, we’re changing the tillage, we’re using variable rate technology for both insect control, disease control and also nutrient management,” noted agronomist Mike Petersen. “That’s huge!”
The video also brings out the link between growers and the land, making it clear that environmental responsibility is a part of their lives. “The soil has given back to us over the years,” concluded Byron Weathers, of Yuma, Colo. “If we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
The new video is part of a broader campaign by NCGA to provide factual information to the public about corn and the environment. The video is available for download on the NCGA Web site. The video runs approximately 10 minutes, and is viewable and in three sections. An NCGA “white paper” on sustainable agriculture and smaller topic briefs are also available on the site.
It is important that consumers understand the connection between farmers and the land for which they are stewards. It is a story that bears repeating.
California Energy Zoning
Transmission capabilities is one issue that many folks overlook when discussing new electricity generation projects such as wind farms, wave farms, and solar. That type of infrastructure is usually highly regulated and frequently built at taxpayer expense.
September 19, 2007
California Partnership to Examine Transmission for Renewable Energy
A partnership of public and private entities has been established in California to examine the feasibility of building transmission lines to remote renewable energy resources. The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI), announced by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on September 17th, will identify major renewable energy zones throughout the state and will create a prioritized list of needed transmission lines. RETI includes representatives from the CEC, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, and representatives of publicly owned utilities. The group's first public forum will be held on September 20th. See the CEC press release and the RETI Web site.
"...major renewable energy zones..." -- California also needs to look at agricultureal zones, industrial zones, development zones, conservation zones, etc. Energy isn't their only issue. Water is becoming super critical. California would be a prime candidate for statewide zoning. Such a plan could potentially alleviate current a future infrastructure problems. Intelligent design could cut energy use, pollution from automobile emissions, runoff and erosion problems due to roads and parking, traffic congestion, urban sprawl into agricultural areas, and on and on. I would prefer a free-market approach, but California is already one of the most "socialized" states in the Union. A regulated model may be their best solution.
September 19, 2007
California Partnership to Examine Transmission for Renewable Energy
A partnership of public and private entities has been established in California to examine the feasibility of building transmission lines to remote renewable energy resources. The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI), announced by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on September 17th, will identify major renewable energy zones throughout the state and will create a prioritized list of needed transmission lines. RETI includes representatives from the CEC, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, and representatives of publicly owned utilities. The group's first public forum will be held on September 20th. See the CEC press release and the RETI Web site.
"...major renewable energy zones..." -- California also needs to look at agricultureal zones, industrial zones, development zones, conservation zones, etc. Energy isn't their only issue. Water is becoming super critical. California would be a prime candidate for statewide zoning. Such a plan could potentially alleviate current a future infrastructure problems. Intelligent design could cut energy use, pollution from automobile emissions, runoff and erosion problems due to roads and parking, traffic congestion, urban sprawl into agricultural areas, and on and on. I would prefer a free-market approach, but California is already one of the most "socialized" states in the Union. A regulated model may be their best solution.
Curbing Demand Prevents Blackouts
Common Sense tells us that if you are using too much you should cut back. Californians may be getting the message.
September 19, 2007
California Credits Conservation for Weathering Heat Wave
California suffered through a blistering heat wave in late August and early September, but at no time did the state require rotating blackouts, thanks to electrical conservation efforts. The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which operates the state's electrical grid, estimated that Californians reduced their electrical demand by about 1,000 megawatts on August 30th, helping to avoid overtaxing the state's transmission grid. Power outages only occurred at local levels and were caused by power distribution systems, not by the transmission system. California's power crunch was caused by a heat wave that affected much of the Southwest, reducing power imports into the state. A dry winter has also reduced hydropower generation by about 1,000 megawatts this summer. See the California ISO press release (PDF 24 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Coincidentally, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a report in early September that notes the increasingly important role of such "demand response" efforts. According to the report, demand response lowered the consumption of electricity by 1.4% to 4.1% during periods of peak demand in 2006. FERC notes that eight regions of the United States set new records for electricity demand last year. See the FERC press release and report (PDF 948 KB).
Meanwhile, a new report from California's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program finds that extreme heat events may be becoming more prevalent in California due to climate change. Along with demand response, the report calls for increased use of energy efficient and solar energy technologies, including passive cooling, ventilation with fans, and solar power generation. The report notes that the use of air conditioning could be most easily avoided in cooler coastal regions, while solar power systems will reduce loads on distribution systems on sunny days, when such load reductions are needed the most. See the report (PDF 792 KB).
The blame for the rolling blackouts in California seems to be placed on Global Warming. Do you suppose that population growth and limited power generation capacity might have something to do with it?
September 19, 2007
California Credits Conservation for Weathering Heat Wave
California suffered through a blistering heat wave in late August and early September, but at no time did the state require rotating blackouts, thanks to electrical conservation efforts. The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which operates the state's electrical grid, estimated that Californians reduced their electrical demand by about 1,000 megawatts on August 30th, helping to avoid overtaxing the state's transmission grid. Power outages only occurred at local levels and were caused by power distribution systems, not by the transmission system. California's power crunch was caused by a heat wave that affected much of the Southwest, reducing power imports into the state. A dry winter has also reduced hydropower generation by about 1,000 megawatts this summer. See the California ISO press release (PDF 24 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Coincidentally, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a report in early September that notes the increasingly important role of such "demand response" efforts. According to the report, demand response lowered the consumption of electricity by 1.4% to 4.1% during periods of peak demand in 2006. FERC notes that eight regions of the United States set new records for electricity demand last year. See the FERC press release and report (PDF 948 KB).
Meanwhile, a new report from California's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program finds that extreme heat events may be becoming more prevalent in California due to climate change. Along with demand response, the report calls for increased use of energy efficient and solar energy technologies, including passive cooling, ventilation with fans, and solar power generation. The report notes that the use of air conditioning could be most easily avoided in cooler coastal regions, while solar power systems will reduce loads on distribution systems on sunny days, when such load reductions are needed the most. See the report (PDF 792 KB).
The blame for the rolling blackouts in California seems to be placed on Global Warming. Do you suppose that population growth and limited power generation capacity might have something to do with it?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Common Sense Conservation?
To me, this is just common sense --
Source: Indiana University
Date: September 18, 2007
Why Conservation Efforts Often Fail
Science Daily — Modern conservation techniques have brought us the resurgence of American bald eagles, sustainable forest harvests and the rescue of prized lobster fisheries. So how can modern conservation strategies also have wrought such failures, from the catastrophic loss of Guatemalan forests to the economy-crippling Klamath River salmon kill in 2006?
In a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Indiana University political scientist Elinor Ostrom and colleagues argue that while many basic conservation strategies are sound, their use is often flawed. The strategies are applied too generally, they say, as an inflexible, regulatory "blueprint" that foolishly ignores local customs, economics and politics.
"We now ridicule the doctors who long ago used to tell us, 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' as a treatment for every single illness," said Ostrom, a member of the National Academy of Sciences. "Resource management is just as complex as the human body. It needs to be approached differently in different situations."
In her own contribution, Ostrom proposes a flexible "framework" for determining what factors will influence resource management, whether that resource is forest, fish... even air.
"What we are learning is that you shouldn't ignore what's going on at the local level," Ostrom said. "It may even be beneficial to work with local people, including the resource exploiters, to create effective regulation."
Modern conservation theory relies on well established mathematical models that predict what will happen to a species or habitat over time. One thing these models can't account for are the unpredictable behavior of human beings whose lives influence and are influenced by conservation efforts.
The framework is divided into tiers that allow conservationists and policymakers to delineate those factors most likely to affect the protection or management of a given resource.
The first tier imposes four broad variables: the resource system, the resource units, the governance system and the resource users. The second tier examines each of these variables in greater detail, such as the government and non-government entities that may already be regulating the resource, the innate productivity of a resource system, the size and placement of the system, the system's economic value and what sorts of people use the resource -- from indigenous people to heads of state. The third tier digs even deeper into each of the basic variables.
"I admit it's ambitious," Ostrom said. "It lays out a research program for the next 15-20 years."
Applying Ostrom's framework, policymakers are encouraged first to examine the behaviors of resource users, then establish incentives for resource users to aid a conservation strategy or, at least, not interfere with it.
Ostrom's framework could also serve to normalize the effects of political upheavals that occur regularly at both national and state/provincial levels. It also accommodates non-political changes that may come with economic development and environmental change. In short, the framework's flexibility would allow the resource managers to modify a plan without scrapping the plan entirely.
Ostrom is the co-director of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at IU Bloomington. She and special issue co-editors Macro Janssen and John Anderies are also affiliated with the Arizona State University School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Ostrom's research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Indiana University.
Conservation is wise, sustainable use of resources -- not just preservation. If you don't involve the people who depend on those resources for their livelihood the efforts will fail. Certainly it makes the complexity of the problem greater, but it also increases the opportunity for success.
Source: Indiana University
Date: September 18, 2007
Why Conservation Efforts Often Fail
Science Daily — Modern conservation techniques have brought us the resurgence of American bald eagles, sustainable forest harvests and the rescue of prized lobster fisheries. So how can modern conservation strategies also have wrought such failures, from the catastrophic loss of Guatemalan forests to the economy-crippling Klamath River salmon kill in 2006?
In a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Indiana University political scientist Elinor Ostrom and colleagues argue that while many basic conservation strategies are sound, their use is often flawed. The strategies are applied too generally, they say, as an inflexible, regulatory "blueprint" that foolishly ignores local customs, economics and politics.
"We now ridicule the doctors who long ago used to tell us, 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' as a treatment for every single illness," said Ostrom, a member of the National Academy of Sciences. "Resource management is just as complex as the human body. It needs to be approached differently in different situations."
In her own contribution, Ostrom proposes a flexible "framework" for determining what factors will influence resource management, whether that resource is forest, fish... even air.
"What we are learning is that you shouldn't ignore what's going on at the local level," Ostrom said. "It may even be beneficial to work with local people, including the resource exploiters, to create effective regulation."
Modern conservation theory relies on well established mathematical models that predict what will happen to a species or habitat over time. One thing these models can't account for are the unpredictable behavior of human beings whose lives influence and are influenced by conservation efforts.
The framework is divided into tiers that allow conservationists and policymakers to delineate those factors most likely to affect the protection or management of a given resource.
The first tier imposes four broad variables: the resource system, the resource units, the governance system and the resource users. The second tier examines each of these variables in greater detail, such as the government and non-government entities that may already be regulating the resource, the innate productivity of a resource system, the size and placement of the system, the system's economic value and what sorts of people use the resource -- from indigenous people to heads of state. The third tier digs even deeper into each of the basic variables.
"I admit it's ambitious," Ostrom said. "It lays out a research program for the next 15-20 years."
Applying Ostrom's framework, policymakers are encouraged first to examine the behaviors of resource users, then establish incentives for resource users to aid a conservation strategy or, at least, not interfere with it.
Ostrom's framework could also serve to normalize the effects of political upheavals that occur regularly at both national and state/provincial levels. It also accommodates non-political changes that may come with economic development and environmental change. In short, the framework's flexibility would allow the resource managers to modify a plan without scrapping the plan entirely.
Ostrom is the co-director of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at IU Bloomington. She and special issue co-editors Macro Janssen and John Anderies are also affiliated with the Arizona State University School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Ostrom's research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Indiana University.
Conservation is wise, sustainable use of resources -- not just preservation. If you don't involve the people who depend on those resources for their livelihood the efforts will fail. Certainly it makes the complexity of the problem greater, but it also increases the opportunity for success.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Unintended Consequences
Some unintended consequences of ethanol production --
Prairie conditions good, but help from hunters needed
News in the Dakotas is mixed for waterfowl hunters. Late-summer habitat conditions look good in many breeding areas in the Dakotas. The bad news is many areas face imminent destruction. Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters across the country for help.
"We've seen good brood numbers throughout the Missouri Coteau in North Dakota, but we also see native grasslands converted to cropland. This is bad news for future duck production." said Dr. Scott Stephens, director of conservation planning for Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains Office.
Increased crop prices driven by demand for corn for ethanol production....(full story here)
With corn and other feed grains prices high and rising, we will see conversion of marginal lands to crop production wherever possible. When the market price is above the point at which government support payments are triggered, there is no incentive for farmers to comply with price support programs. They will convert all available acreage to farming. This will affect the acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other conservation programs that have benefited wildlife in farming areas -- especially the Plains states. Without action, there will be increased pressure on wildlife habitat. The law of Unintended Consequences at work...
Prairie conditions good, but help from hunters needed
News in the Dakotas is mixed for waterfowl hunters. Late-summer habitat conditions look good in many breeding areas in the Dakotas. The bad news is many areas face imminent destruction. Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters across the country for help.
"We've seen good brood numbers throughout the Missouri Coteau in North Dakota, but we also see native grasslands converted to cropland. This is bad news for future duck production." said Dr. Scott Stephens, director of conservation planning for Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains Office.
Increased crop prices driven by demand for corn for ethanol production....(full story here)
With corn and other feed grains prices high and rising, we will see conversion of marginal lands to crop production wherever possible. When the market price is above the point at which government support payments are triggered, there is no incentive for farmers to comply with price support programs. They will convert all available acreage to farming. This will affect the acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other conservation programs that have benefited wildlife in farming areas -- especially the Plains states. Without action, there will be increased pressure on wildlife habitat. The law of Unintended Consequences at work...
NAIS Plan
The National Animal Identification System is slowly becoming reality.
NAIS Business Plan is a template for moving forward with animal ID plan
By Doug Rich
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials presented their Business Plan for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) at the ID-Info Expo in Kansas City, Mo.
"We need to build on systems that already exist," Dr. Clifford Clark, USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinarian Services said. "This can be done by providing common data standards across all programs."
Individual animal identification is nothing new. USDA has been doing this for years with programs designed for specific animal disease such as scrapie, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Dr. Clifford said that these programs are focused on a single disease and when that disease is eradicated the identification program stops. These programs have separate identification numbers and data collection procedures.
"An animal may be identified multiple times yet still not be fully traceable because separate programs use....(complete story here)
Various programs sponsored and administered by USDA have been able to track animals for years -- such as for brucellosis. The problem is that there has never been anything to tie all of the various databases together. One of the key components of the plan is such an ability.
The "rugged individualism" of livestock producers in general will tend to resist such a plan. That's why only a small percentage of cattle producers are currently enrolled in the "voluntary" program. However, from an animal disease standpoint, the program has merit. When there is a food scare, it will be useful to trace back to the origin of any disease related problem. Pork and poultry producers are far ahead of their beef counterparts.
NAIS Business Plan is a template for moving forward with animal ID plan
By Doug Rich
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials presented their Business Plan for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) at the ID-Info Expo in Kansas City, Mo.
"We need to build on systems that already exist," Dr. Clifford Clark, USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinarian Services said. "This can be done by providing common data standards across all programs."
Individual animal identification is nothing new. USDA has been doing this for years with programs designed for specific animal disease such as scrapie, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Dr. Clifford said that these programs are focused on a single disease and when that disease is eradicated the identification program stops. These programs have separate identification numbers and data collection procedures.
"An animal may be identified multiple times yet still not be fully traceable because separate programs use....(complete story here)
Various programs sponsored and administered by USDA have been able to track animals for years -- such as for brucellosis. The problem is that there has never been anything to tie all of the various databases together. One of the key components of the plan is such an ability.
The "rugged individualism" of livestock producers in general will tend to resist such a plan. That's why only a small percentage of cattle producers are currently enrolled in the "voluntary" program. However, from an animal disease standpoint, the program has merit. When there is a food scare, it will be useful to trace back to the origin of any disease related problem. Pork and poultry producers are far ahead of their beef counterparts.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Manure to Electricity Makes Sense
Turning manure into electricity. It's been done. It makes sense.
Sept. 14, 2007
Cow Power: System Could Let Cows Produce Milk AND Electricity
Writer: Edith Chenault, 979-845-2886,EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, 979-458-1019,mukhtar@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Contented cows may be giving more than milk these days. Their manure could help to turn the lights on at farms, thanks to a project being undertaken by the Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Cooperative Extension.
The Institute received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to test an on-farm manure-to-energy conversion system for future use on Central Texas dairies.
"This project is a little more than ‘the price of gas is high and we're trying to find an alternative,'" said Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, Extension agricultural engineer and one of the project leaders. "We're trying to find out if we can benefit the environment by diverting some of the manure that is being applied to waste application fields."
The grant is funding the assembly and testing of a portable energy generation unit that's otherwise known as a thermophilic digester and fluidized bed gasifier system. Because the unit will be on skids, it can be taken from farm to farm for educational demonstrations.
"We're trying to find ways to divert excess manure and reduce repeated and excessive application of phosphorus to waste application fields that can potentially become a non-point source of pollution," Mukhtar said.
Presently, many dairy farmers—to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards—remove excess manure and apply it offsite to nutrient deficient crop and pastureland in an effort to keep excess nutrients out of surface and groundwater, he said.
Repeated applications of manure results in soil levels of phosphorus exceeding quantities needed for plant growth, he said. That excess phosphorus can wash into creeks, rivers and lakes, causing additional problems with excess algal blooms and decreased oxygen in the water.
"Some farmers have contracts with commercial composting outfits," he said. "These composters pick up manure that is scraped from corrals and piled on site. Composted manure is used by home gardeners and commercial nurseries. Some of it is used for fertilizing rights-of-ways by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Dairies are trying their best to comply with all the rules," he added. "(But) if you apply manure at more than agronomic rates to land again and again, you still face environmental problems."
If the environmental problems aren't solved, he said, "You....(rest of story here)
Sept. 14, 2007
Cow Power: System Could Let Cows Produce Milk AND Electricity
Writer: Edith Chenault, 979-845-2886,EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, 979-458-1019,mukhtar@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Contented cows may be giving more than milk these days. Their manure could help to turn the lights on at farms, thanks to a project being undertaken by the Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Cooperative Extension.
The Institute received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to test an on-farm manure-to-energy conversion system for future use on Central Texas dairies.
"This project is a little more than ‘the price of gas is high and we're trying to find an alternative,'" said Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, Extension agricultural engineer and one of the project leaders. "We're trying to find out if we can benefit the environment by diverting some of the manure that is being applied to waste application fields."
The grant is funding the assembly and testing of a portable energy generation unit that's otherwise known as a thermophilic digester and fluidized bed gasifier system. Because the unit will be on skids, it can be taken from farm to farm for educational demonstrations.
"We're trying to find ways to divert excess manure and reduce repeated and excessive application of phosphorus to waste application fields that can potentially become a non-point source of pollution," Mukhtar said.
Presently, many dairy farmers—to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards—remove excess manure and apply it offsite to nutrient deficient crop and pastureland in an effort to keep excess nutrients out of surface and groundwater, he said.
Repeated applications of manure results in soil levels of phosphorus exceeding quantities needed for plant growth, he said. That excess phosphorus can wash into creeks, rivers and lakes, causing additional problems with excess algal blooms and decreased oxygen in the water.
"Some farmers have contracts with commercial composting outfits," he said. "These composters pick up manure that is scraped from corrals and piled on site. Composted manure is used by home gardeners and commercial nurseries. Some of it is used for fertilizing rights-of-ways by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Dairies are trying their best to comply with all the rules," he added. "(But) if you apply manure at more than agronomic rates to land again and again, you still face environmental problems."
If the environmental problems aren't solved, he said, "You....(rest of story here)
Bio-fuels Research Will Have Many Payoffs
It's interesting to me how a change in focus can lead to unexpected results. The focus on varieties for efficient ethanol production appear to have led to varieties with greater feed efficiency.
Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel
Though less recognizable than corn, sorghum is no stranger to the grocery store shelf, as evidenced by the flour, syrup, gluten-free bread, and other sorghum-containing products there.
On the farm, sorghum’s stalks, leaves, and multicolored grains are fed to cattle; in processing plants, they can be converted into ethanol. Now, sorghum’s future could burn brighter on both of those fronts with the release of Atlas bmr-12, a low-lignin variety.
Lignin is a cellular “glue” of sorts that imparts rigidity and strength to plant tissues. It also plays direct and indirect roles in helping plants fend off insects and pathogens. But breeding sorghum with reduced lignin can have beneficial effects, too, say plant pathologist Deanna L. Funnell, geneticist Jeffery F. Pedersen, and agronomist John J. Toy at ARS’s Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Atlas bmr-12, which was developed by the ARS team and evaluated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln colleagues Richard Grant and Amanda Oliver, is a good example of reduced-lignin’s benefits. In the laboratory, Atlas bmr-12 scored higher on fiber digestibility than standard sorghum, which should result in higher milk production and higher beef gains when cattle are fed the new variety. Atlas bmr-12’s greater fiber digestibility also raises the prospect of improved sorghum-to-ethanol conversion at the processing plants.
The researchers initially anticipated that breeding low-lignin sorghum would diminish the plants’ defensive capabilities. But they observed otherwise in tests with harmful species of Alternaria and Fusarium fungi.
In the lab, Funnell inoculated low-lignin lines—containing either bmr-6 or bmr-12 genes—and control varieties with F. moniliforme and compared the length of the red-pigmented lesions that demarcate the fungus’s spread. Inside the stems, or peduncles, of the low-lignin lines, the lesions were shorter than those of the controls, suggesting bmr-6 and bmr-12’s greater resistance. On bmr-12, for example, the lesions averaged 78 millimeters long, versus 117 millimeters for the control.
“This surprised us because lignin has been linked to disease resistance,” says Funnell. During breeding stages, Pedersen incorporated two of several genes for a trait called “brown midrib,” which is associated with reduced lignin. The researchers theorize that the genes may have disrupted the functioning of key enzymes so as to allow buildup of phenolic compounds with antifungal activity.
“We hypothesize that there’s a difference in the levels of phenolics—the precursors to lignin—and some of these have been shown to be toxic to fungi,” says Funnell. The phenolics pose no such danger to livestock or humans and may confer health benefits.
ARS has received U.S. Plant Variety Protection on Atlas bmr-12. Written seed requests should be directed to ARS’s Lincoln unit.—By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.
This research is part of Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, an ARS national program (#301) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.
Deanna L. Funnell is in the USDA-ARS Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit, 314 Biochem, P.O. Box 830937, Lincoln, NE 68583-0937; phone (402) 472-9099, fax (402) 472-4020.
"Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel" was published in the September 2007 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Biofuels research will lead us to new horizons in the coming years. The derivative products will likely revolutionize many of the ways in which we live. I expect to see new fibers for cloth, new building materials, new ways to make paints, glues, pesticides, and on and on. It will be exciting.
Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel
Though less recognizable than corn, sorghum is no stranger to the grocery store shelf, as evidenced by the flour, syrup, gluten-free bread, and other sorghum-containing products there.
On the farm, sorghum’s stalks, leaves, and multicolored grains are fed to cattle; in processing plants, they can be converted into ethanol. Now, sorghum’s future could burn brighter on both of those fronts with the release of Atlas bmr-12, a low-lignin variety.
Lignin is a cellular “glue” of sorts that imparts rigidity and strength to plant tissues. It also plays direct and indirect roles in helping plants fend off insects and pathogens. But breeding sorghum with reduced lignin can have beneficial effects, too, say plant pathologist Deanna L. Funnell, geneticist Jeffery F. Pedersen, and agronomist John J. Toy at ARS’s Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Atlas bmr-12, which was developed by the ARS team and evaluated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln colleagues Richard Grant and Amanda Oliver, is a good example of reduced-lignin’s benefits. In the laboratory, Atlas bmr-12 scored higher on fiber digestibility than standard sorghum, which should result in higher milk production and higher beef gains when cattle are fed the new variety. Atlas bmr-12’s greater fiber digestibility also raises the prospect of improved sorghum-to-ethanol conversion at the processing plants.
The researchers initially anticipated that breeding low-lignin sorghum would diminish the plants’ defensive capabilities. But they observed otherwise in tests with harmful species of Alternaria and Fusarium fungi.
In the lab, Funnell inoculated low-lignin lines—containing either bmr-6 or bmr-12 genes—and control varieties with F. moniliforme and compared the length of the red-pigmented lesions that demarcate the fungus’s spread. Inside the stems, or peduncles, of the low-lignin lines, the lesions were shorter than those of the controls, suggesting bmr-6 and bmr-12’s greater resistance. On bmr-12, for example, the lesions averaged 78 millimeters long, versus 117 millimeters for the control.
“This surprised us because lignin has been linked to disease resistance,” says Funnell. During breeding stages, Pedersen incorporated two of several genes for a trait called “brown midrib,” which is associated with reduced lignin. The researchers theorize that the genes may have disrupted the functioning of key enzymes so as to allow buildup of phenolic compounds with antifungal activity.
“We hypothesize that there’s a difference in the levels of phenolics—the precursors to lignin—and some of these have been shown to be toxic to fungi,” says Funnell. The phenolics pose no such danger to livestock or humans and may confer health benefits.
ARS has received U.S. Plant Variety Protection on Atlas bmr-12. Written seed requests should be directed to ARS’s Lincoln unit.—By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.
This research is part of Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, an ARS national program (#301) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.
Deanna L. Funnell is in the USDA-ARS Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit, 314 Biochem, P.O. Box 830937, Lincoln, NE 68583-0937; phone (402) 472-9099, fax (402) 472-4020.
"Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel" was published in the September 2007 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Biofuels research will lead us to new horizons in the coming years. The derivative products will likely revolutionize many of the ways in which we live. I expect to see new fibers for cloth, new building materials, new ways to make paints, glues, pesticides, and on and on. It will be exciting.
Record Feedgrains Production
Record feedgrains production and higher prices! "Thank you ethanol," say American farmers. The livestock industry isn't so sure.
Follow the link here to USDA Feed Grain projections.
Follow the link here to USDA Feed Grain projections.
Let's Ban Automobiles!!
Now this really makes sense -- NOT!
Emissions Targets For 2030 Will Only Be Reached By Banning Cars In London
Science Daily — Unless the Greater London Authority (GLA) takes radical steps, one of which could be the removal of all cars from both inner and outer London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.
The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.
They do, however, offer a radical vision....(complete story here)
They want to ban all automobiles in London.
One can look at the smog hanging over cities and know with certainty that emissions are a problem. Whether they contribute to global warming is beside the point. Air quality is a health issue.
Banning private automobiles would certainly eliminate some exhaust. However, the last time I was behind a Public Transportation Bus, I was almost overwhelmed by the diesel exhaust fumes.
There is much more to the transportation problem into cities than just banning automobiles. The complete infrastructure needs to be re-evaluated. Urban sprawl is a huge part of the problem. The longer the commute, the more travel, the more exhaust fumes. Parking lots and streets are a problem for water runoff. Utilities and other city services such as garbage and water into suburban areas are a problem. Conversion of farmland to sub developments is a problem. In short, the whole concept of a city with commuter suburbs needs to be re-thought.
What is a reasonable distance to ride a bicycle to work? What about when it rains? Do we add special cars to commuter trains to haul bicycles that can then be ridden from the station to the workplace? What is a reasonable distance to walk?
Regional planning seems to be the only way to create a workable system. The capitalist in me resists such an idea. Will the free market ultimately solve the problem when gasoline prices get so high that alternative forms of transportation become more feasible? Personally I think that might be the best answer. However, the gloom-and-doom global warming crowd will say that we must do something radical to "save" the planet. What do you think the answer is?
Emissions Targets For 2030 Will Only Be Reached By Banning Cars In London
Science Daily — Unless the Greater London Authority (GLA) takes radical steps, one of which could be the removal of all cars from both inner and outer London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.
The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.
They do, however, offer a radical vision....(complete story here)
They want to ban all automobiles in London.
One can look at the smog hanging over cities and know with certainty that emissions are a problem. Whether they contribute to global warming is beside the point. Air quality is a health issue.
Banning private automobiles would certainly eliminate some exhaust. However, the last time I was behind a Public Transportation Bus, I was almost overwhelmed by the diesel exhaust fumes.
There is much more to the transportation problem into cities than just banning automobiles. The complete infrastructure needs to be re-evaluated. Urban sprawl is a huge part of the problem. The longer the commute, the more travel, the more exhaust fumes. Parking lots and streets are a problem for water runoff. Utilities and other city services such as garbage and water into suburban areas are a problem. Conversion of farmland to sub developments is a problem. In short, the whole concept of a city with commuter suburbs needs to be re-thought.
What is a reasonable distance to ride a bicycle to work? What about when it rains? Do we add special cars to commuter trains to haul bicycles that can then be ridden from the station to the workplace? What is a reasonable distance to walk?
Regional planning seems to be the only way to create a workable system. The capitalist in me resists such an idea. Will the free market ultimately solve the problem when gasoline prices get so high that alternative forms of transportation become more feasible? Personally I think that might be the best answer. However, the gloom-and-doom global warming crowd will say that we must do something radical to "save" the planet. What do you think the answer is?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Bovine Respiratory Disease
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the number one health issue in cattle. It is a function of the relationship between stressors, susceptibility, and pathogens in the herd. Each of these factors is important, but it is the relationship between them that determines whether an animal will be healthy or sick.
Stressors are those things that cause stress to the animal’s system. It includes things like shipping, weaning, moving, intermingling, drought, weather change, heat, cold, poor nutrition, processing, and on and on. It is all of those things that require energy to overcome.
Susceptibility refers to the animal’s immunity to a particular disease. There are many forms of immunity. Passive immunity is created by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another such as through the placenta from the mother to the offspring or through the colostrum. Innate immunity is resistance to disease resulting from good general health. If the immune system is functioning properly it will often be able to fight off many diseases. Acquired immunity results from vaccination or from previous infection.
Pathogens are those infectious agents that cause disease or illness for its host. These infectious agents may be airborne, in the soil, or passed from animal to animal. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and some proteins (prions).
Sickness occurs when the pathogen load exceeds the animal’s ability to resist. Calves may be perfectly healthy at the ranch, but when weaned and taken to the auction, the stress may cause them to succumb to pathogens they may be exposed to at the auction barn. This can occur whether they have been vaccinated or not. If the animal’s threshold of resistance falls below the level at which it can overcome the pathogen load to which it is exposed, it will become sick.
Calves that have been weaned and pre-conditioned prior to shipment typically have a higher threshold of resistance than those which are shipped immediately after weaning. They are usually de-wormed and vaccinated against common pathogens in order to boost the antibody levels in their blood. They also have had time to overcome the stress of weaning. These calves will typically experience fewer problems in the stocker phase or at the feedlot.
Generally, unless exposed to extreme pathogen loads, pre-conditioned cattle perform well with little additional treatment. However, there continues to be risk of sickness even for those animals that have been handled properly. Recall that sickness occurs any time the threshold of resistance is lower than the pathogen load. This can occur because of a large number of stressors causing the resistance threshold to fall, or because the pathogen load is high. The more frequently cattle are handled, shipped, or co-mingled – exposed to stressors – the lower their threshold of resistance.
One of the primary sources of exposure to high pathogen load is cattle that are persistently infected with the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD-PI). These calves are carriers of the BVD virus which is one of the primary causes of BRD in cattle. BVD acts as a pathogen, but also acts as an immuno-suppressant, causing the immune system to fail to react properly to pathogens for a period of time. BVD-PI calves shed the BVD virus at an extremely high rate – approximately 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 viral particles daily throughout their life. Such high viral shed rates can overcome the immune system of healthy cattle that may be exposed to them.
Cattle health is important to the profitability of the operation. It is a function of many things, creating a complexity that often affords no simple solution. It is always recommended that the producer seek the advice of a qualified professional nutritionist and veterinarian to implement a program that will improve their chance of success.
Stressors are those things that cause stress to the animal’s system. It includes things like shipping, weaning, moving, intermingling, drought, weather change, heat, cold, poor nutrition, processing, and on and on. It is all of those things that require energy to overcome.
Susceptibility refers to the animal’s immunity to a particular disease. There are many forms of immunity. Passive immunity is created by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another such as through the placenta from the mother to the offspring or through the colostrum. Innate immunity is resistance to disease resulting from good general health. If the immune system is functioning properly it will often be able to fight off many diseases. Acquired immunity results from vaccination or from previous infection.
Pathogens are those infectious agents that cause disease or illness for its host. These infectious agents may be airborne, in the soil, or passed from animal to animal. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and some proteins (prions).
Sickness occurs when the pathogen load exceeds the animal’s ability to resist. Calves may be perfectly healthy at the ranch, but when weaned and taken to the auction, the stress may cause them to succumb to pathogens they may be exposed to at the auction barn. This can occur whether they have been vaccinated or not. If the animal’s threshold of resistance falls below the level at which it can overcome the pathogen load to which it is exposed, it will become sick.
Calves that have been weaned and pre-conditioned prior to shipment typically have a higher threshold of resistance than those which are shipped immediately after weaning. They are usually de-wormed and vaccinated against common pathogens in order to boost the antibody levels in their blood. They also have had time to overcome the stress of weaning. These calves will typically experience fewer problems in the stocker phase or at the feedlot.
Generally, unless exposed to extreme pathogen loads, pre-conditioned cattle perform well with little additional treatment. However, there continues to be risk of sickness even for those animals that have been handled properly. Recall that sickness occurs any time the threshold of resistance is lower than the pathogen load. This can occur because of a large number of stressors causing the resistance threshold to fall, or because the pathogen load is high. The more frequently cattle are handled, shipped, or co-mingled – exposed to stressors – the lower their threshold of resistance.
One of the primary sources of exposure to high pathogen load is cattle that are persistently infected with the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD-PI). These calves are carriers of the BVD virus which is one of the primary causes of BRD in cattle. BVD acts as a pathogen, but also acts as an immuno-suppressant, causing the immune system to fail to react properly to pathogens for a period of time. BVD-PI calves shed the BVD virus at an extremely high rate – approximately 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 viral particles daily throughout their life. Such high viral shed rates can overcome the immune system of healthy cattle that may be exposed to them.
Cattle health is important to the profitability of the operation. It is a function of many things, creating a complexity that often affords no simple solution. It is always recommended that the producer seek the advice of a qualified professional nutritionist and veterinarian to implement a program that will improve their chance of success.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Corn Yield Projections Up
Good weather, high yields, new varieties...
Corn Harvest, Yield Projections on the Rise,
Says NCGA (9-12-07)
As corn growers begin harvest the size of the 2007 crop is becoming more clear, says the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), released this.... (see rest of article here).
Corn Harvest, Yield Projections on the Rise,
Says NCGA (9-12-07)
As corn growers begin harvest the size of the 2007 crop is becoming more clear, says the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), released this.... (see rest of article here).
Solar UAV
Here is another interesting article from the DOE's office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
September 12, 2007
Solar-Powered Airplane Achieves Record Unmanned Flight Duration
An unmanned solar-powered aircraft has flown for 54 consecutive hours over the deserts of New Mexico, setting an unofficial record for the longest unmanned flight. Called the Zephyr High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the craft features a 59-foot wingspan covered with thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells from United Solar Ovonic. The Zephyr flies at night using energy stored in a rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery pack from Sion Power. QinetiQ incorporated those technologies into a 66-pound aircraft made of carbon fiber composites.
Launched from the White Sands Missile Range, the Zephyr flew twice while carrying a surveillance payload, reaching an altitude of 58,355 feet on its record flight. Funded by a research program of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, the Zephyr is designed as a high-altitude platform for surveillance or communications. The official record for a UAV flight is 30 hours and 24 minutes. The Zephyr flight cannot claim the official record because there was no official witness from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), or world's air sports federation, which is the official keeper of aeronautic records. According to the FAI Web site, QinetiQ has already submitted two world record claims for the duration and altitude of a Zephyr flight in late July. See the QinetiQ press release and the FAI Web site.
With all of the Sunshine in the Middle East, this could really come in handy!
September 12, 2007
Solar-Powered Airplane Achieves Record Unmanned Flight Duration
An unmanned solar-powered aircraft has flown for 54 consecutive hours over the deserts of New Mexico, setting an unofficial record for the longest unmanned flight. Called the Zephyr High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the craft features a 59-foot wingspan covered with thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells from United Solar Ovonic. The Zephyr flies at night using energy stored in a rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery pack from Sion Power. QinetiQ incorporated those technologies into a 66-pound aircraft made of carbon fiber composites.
Launched from the White Sands Missile Range, the Zephyr flew twice while carrying a surveillance payload, reaching an altitude of 58,355 feet on its record flight. Funded by a research program of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, the Zephyr is designed as a high-altitude platform for surveillance or communications. The official record for a UAV flight is 30 hours and 24 minutes. The Zephyr flight cannot claim the official record because there was no official witness from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), or world's air sports federation, which is the official keeper of aeronautic records. According to the FAI Web site, QinetiQ has already submitted two world record claims for the duration and altitude of a Zephyr flight in late July. See the QinetiQ press release and the FAI Web site.
With all of the Sunshine in the Middle East, this could really come in handy!
Power of the Waves II
The following article is from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website.
September 12, 2007
Company Deploys Wave Energy Device off Oregon Coast
Finavera Renewables Inc. announced on September 6th that it has deployed its prototype AquaBuOY 2.0 wave energy converter off the coast of Newport, Oregon. Located about two and a half miles from the coast, the wave energy converter consists of an open steel cylinder extending downward into the ocean from a floating buoy. A piston is located midway down the cylinder, suspended between two steel-reinforced rubber hoses like a button on a string. As waves pass, the piston moves up and down along the cylinder, alternately flexing and compressing the hoses. The hoses are filled with seawater, and as they flex, they eject high-pressure seawater into a turbine, which rotates and drives a generator to produce power.
The prototype wave energy converter is fitted with solar panels and small wind turbines to guarantee a constant supply of power to equipment that is monitoring the performance of the device. Data is being streamed from the buoy via wireless and satellite systems. Over the next several weeks, Finavera Renewables will analyze the performance of the device, with the aim of perfecting a design that can be deployed next year. The company hopes to install a commercial wave energy system at the site by 2010. See the Finavera press release (PDF 71 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
At least one other wave energy project is planned for the Oregon coast, as Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) plans to build and deploy a 150-kilowatt PowerBuoy wave energy converter off the coast of Reedsport. Like the AquaBuOY wave energy converter, the PowerBuoy device is a buoy that employs a piston-like structure to drive a generator. In late August, OPT signed an agreement with PNGC Power, a Portland-based electric power services cooperative, which will provide $500,000 to OPT for the fabrication and installation of its prototype device. OPT plans to develop a 2-megawatt wave power system at the Reedsport site, with the possibility of later expanding the project to 50 megawatts. See OPT press release and Web site.
This is a different type of technology for harvesting wave energy than I previously posted.
September 12, 2007
Company Deploys Wave Energy Device off Oregon Coast
Finavera Renewables Inc. announced on September 6th that it has deployed its prototype AquaBuOY 2.0 wave energy converter off the coast of Newport, Oregon. Located about two and a half miles from the coast, the wave energy converter consists of an open steel cylinder extending downward into the ocean from a floating buoy. A piston is located midway down the cylinder, suspended between two steel-reinforced rubber hoses like a button on a string. As waves pass, the piston moves up and down along the cylinder, alternately flexing and compressing the hoses. The hoses are filled with seawater, and as they flex, they eject high-pressure seawater into a turbine, which rotates and drives a generator to produce power.
The prototype wave energy converter is fitted with solar panels and small wind turbines to guarantee a constant supply of power to equipment that is monitoring the performance of the device. Data is being streamed from the buoy via wireless and satellite systems. Over the next several weeks, Finavera Renewables will analyze the performance of the device, with the aim of perfecting a design that can be deployed next year. The company hopes to install a commercial wave energy system at the site by 2010. See the Finavera press release (PDF 71 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
At least one other wave energy project is planned for the Oregon coast, as Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) plans to build and deploy a 150-kilowatt PowerBuoy wave energy converter off the coast of Reedsport. Like the AquaBuOY wave energy converter, the PowerBuoy device is a buoy that employs a piston-like structure to drive a generator. In late August, OPT signed an agreement with PNGC Power, a Portland-based electric power services cooperative, which will provide $500,000 to OPT for the fabrication and installation of its prototype device. OPT plans to develop a 2-megawatt wave power system at the Reedsport site, with the possibility of later expanding the project to 50 megawatts. See OPT press release and Web site.
This is a different type of technology for harvesting wave energy than I previously posted.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Continued Debate
The continuing debate --
Biofuels may harm more than help
Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:29pm ET
By Sybille de La Hamaide
PARIS (Reuters) - Biofuels, championed for reducing energy reliance, boosting farm revenues and helping fight climate change, may in fact hurt the environment and push up food prices, a study suggested on Tuesday.
In a report on the impact of biofuels, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said biofuels may "offer a cure that is worse than the disease they seek to heal".
"The current push to expand the use of biofuels is creating unsustainable tensions that will disrupt markets without generating significant environmental benefits," the OECD said.
"When acidification, fertilizer use, biodiversity loss and toxicity of agricultural pesticides are taken into account, the overall environmental impacts of ethanol and biodiesel can very easily exceed those of petrol and mineral diesel," it added.
The OECD therefore called on governments to cut their subsidies....(read article here)
This article seems to focus on the environmental impact of biofuels. I think they're off base in their focus. Read for yourself. Here's a link to the OECD study.
Biofuels may harm more than help
Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:29pm ET
By Sybille de La Hamaide
PARIS (Reuters) - Biofuels, championed for reducing energy reliance, boosting farm revenues and helping fight climate change, may in fact hurt the environment and push up food prices, a study suggested on Tuesday.
In a report on the impact of biofuels, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said biofuels may "offer a cure that is worse than the disease they seek to heal".
"The current push to expand the use of biofuels is creating unsustainable tensions that will disrupt markets without generating significant environmental benefits," the OECD said.
"When acidification, fertilizer use, biodiversity loss and toxicity of agricultural pesticides are taken into account, the overall environmental impacts of ethanol and biodiesel can very easily exceed those of petrol and mineral diesel," it added.
The OECD therefore called on governments to cut their subsidies....(read article here)
This article seems to focus on the environmental impact of biofuels. I think they're off base in their focus. Read for yourself. Here's a link to the OECD study.
Balance of Trade Numbers
Agriculture is one area in which the Balance of Trade is in our favor. In Fiscal Year 2007 to date we have a favorable trade balance of $7.857 Billion. To see the statistics for the last four years follow this link. Agriculture has almost always been one of the few bright spots in the Balance of Trade equation. The Balance of Trade is U.S. exports vs imports.
Grants for Biomass Energy Research
Bioenergy Research is moving forward.
Sept. 11, 2007
Texas A&M Agriculture Receives Sun Grant Funding for Bioenergy Research
Contact: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Eight of Texas A&M Agriculture's bioenergy research projects will receive funding through the Sun Grant Initiative, a national program established to create new solutions for future U.S. energy needs.
Developing sweet sorghum hybrids as a bioenergy feedstock and evaluation of transporting biomass energy crops are part of a group of research programs being led by Texas A&M Agriculture through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Cooperative Extension. The scientists will also collaborate with other land-grant universities.
"The Sun Grant funding will greatly enhance several core research efforts related to bioenergy as we seek science-based solutions to alternative energy for Texas and beyond," said Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences for The Texas A&M University System. "These grants demonstrate the depth of our bioenergy research programs and our commitment to leveraging agriculture to help solve our country's energy needs."
Texas A&M Agriculture will collaborate on the following research programs as part of the Sun Grant Initiative:
- Evaluating sweet sorghum hybrids as bioenergy feedstock (Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station; Dr. Juerg Blumenthal, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station; Dr. Brent Bean, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Amarillo);
- Developing designer sorghums to optimize grain for bioethanol conversion (Dr. Dirk Hays, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station);
- Evaluating the nutritional and feeding value of ethanol by-products from animal production (Dr. Travis Whitney and Dr. Chris Lupton, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo; Dr. James Muir and Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Stephenville);
- Breeding and testing new switchgrass cultivars for increased biomass production (Muir);
- Using animal waste in coal-fired plants (Dr. John Sweeten, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Amarillo);
- Investigating a biotechnology platform for biomass bioconversion (Dr. Paul de Figueiredo, Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station);
- Developing a skid-mounted gasification system for on-site heat, fuel and power production (Dr. Sergio Capareda, Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station); and
- Evaluating the energy and cost advantages of modules for packaging and transporting biomass energy crops (Dr. Stephen Searcy, Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station).
Approximately $2.5 million over the next three years will fund a total of 17 projects as part of the Sun Grant Initiative, which receives funds for the research projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Sun Grant Initiative is also aimed at helping revitalize rural communities by working with land-grant universities and their federal and state laboratory partners on research, education and extension programs.
I'm not convinced that utilizing feed crops for ethanol production is the best strategy for our country. I only hope that the research today will lead to the next generation of technology.
Sept. 11, 2007
Texas A&M Agriculture Receives Sun Grant Funding for Bioenergy Research
Contact: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Eight of Texas A&M Agriculture's bioenergy research projects will receive funding through the Sun Grant Initiative, a national program established to create new solutions for future U.S. energy needs.
Developing sweet sorghum hybrids as a bioenergy feedstock and evaluation of transporting biomass energy crops are part of a group of research programs being led by Texas A&M Agriculture through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Cooperative Extension. The scientists will also collaborate with other land-grant universities.
"The Sun Grant funding will greatly enhance several core research efforts related to bioenergy as we seek science-based solutions to alternative energy for Texas and beyond," said Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences for The Texas A&M University System. "These grants demonstrate the depth of our bioenergy research programs and our commitment to leveraging agriculture to help solve our country's energy needs."
Texas A&M Agriculture will collaborate on the following research programs as part of the Sun Grant Initiative:
- Evaluating sweet sorghum hybrids as bioenergy feedstock (Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station; Dr. Juerg Blumenthal, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station; Dr. Brent Bean, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Amarillo);
- Developing designer sorghums to optimize grain for bioethanol conversion (Dr. Dirk Hays, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station);
- Evaluating the nutritional and feeding value of ethanol by-products from animal production (Dr. Travis Whitney and Dr. Chris Lupton, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo; Dr. James Muir and Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Stephenville);
- Breeding and testing new switchgrass cultivars for increased biomass production (Muir);
- Using animal waste in coal-fired plants (Dr. John Sweeten, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Amarillo);
- Investigating a biotechnology platform for biomass bioconversion (Dr. Paul de Figueiredo, Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station);
- Developing a skid-mounted gasification system for on-site heat, fuel and power production (Dr. Sergio Capareda, Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station); and
- Evaluating the energy and cost advantages of modules for packaging and transporting biomass energy crops (Dr. Stephen Searcy, Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station).
Approximately $2.5 million over the next three years will fund a total of 17 projects as part of the Sun Grant Initiative, which receives funds for the research projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Sun Grant Initiative is also aimed at helping revitalize rural communities by working with land-grant universities and their federal and state laboratory partners on research, education and extension programs.
I'm not convinced that utilizing feed crops for ethanol production is the best strategy for our country. I only hope that the research today will lead to the next generation of technology.
Shopping Cart Full of Red Lights!
ANDREW BRIDGES
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Next month, General Mills Inc. and Kellogg Co. will begin emblazoning their breakfast cereals with symbols that summarize complex nutritional information — part of the growing use of logos to steer harried grocery shoppers toward healthier choices.
The proliferation of such symbols is a worldwide phenomenon, with government regulators in Britain, Sweden and elsewhere establishing logo systems that concisely indicate how nutritious food products are. In the United States, however, corporations have been left to devise their own schemes. That's led to a patchwork of systems that some fear further confuses consumers already unsure about how to eat wisely.
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration took a first step toward clearing matters up, inviting food companies, trade groups, watchdog organizations, medical experts and its overseas counterparts to share how front-label symbols, like the "traffic light" system used in Britain, can improve public health.
The FDA stressed the meeting was a preliminary step as it considers whether to establish a national symbol system. Any action is likely years away — and, even then, any system is likely to be voluntary.
Absent federal action, food manufacturers and retailers have taken matters into their....(complete story here)
The Nanny patrol is in full force. If some groups have their way, beef will have a "Red" light on it. To go even farther -- if PETA had it's way, all meat and milk products would have "Red" lights on them. I think that I'm the best judge of what I want to eat. Admittedly, some food labels are difficult to interpret in order to know what is really in them and it might be helpful to have some clarification, but a Stoplight is ridiculous.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Crop of the Future?
For farmers on the windswept High Plains, energy from wind may become an important crop.
Winds of Change Bring Investment Opportunities
Published on: Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Written by: Brad Zimmerman
rates: 3 avg: 5
Farmers have traditionally tended everything from cotton to corn. But wind?
Cash crops come in all shapes and sizes, and giant energy-producing wind turbines have become the latest incarnation. Energy companies are paying top dollar to landowners willing to lease or sell space for wind turbines, and investors may want to follow the breeze.
The move toward wind energy is fueled by major energy companies trying to rack up clean energy credentials and state legislatures passing laws requiring increased use of energy from renewable sources.
Texas is becoming a pioneer in the wind market; many of its western plains feature the consistently high wind speeds capable of sustaining a productive wind farm. Wind speeds need to average 14 miles per hour annually to effectively power the 200-foot high wind turbines, according to Alliant Energy, an energy company serving the Midwest.
Besides strong gusts, expansive acreage is needed to catch sufficient amounts of wind. States such as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have the land and the necessary wind potential. Regions available to invest in are limited because of these constraints; expect to heavily scout the Midwest, where the most viable states are located.
To put into perspective what a wind farm is capable of, take Buffalo Gap, the third-largest wind farm in Texas. With its most recent expansion complete, it produces 354 megawatts annually—enough to power nearly 100,000 homes, according to the Dallas Business Journal.
Leasing space for wind turbines can net a landowner between $3,000 and $5,000 per turbine annually, according to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Lease agreements vary and can include monthly rental income and royalties. Typical leases last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, making wind farms a potentially viable long-term investment, as long as energy companies remain interested in wind energy. (see complete article here)
In the words of Bob Dylan, "The answer is blowing in the wind." -- well at least part of the answer.
Winds of Change Bring Investment Opportunities
Published on: Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Written by: Brad Zimmerman
rates: 3 avg: 5
Farmers have traditionally tended everything from cotton to corn. But wind?
Cash crops come in all shapes and sizes, and giant energy-producing wind turbines have become the latest incarnation. Energy companies are paying top dollar to landowners willing to lease or sell space for wind turbines, and investors may want to follow the breeze.
The move toward wind energy is fueled by major energy companies trying to rack up clean energy credentials and state legislatures passing laws requiring increased use of energy from renewable sources.
Texas is becoming a pioneer in the wind market; many of its western plains feature the consistently high wind speeds capable of sustaining a productive wind farm. Wind speeds need to average 14 miles per hour annually to effectively power the 200-foot high wind turbines, according to Alliant Energy, an energy company serving the Midwest.
Besides strong gusts, expansive acreage is needed to catch sufficient amounts of wind. States such as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have the land and the necessary wind potential. Regions available to invest in are limited because of these constraints; expect to heavily scout the Midwest, where the most viable states are located.
To put into perspective what a wind farm is capable of, take Buffalo Gap, the third-largest wind farm in Texas. With its most recent expansion complete, it produces 354 megawatts annually—enough to power nearly 100,000 homes, according to the Dallas Business Journal.
Leasing space for wind turbines can net a landowner between $3,000 and $5,000 per turbine annually, according to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Lease agreements vary and can include monthly rental income and royalties. Typical leases last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, making wind farms a potentially viable long-term investment, as long as energy companies remain interested in wind energy. (see complete article here)
In the words of Bob Dylan, "The answer is blowing in the wind." -- well at least part of the answer.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Energy vs Food II
In the short time that this blog has been active I have received numerous "search engine hits" on "energy vs food." These "hits" have come from countries throughout the world. It is apparently a topic of great interest.
There is continuing debate about ethanol production and its impact on food prices both worldwide and domestically. The article below by the Renewable Fuels Association is written from the perspective of a pro-ethanol group. Their contention is that rising food prices are more a result of rising petroleum product prices than rising corn prices. I can't disagree with their argument but I think it is incomplete. Please read the entire article.
Ethanol Facts:Food vs. Fuel
As the U.S. ethanol industry continues to expand, the amount of corn used for ethanol production is increasing dramatically. Corn use for ethanol more than doubled between 2001 and 2005. Critics question whether corn growers can satisfy demand for both renewable fuels and traditional uses like livestock and poultry feed, food processing and exports, and the contrived food vs. fuel debate has reared its ugly head once again.
Recently, critics and many in the media have charged that the rising price of corn due to growing ethanol demand is the major culprit for moderately rising consumer food prices. Absent from the discussion is the chief reason for increasing food costs: escalating energy costs. According to a June 2007 analysis of food, energy and corn prices conducted by John Urbanchuk of LECG, LLC, “rising energy prices had a more significant impact on food prices than did corn.” In fact, the report notes rising energy prices have twice the impact on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food than does the price of corn.
“Energy costs have a much greater impact...(read complete story here)
All of the issues related to ethanol production impact food prices. It is a tapestry that is interwoven throughout both agriculture and energy industries. Corn for ethanol does impact food prices. We wouldn't be growing corn for ethanol if it wasn't for a desire to become energy independent. Energy prices, in all forms, are a significant part of the consumer's food dollar. It takes energy to grow, process and transport food items.
Most corn in the U.S. has traditionally been grown for livestock feed. Bi-products from ethanol distillation are used as livestock feed. Corn prices impact livestock prices due to the cost of feeding the animals. There is a lagged ripple effect through all segments of livestock production due to the biological delays in the production cycle. Corn for ethanol is unlikely to shift production directly away from human food crops. But, like all economic factors, it does have an impact.
There is continuing debate about ethanol production and its impact on food prices both worldwide and domestically. The article below by the Renewable Fuels Association is written from the perspective of a pro-ethanol group. Their contention is that rising food prices are more a result of rising petroleum product prices than rising corn prices. I can't disagree with their argument but I think it is incomplete. Please read the entire article.
Ethanol Facts:Food vs. Fuel
As the U.S. ethanol industry continues to expand, the amount of corn used for ethanol production is increasing dramatically. Corn use for ethanol more than doubled between 2001 and 2005. Critics question whether corn growers can satisfy demand for both renewable fuels and traditional uses like livestock and poultry feed, food processing and exports, and the contrived food vs. fuel debate has reared its ugly head once again.
Recently, critics and many in the media have charged that the rising price of corn due to growing ethanol demand is the major culprit for moderately rising consumer food prices. Absent from the discussion is the chief reason for increasing food costs: escalating energy costs. According to a June 2007 analysis of food, energy and corn prices conducted by John Urbanchuk of LECG, LLC, “rising energy prices had a more significant impact on food prices than did corn.” In fact, the report notes rising energy prices have twice the impact on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food than does the price of corn.
“Energy costs have a much greater impact...(read complete story here)
All of the issues related to ethanol production impact food prices. It is a tapestry that is interwoven throughout both agriculture and energy industries. Corn for ethanol does impact food prices. We wouldn't be growing corn for ethanol if it wasn't for a desire to become energy independent. Energy prices, in all forms, are a significant part of the consumer's food dollar. It takes energy to grow, process and transport food items.
Most corn in the U.S. has traditionally been grown for livestock feed. Bi-products from ethanol distillation are used as livestock feed. Corn prices impact livestock prices due to the cost of feeding the animals. There is a lagged ripple effect through all segments of livestock production due to the biological delays in the production cycle. Corn for ethanol is unlikely to shift production directly away from human food crops. But, like all economic factors, it does have an impact.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
An Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Increasing fuel costs are a major issue faced by farmers today. Not only does fuel cost directly affect the diesel and gasoline used on the farm, it is a major component of the cost of fertilizer and water. Agricultural enterprises are extremely energy intensive.
Historically farmers have offset rising fuel costs with increased output. This has been accomplished through new seed varieties and increasingly intensive management practices. One of the problems with such intensive production factors is that of sustainability. Long-term, many of the practices may injure the future productivity of the land until diminishing returns remove the land from production.
During the 1970’s a movement began in agriculture commonly referred to as the “alternative agriculture movement.” Over time, this movement has matured and in the 1990’s became known as the “sustainable agriculture” movement.
The 1990 Farm Bill stated that “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long term will:
· Satisfy human food and fiber needs.
· Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends.
· Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.
· Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
· Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
In modern agriculture, the implementation of sustainable production methodology is complex. Farms today are designed to take advantage of economies of scale and thus utilize large-scale implements and production practices. Such economies are often driven by federal policy, international markets, and local resource limitations. A sustainable agriculture model is also affected by these factors but with careful planning, potentially less so.
Sustainable agriculture requires a “whole-farm” planning approach to production over an extended period of time. Under some production schemes, a complete crop rotation cycle may require 5 – 10 years. The “whole-farm” planning process removes the short-term dependence on price cycles by emphasizing diversity rather than volume of a single commodity.
Some of the factors that must be considered in a sustainable approach to agriculture are 1) water resources, 2) energy requirements, 3) soil productivity and health 4) wildlife and 5) air quality. Here on the High Plains, the two largest limiting factors to farm enterprises using any method of production are water and energy.
Water tables in the High Plains continue to decline due to a demand greater than the re-charge capacity of the aquifers. This re-charge deficit will only be exacerbated by growing populations, the influx of dairies, the requirements of industry – including ethanol plants, and the shift of productive capacity to high-water demand crops utilized in ethanol production. Strategies must be implemented to more efficiently utilize our water supplies.
Energy continues to be one of the hottest topics throughout the world economy. With limited fossil fuel supplies, alternative energy sources will become an even greater necessity than today. The good news for agriculture is that farmers will be called upon to help meet the needs for that energy. Wind farms will provide an increasing percentage of electricity for many uses, but it is difficult to run a tractor or combine with electricity. Ethanol production will help to stretch existing fossil fuel supplies, but currently is an inefficient substitute. It requires as much energy to produce a gallon of ethanol today as it provides.
Sustainable agriculture systems typically will be diversified operations. Rather than dependence on one or two cash crops, a sustainable operation will produce five or more crops and generally include livestock. The advantage of such a system, beyond the value of crop rotation, is to spread economic risk. Sustainable systems also seek to more efficiently utilize water and energy resources.
Because of its complexity, sustainable agriculture cannot be thoroughly covered in this brief space. Future columns will cover more of the specific ideas of such a program. A sustainable systems approach to production will become increasingly necessary as we grow into this new century of agriculture.
Historically farmers have offset rising fuel costs with increased output. This has been accomplished through new seed varieties and increasingly intensive management practices. One of the problems with such intensive production factors is that of sustainability. Long-term, many of the practices may injure the future productivity of the land until diminishing returns remove the land from production.
During the 1970’s a movement began in agriculture commonly referred to as the “alternative agriculture movement.” Over time, this movement has matured and in the 1990’s became known as the “sustainable agriculture” movement.
The 1990 Farm Bill stated that “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long term will:
· Satisfy human food and fiber needs.
· Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends.
· Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.
· Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
· Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
In modern agriculture, the implementation of sustainable production methodology is complex. Farms today are designed to take advantage of economies of scale and thus utilize large-scale implements and production practices. Such economies are often driven by federal policy, international markets, and local resource limitations. A sustainable agriculture model is also affected by these factors but with careful planning, potentially less so.
Sustainable agriculture requires a “whole-farm” planning approach to production over an extended period of time. Under some production schemes, a complete crop rotation cycle may require 5 – 10 years. The “whole-farm” planning process removes the short-term dependence on price cycles by emphasizing diversity rather than volume of a single commodity.
Some of the factors that must be considered in a sustainable approach to agriculture are 1) water resources, 2) energy requirements, 3) soil productivity and health 4) wildlife and 5) air quality. Here on the High Plains, the two largest limiting factors to farm enterprises using any method of production are water and energy.
Water tables in the High Plains continue to decline due to a demand greater than the re-charge capacity of the aquifers. This re-charge deficit will only be exacerbated by growing populations, the influx of dairies, the requirements of industry – including ethanol plants, and the shift of productive capacity to high-water demand crops utilized in ethanol production. Strategies must be implemented to more efficiently utilize our water supplies.
Energy continues to be one of the hottest topics throughout the world economy. With limited fossil fuel supplies, alternative energy sources will become an even greater necessity than today. The good news for agriculture is that farmers will be called upon to help meet the needs for that energy. Wind farms will provide an increasing percentage of electricity for many uses, but it is difficult to run a tractor or combine with electricity. Ethanol production will help to stretch existing fossil fuel supplies, but currently is an inefficient substitute. It requires as much energy to produce a gallon of ethanol today as it provides.
Sustainable agriculture systems typically will be diversified operations. Rather than dependence on one or two cash crops, a sustainable operation will produce five or more crops and generally include livestock. The advantage of such a system, beyond the value of crop rotation, is to spread economic risk. Sustainable systems also seek to more efficiently utilize water and energy resources.
Because of its complexity, sustainable agriculture cannot be thoroughly covered in this brief space. Future columns will cover more of the specific ideas of such a program. A sustainable systems approach to production will become increasingly necessary as we grow into this new century of agriculture.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Cowboy Code
This seems appropriate to a blog about Agriculture. Besides it's just plain Common Sense. It is a Conservative philosophy. If you are Energetic enough and believe in these principles, jump on over to the Cowboy Code Marshals page and see if you've got what it takes to be a cowboy.
The Cowboy Code
1. A cowboy always tells the truth and keeps his word.
2. A cowboy is a Patriot and stands for Truth, Justice and the American way.
3. A cowboy never betrays a trust or takes advantage.
4. A cowboy is brave, but never careless.
5. A cowboy defends the weak and helps them.
6. A cowboy is kind to children, old folks, and to animals.
7. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
9. A cowboy is loyal, hard working and maintains a high ethic.
10. A cowboy is thankful for what God has given him.
The Cowboy Code
1. A cowboy always tells the truth and keeps his word.
2. A cowboy is a Patriot and stands for Truth, Justice and the American way.
3. A cowboy never betrays a trust or takes advantage.
4. A cowboy is brave, but never careless.
5. A cowboy defends the weak and helps them.
6. A cowboy is kind to children, old folks, and to animals.
7. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
9. A cowboy is loyal, hard working and maintains a high ethic.
10. A cowboy is thankful for what God has given him.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sweet Sorghum Ethanol
On farm production of ethanol could be a significant step in developing energy independence for American agriculture. Combined with solar and wind energy production, farming operations could be able to supply not only their own energy needs, but have excess energy to sell. In effect, they would become "energy farmers."
'Sweet' Biofuels Research Goes Down On The Farm
Science Daily — Oklahoma State University’s sorghum-related biofuels research is taking a localized approach, with the aim of making possible the effective production of ethanol in the farmer’s own field.
Sweet sorghum can be grown throughout temperate climate zones of the United States, including Oklahoma. It provides high biomass yield with low irrigation and fertilizer requirements. Corn ethanol, in contrast, requires significant amounts of water for growing and processing.
Best of all, producing ethanol from sweet sorghum is relatively easy, said Danielle Bellmer, biosystems engineer with the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.
“Just press the juice from the stalk, add yeast, allow fermentation to take place and you have ethanol,” Bellmer said. “Unfortunately, the simple sugars derived from sweet sorghum have to be fermented immediately.”(....)
Of course, farmers will need to develop some new skill sets. This might open opportunities for the entrepreneurial minded to offer in-field sweet sorghum processing as a service -- similar to custom harvesting.
The goal is to make production of ethanol from sweet sorghum economically viable by using an in-field processing system that minimizes transportation costs and capital investment.
Equipment such as the harvester and other technology could be owned individually or cooperatively with a number of producers sharing and possibly helping one another process ethanol from sweet sorghum.
In Oklahoma, the potential processing scenario might look like this: Plant sweet sorghum around mid-April, and then stagger plantings for two to three months. This would provide a harvest window of August through November.
“Ethanol yields in Oklahoma could range from 300 gallons to 600 gallons per acre, depending on biomass yield, sugar content and juice expression efficiency,” said Chad Godsey, biofuels team member and OSU Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist with the department of plant and soil sciences.(....)
Three hundred to six hundred gallons per acre is a lot! On a quarter section of land that's 48,000 - 96,000 gallons of ethanol!
“We would like to do with sweet sorghum what the Brazilians have done with sugar cane: In Brazil, sugar cane ethanol provides a large percentage of their fuel needs,” Bellmer said.
The idea of using sweet sorghum for commercial ethanol production is not new. The reason sweet sorghum is not as popular as corn in terms of being a source of ethanol in the United States has been the need to ferment its simple sugars immediately and the high costs associated with a central processing plant that is operated only seasonally.
“By determining a process by which agricultural producers can create ethanol in the field from sweet sorghum, that barrier is removed,” Bellmer said. “Producers will then have a much higher value product to sell.”
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Oklahoma State University.
If the in-field processing technology becomes a reality, this could revolutionize the way farmers operate. A percentage of acreage in each annual crop rotation would need to be dedicated for fuel production. Excess fuel could then be transported to a central gathering facility. We would see a whole new market spring up with pricing based on quality grade, etc. Entrepreneurs get ready.
'Sweet' Biofuels Research Goes Down On The Farm
Science Daily — Oklahoma State University’s sorghum-related biofuels research is taking a localized approach, with the aim of making possible the effective production of ethanol in the farmer’s own field.
Sweet sorghum can be grown throughout temperate climate zones of the United States, including Oklahoma. It provides high biomass yield with low irrigation and fertilizer requirements. Corn ethanol, in contrast, requires significant amounts of water for growing and processing.
Best of all, producing ethanol from sweet sorghum is relatively easy, said Danielle Bellmer, biosystems engineer with the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.
“Just press the juice from the stalk, add yeast, allow fermentation to take place and you have ethanol,” Bellmer said. “Unfortunately, the simple sugars derived from sweet sorghum have to be fermented immediately.”(....)
Of course, farmers will need to develop some new skill sets. This might open opportunities for the entrepreneurial minded to offer in-field sweet sorghum processing as a service -- similar to custom harvesting.
The goal is to make production of ethanol from sweet sorghum economically viable by using an in-field processing system that minimizes transportation costs and capital investment.
Equipment such as the harvester and other technology could be owned individually or cooperatively with a number of producers sharing and possibly helping one another process ethanol from sweet sorghum.
In Oklahoma, the potential processing scenario might look like this: Plant sweet sorghum around mid-April, and then stagger plantings for two to three months. This would provide a harvest window of August through November.
“Ethanol yields in Oklahoma could range from 300 gallons to 600 gallons per acre, depending on biomass yield, sugar content and juice expression efficiency,” said Chad Godsey, biofuels team member and OSU Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist with the department of plant and soil sciences.(....)
Three hundred to six hundred gallons per acre is a lot! On a quarter section of land that's 48,000 - 96,000 gallons of ethanol!
“We would like to do with sweet sorghum what the Brazilians have done with sugar cane: In Brazil, sugar cane ethanol provides a large percentage of their fuel needs,” Bellmer said.
The idea of using sweet sorghum for commercial ethanol production is not new. The reason sweet sorghum is not as popular as corn in terms of being a source of ethanol in the United States has been the need to ferment its simple sugars immediately and the high costs associated with a central processing plant that is operated only seasonally.
“By determining a process by which agricultural producers can create ethanol in the field from sweet sorghum, that barrier is removed,” Bellmer said. “Producers will then have a much higher value product to sell.”
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Oklahoma State University.
If the in-field processing technology becomes a reality, this could revolutionize the way farmers operate. A percentage of acreage in each annual crop rotation would need to be dedicated for fuel production. Excess fuel could then be transported to a central gathering facility. We would see a whole new market spring up with pricing based on quality grade, etc. Entrepreneurs get ready.
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