Training in Renewable Energy Systems for Small
Farms to Reduce Energy Costs and Improve
Profitablity
ES13-117
Project Type:
Professional Development Program
Projected End Date: 2016
Funds Awarded: $78,128
Region: Southern
State: South Carolina
Coordinators:
Dr. Geoff Zehnder
Email
(864) 933-6742(Office)
Clemson University
114 Long Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Website
Participants:
Edoe Agbodjan
Sr. Extension Director
South Carolina State University
Shawn Jadrnicek
Organic Farm Manager
Clemson University
Steve Moore
Lecturer in Env. Studies
Elon University
Charles Thornton
Facilities Manager (Compost)
Clemson University
Karl Warkomski
VP of Operations
ComostMania
2014 Annual Report
Summary
South Carolina SARE Program stakeholders including farmers have identified a need for training in
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alternative energy systems that have potential to reduce energy costs and generate value for the farm. The goal
of this SARE PDP project is to train agriculture professionals in South Carolina and neighboring states as
Energy Educators. In this first project year, specific topics for the farm-energy training were identified based
on stakeholder input, a training curriculum was developed, and six (6) full-day training events were conducted
to address perceived challenges to adoption of alternative farm energy systems. Participants rated the trainings
highly in post-training surveys and indicated that their participation will enable them to effectively assist
farmers/clients with adoption of renewable farm energy systems and technology.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Objectives for the first project year were to 1) prioritize specific topics for the farm-energy training based on
input from stakeholders, 2) work with the project team to develop a training curriculum and schedule of
training workshops for the year, 3) organize and deliver the training through a series of classes and on-farm
experiential learning, and 4) conduct participant surveys to evaluate the first year training.
Greenhouse Heating Workshop Agenda
Accomplishments/Milestones
In 2014 six training events were conducted on the following dates/topics:
April 4: Black Soldier Fly Composting Systems
June 28: Using Permaculture Concepts in Farm Planning
July 9: Efficient Use of High Tunnels for Season Extension Vegetable Production
July 10: Renewable and Low Cost Energy Systems for Small Farms
August 14: Production and Processing of Energy Crops for the Southeast
October 9: Efficient Greenhouse Heating and Cooling Systems
Training instructors included project team members and other regional experts on farm energy
systems (see attached training announcement). A total of 149 participants attended the training
events including Extension agents, agricultural NGO and governmental organization
representatives, and farmer educators. In addition to classroom instruction, participants gained
experience with design and/or operation of different energy systems at the Clemson Organic
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Farm including
Black soldier fly waste composting system
Passive solar and hydronic greenhouse heating
Compost heating systems for high tunnels
Aquaponic greenhouse systems for high tunnels
Biodiesel production and oil seed processing (mobile biofuels laboratory)
Permaculture design components including native edible landscapes, rainwater harvesting
and diversion systems, and use of ponds to perform multiple functions on the farm (heat
for greenhouses, fish production, habitat for beneficial organisms, etc.)
The objective for the first project year was to conduct a total of four workshops. However based
on stakeholder and participant demand an additional two workshops were conducted; one on use
of permaculture design in farm planning, and one on renewable greenhouse heating and cooling
systems. Farmer participants in the permaculture workshop brought copies of their farm
plans/maps and received one-on-one consulting and advice on energy-efficient layout and design
of their farm operations.
Oil Crops Workshop Agenda
Permaculture Workshop Agenda
Alternative Greenhouse Heating Workshop Agenda
Farm Energy Training Agenda
High Tunnel Workshop Agenda
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Initial surveys of Extension agents and other stakeholders were used to identify
perceived obstacles to implementation of alternative energy systems, and resulted
in a series of training events that were developed to address those specific
challenges. Widespread promotion of the on-farm energy training resulted in
excellent participant turnout with diverse audiences including 1862 and 1890
Extension agriculture and horticulture agents and other agriculture professionals
and farmer educators. Results from workshop participant surveys to date indicate
that a majority of the participants rated the workshops in the ‘excellent’ category,
and they felt that the knowledge and experience gained has or will enable them to
effectively assist farmers/clients with development or adoption of renewable farm
energy systems, particularly for greenhouse and high tunnel heating. Here are
examples of responses from Extension agents attending the High Tunnel training:
“I have a greater understanding about manipulating environmental conditions
within high tunnel systems.”
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“I have a better understanding of various methods that can be used to produce
crops in a high tunnel. Also the importance of not over fertilizing in a high-tunnel
environment.”
“The workshop provided information I need to share with producers operating and
planning to operate high tunnels.”
“I understand better how the ‘high tunnel’ system works and this will enable me to
diagnose problems.”
“I can better answer questions related to high tunnel.”
“I have one interested client for whom I will be able to discuss much better the
strategies possible with high tunnel production.”
“I gained an overall knowledge of high tunnel production and what is to be
expected when a grower has one. I now feel more comfortable making
recommendations and encouraging growers to go through the NRCS to obtain
one.”
“I have encouraged farmers to use a soil sample as a part of the crop production
plan in a high tunnel. One farmer's pH was low, and based on information from the
workshop I encouraged him not to waste a tomato rotation on the low pH soil, but
to apply lime, and be ready for next spring.”
Shawn Jadrnicek demonstrating black soldier fly waste composting system
at the Clemson Organic Farm
Shawn Jadrnicek demonstrates passive solar greenhouse heating concepts to
training participants
David Thornton demonstrating small-scale oilseed crop combine
Steve Moore, Instructor for Farm Energy and High Tunnel Training
Workshops
David Thornton, Instructor for Oilseed Crop Training Workshop
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.
1122 Patapsco Building | University of Maryland | College Park, MD 20742-6715 Any
opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture or SARE.
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