By Staff
EAST LANSING – Production of feedstocks for biofuels and use of alternative energy hold many possibilities for farmers, entrepreneurs and resource managers. Learn more about them by attending a Michigan State University (MSU) Extension program called "Energizing your Future: Opportunities in Michigan's Bioeconomy," set for four Michigan locations, including Dowagiac.
Sessions are scheduled for Charlotte (Feb. 24), Frankenmuth (Feb. 25), Mt. Pleasant (Feb. 27) and Dowagiac (March 13).
They will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
"Many farmers are interested in alternative energy, and they have lots of questions about various aspects of production and use," says Mark Seamon, MSU Extension educator and MSU Product Center bioeconomy innovation counselor. "During this program, they'll hear an update on the status and potential of bioenergy projects in Michigan."
Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center, and Ruben Derderian, the center's associate director, will start the day with a look at the current status and future opportunities presented by Michigan's bioeconomy.
Additional topics include energy policy programs and grants, anaerobic digesters, biomass feedstocks, agronomic considerations, the sustainability of energy crops and woody biomass.
Speakers include MSU Extension specialists and educators.
In several of the locations, a local farmer will discuss farm-scale energy opportunities he or she has successfully put to use.
Participants will be able to ask the speakers questions.
The $15 registration fee is due one week prior to the meeting. It includes lunch and all materials.
To register for the Charlotte program, contact the Eaton County MSU Extension office; for the Frankenmuth program, the Saginaw County MSU Extension office; for the Mt. Pleasant program, the Isabella County MSU Extension office; and for the Dowagiac program, the Cass County MSU Extension office.
To reach any county MSU Extension office directly, call toll-free 888-MSUE-4MI (888-678-3464) and follow the instructions.