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AGRICULTURE GOALS:
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Methane Digester Work continues on the concept of a centralized methane digester in Malone, Franklin Co., which could be used by area dairy farmers as well as the correctional facilities to produce biogas. Methane produced could be sold or used to generate electricity and/or heat, the solid matter left marketed as a valuable soil amendment, and the liquids are an easily applied fertilizer with plant available nutrients and low pathogen levels. Since digestion operates in a closed system, substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide) are achieved. Digestion reduces the potential for surface and ground water contamination. Digestion typically decreases the volume of manure and/or vegetable food waste solids by more than 90 percent. The remaining biosolids are an extremely high quality fertilizer. |
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Grass Pellet Biofuel Very Promising New York State has considerable acreage of unused or underutilized agricultural land. Most of this land is not suited to growing row crops, but can and is currently growing grass crops. All of this land could grow grass crops for bioenergy, regardless of how marginal the soils are for agricultural production. Grass pellet energy is a promising alternative for rural communities. Perennial grass production is an efficient use of low-cost marginal farmland. Pelletized grass biofuel has the potential to become a major affordable, unsubsidized fuel source capable of meeting home and small business heating requirements at less cost than all available alternatives. Pelleted grass has the same energy content as pelleted wood, with essentially the same BTUs per pound. A low-technology, small-scale alternative energy system means local production, local processing, and local consumption. Grass energy farming will result in economic diversification and absorb excess production capacity on farms. Small scale and local production results in rural jobs. Additionally, the use of inexpensive grass pellet fuels will allow rural residents to redirect funds they usually spend on conventional energy, and this means more money in the local economy. The pellet processing can occur in conventional pelleting facilities, or mobile pelleting facilities are now an option. Grower acceptance should be very high. Grass management is relatively simple and has maximum compatibility with existing farm operations-- most farmers already grow grass. Grass crops have dual use potential as an energy crop and as livestock forage. All equipment needed for grass management is currently available on farms. In many cases there is no need to plant a crop if a grass stand already exists. Any agricultural land resource can be used for this purpose. Harvest occurs in mid to late summer and is flexible to avoid other farm tasks. New York State generates approximately 1% of the world’s greenhouse gasses, more gas production than several European countries generate. Grass biofuel pellets emit up to 90% less greenhouse gasses than conventional energy sources such as oil, coal and natural gas. If .approximately 5.5% of all residential buildings in New York State were heated with pelleted grass or wood, this would offset 100% of all green house gas emissions caused by agriculture in New York State. Grass biofuel also can make a positive contribution to sustainable agriculture through increasing farm diversification and increasing the land base under perennial cover. Perennial grass is ideal for animal manure nutrient management, soil conservation, maintaining open spaces, and compatible with wildlife nesting opportunities. A simple one cut per season perennial grass biomass program has maximum sustainability for an agricultural cropping system. Grass pellet biofuel is a very promising sustainable, economically-viable, and environmentally-friendly alternative energy source. It has great potential for near-term implementation and positive impact on rural New York communities. For more information, visit http://www.GrassBioenergy.org |
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 Rent a Goat, Save a Turtle! Goats and other grazers, are increasingly being used as ‘natural mowers’ for overgrown marshy areas. A landowner may contract to lease a number of animals from a local breeder to browse down an area. An important benefit of this activity is the softening of ground and the creation of tussocks as hooves tromp through wetter areas. These tussocks are ideal for species such as bog turtles, who require them for reproduction areas. |
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Hair Sheep come to Northern NY
New RC&D Ag member Leslie Wilson, Hammond,
NY, has introduced us to a new idea.
Leslie and her husband, both retired
from the Armed Services, are breeding hair sheep. The price of wool is
down and the cost Katahdin, one of a number of hair sheep breeds, are hardy, adaptable, low maintenance sheep that produce superior lamb crops and lean, meaty carcasses. They do not produce a fleece and therefore do not require shearing. Katahdin are medium-sized and efficient, bred for utility and for production in a variety of management systems. Ewes have exceptional mothering ability and lamb easily; lambs are born vigorous and alert. The breed is ideal for pasture lambing and grass/forage based management systems |
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Tour A Farm Teach our children where our food comes from and teach healthy eating habits!
BUY LOCAL! |
AG COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED! BR-SL RC&D is always looking for volunteers from all walks of life to serve their communities and special interests. The Ag Committee is no exception. If you have an interest in helping our rural economy, alternative energy, local agricultural needs, or if you are just interested in service to your region, please contact the RC&D office.
Interested in establishing: Farmer's Markets or Locally Grown Markets? Certified Community Kitchens for Added Value Product Production? Contact the RC&D Office - We can help! |
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of producing wool up. Leslie and her
husband are concentrating instead on meat production.
