The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place July 15, at noon CDT will feature Sophie Farr, researcher, National Wind Technology Center, National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), and Kathy Evenson-McDermott, extension specialist, Community and Economic Development, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach. Farr’s research at NLR's National Wind Technology Center focuses on developing resources to help local governments, farmers, small rural businesses, utilities, and others to make informed decisions about distributed energy resources. Evenson-McDermott works with farmers and landowners to build awareness of distributed wind energy practices and solutions by providing education and resources.

In the webinar, “On-Farm Energy Opportunities: Distributed Wind,” Farr and Evenson-McDermott will provide an overview of distributed wind energy systems and applications in rural and agricultural settings. Evenson-McDermott will discuss how the partnership between ISU Extension and NLR is empowering farmers and rural landowners to explore opportunities in distributed wind to lower their energy costs and build energy resiliency for their farms and homes. Farr will highlight tools from NLR that can aid end users in exploring options and making decisions about on-site wind energy deployments. They will also discuss available educational resources and technical assistance to aid in determining where distributed wind energy systems may be a good fit for both on-farm energy as well as the potential to be a new revenue source.

“Distributed wind provides opportunities across Iowa to power agricultural operations, homes, and small businesses, diversify energy supply with a renewable resource, build energy independence, and in the right circumstances may help lower electricity costs –all within a minimal footprint,” said Evenson-McDermott.

“At both the farm and rural community levels, distributed wind represents a unique opportunity to serve local energy needs,” said Farr. “However, it is important to understand the full picture of distributed wind which includes costs, technical characteristics, and important factors to consider before installing one of these systems. This webinar should provide participants with a solid foundation on which to begin exploring this topic.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.