April/May 1983 RAIN Page 19 w \ A.T. AND AG.: ONE HAPPY MARRIAGE Energy use and food production in the United States rely heavily on limited fossil fuels. From natural gas-based fertilizers to petroleum-based harvesting and food distribution, agriculture’s use of non-renewable resources has increased considerably. Fortunately, energy-efficient techniques are being tried on farms, in gardens, and in greenhouses—with encouraging success. In an effort to assist experiments in energy conservation and renewable energy, the Congress created the U.S. Department of Energy Appropriate Technology Small Grants Program in 1978. The Oregon Department of Energy assisted the USDOE in administering the program, and in 1981 it contracted with Rain and Oregon Appropriate Technology (OAT) of Eugene, Oregon, to administer the State’s part of the program. From the 1400 proposals submitted in Oregon from 1979 through 1981, 48 grants were awarded. . ^ i * u This is the second in a series of five articles that sketch notable USDOE A.T. Small Grants projects in Oregon. Six projects which demonstrate a variety of ways appropriate technology can be applied to food production are included in this issue. Farm Energy Self-Sufficiency "Presently Oregon’s farm economy is in total depression,’’ maintains Richard Kirkham, owner of a 1,600-acre farm near Willamina. Coupled with increasing electricity and fertilizer costs, the incentive to minimize energy expenses has taken on new importance for him. Kirkham’s A.T. Small Grant enabled him to develop a plan for making his farm completely energy self-sufficient. With the assistance of the Oregon State University Apiculture Extension Service, Kirkham studied the feasibility of low-head hydro electricity, wind power, and alcohol fuel production. The low-head hydro assessment indicated the greatest potential. Adequate head and ten and one-half months of stream flow each year could be counted on to operate a system that would cost from $25,000 to $30,000. The study showed that enough electricity would be generated in ten years to pay for the cost of the project. We could even feed electricity back into Portland General Electric,’’ asserted Kirkham. Because his stream dries up in summer months, virtually eliminating hydro power during that season, Kirkham realized that other sources of electricity would have to be developed. After a year and a half of wind monitoring, he found the average wind speed was 10 to 12 mph. To meet all summer electricity needs, a $25,000 wind generator would need an average speed of 18 to 20 mph. Kirkham noted that a smaller wind system could be adapted to local wind conditions and supply a portion of the farm’s electricity requirements. Meeting all the farm’s fuel needs with on-site alcohol production appeared less promising. If wheat cost $3.80 per bushel and gasoline cost $1.30 per gallon, a small still would be cost-effective, with its alcohol production cost a- bout $1.75 per gallon, a competitive price for alcohol. This price assumes cost savings gained by feeding the stillage, a high- protein by-product of the fermented grain, to the farm’s sheep and cattle. Kirkham researched alcohol stills nationwide and concluded that' the technology is still in Plan ofKirkham’s farm showing croppingpatterns and energy resources. the biplane days.” The complete study with a guidebook is available free from the Polk County Office of the OSU Agricultural Extension Service, 316 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338. (Richard Kirkham, 9225 Steel Bridge Road, Willamina, OR 97396)
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