Conference Sponsors:
The time for the 2009 Conference is
almost here. We've just added the Mobile Biofuels Laboratory (pictur
ed
at right) from Richland Community College
in Decatur, IL to the list of exhibits for the conference. Check out the
updated conference program from the menu at left.
Recent trends in energy
prices, coupled with
developments in energy policy, have made it clear that agriculture will play an important role in America’s energy future. However,
concerns over the growing use of biofuels and biomass, their impact on food
availability and price, and their broader environmental impact, have generated
debate about the sustainability of current bioenergy developments.
This Bioenergy Conference,
funded by a Professional Development Program grant from USDA Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), will highlight the role of farms and
farmland in a sustainable energy future, emphasizing information that attendees
will need to work with farmers and landowners considering or participating in
bioenergy projects.
Our upcoming conference, on December 4, 2009, will address production and handling of dedicated biomass feedstocks, algae oil production and utilization, alternative oilseed production, farm-level oilseed processing and biodiesel production, methane digesters, and recent developments in energy policy.
The conference is targeted to secondary and post-secondary agricultural educators, extension personnel, and agency personnel in Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Use the links on this website to review the conference program, register, or apply for a travel scholarship.
Our first conference, on December 5, 2008, was attended by 120 professionals who learned about production and utilization of grassy and woody biomass feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol and electricity generation; an overview of wind energy production in the Midwest, focusing on what landowners should know about wind energy leases; financing bioenergy projects; and building community and regional support for bioenergy projects.
The Bioenergy Conference is held in conjunction with the Missouri Livestock Symposium (MLS), which is also held in Kirksville on the evening of Friday Dec. 4, 2009 and all day on Saturday Dec. 5, 2009. Check out the MLS program at their website:
Other Conference Supporters:
