Bioenergy

Solar panels on barns — Nebraska Extension Biological Systems Engineering Educator F. John Hay shares an in-depth analysis on the economics of on-farm solar following USDA's announcement that an additional $1 billion in grants are available to help ag producers and rural small businesses finance renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements.

Economics of Behind-the-Meter On-Farm Solar Electric Systems

May 24, 2023

This webinar covers the general design elements of behind-the-meter on-farm solar and walks through production, value of electricity, interconnection policies and how these impact economic return.

Solar panel irrigation on farm — The $1 billion in REAP grant funds will be awarded to eligible applicants quarterly through the end of September 2024. To ensure small projects have a fair opportunity to receive grants, 20% of available funds are being set aside annually for requests of $20,000 or less.

USDA Announces $1 Billion in Grants Available to Farmers, Ranchers for Installing Renewable Energy Systems

April 28, 2023

The new funds have been designated for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, to assist with financing renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements.

Solar panels — Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock (Photo courtesy Center for Agricultural Profitability)

Farm Energy Management Webinar Series: Strategies to Save on Electric Bills

September 1, 2022

This three-part webinar series will cover electric bill components and how to interpret them, as well as strategies to save on energy charges, demand charges and power factor charges.

Daren Redfearn in field — A new study led by Daren Redfearn, professor of agronomy and horticulture and forage systems specialist, is exploring whether a targeted restoration of perennial grasses amid cropland could bring about a variety of benefits. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication)

Nebraska Research Studying Benefits of Grass Restoration Amid Cropland

February 9, 2022

The project will focus how a targeted restoration of perennial grasses amid cropland could bring about a variety of benefits, ranging from reduction in water and fertilizer use to expansion of wildlife habitat to encouragement of new bioenergy industry.

Seward Meeting on Solar Electric Systems for Farms, Homes

February 1, 2017

Would solar energy be a good option for your farm, ranch or rural home? What should you consider when weighing the costs and benefits?

Solar Energy In Agriculture Workshops this Fall

October 12, 2016

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have declined in price in recent years, greatly improving their economics and potential use in rural areas.

Agronomy Student Joey Geisler checks plant growth stage (left) and uses a frequency frame to determine the number of tillers in switchgrass stand.

Student Research: How Harvest Timing Influences Switchgrass Production

November 4, 2016

UNL undergraduate student Joey Geisler shares the results of his study to determine the optimum time for switchgrass harvest to acquire the most biomass. Geisler, an undergraduate student in the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, conducted the study for as part of his Research and Extension Experiential Learning Fellowship in summer 2016.