Exploring farm-appropriate alternative energy strategies is a primary focus of Cedar Circle Farm’s Education Program.

Alternative energy models… using less energy on the farm

Cedar Circle Farm is also working on developing alternative energy models on the farm. Our current new experiment is with a new corn heater in one of our vegetable greenhouses.

Energy audit: We’re also researching our current energy use to prepare for an energy audit to help us use less energy on the farm. We’ll be sure to report on what we learn and how we are able to save more energy.

Several farms in Vermont and New England are also exploring alternative means of generating the heat and electricity needed to grow vegetables in our climate. We are all interested in finding ways to extend the growing season without additional carbon emissions—a necessary goal if local food systems are to become less dependent on food shipped in from elsewhere.

Clean Burn Multi-Oil Heating System

In 2006, we installed a Clean Burn heating unit in one of our main vegetable greenhouses that can run on used vegetable oil (as well as home heating oil and used motor oil). Our crew collects oil from local restaurants to fuel the stove. Before use, the oil must be strained and then kept at a certain temperature so that it flows properly in the system (which can be a challenge in winter!). We start the system in early spring to plant early tomatoes.

Solar Energy

Cedar Circle is also experimenting with solar energy. We now have 24 photovoltaic panels mounted on the roofs of our coffee shop and farmstand. After wiring them, hooking up a converter, and tying into the electric grid, we started generating power in January of 2007. During the calendar year, we generated about 6,500 watts of electricity. The power company gives us credit for electricity generated, and we have calculated that those 24 panels are generating about 10% of the electricity the farm uses in one year. Because vegetable farming is so energy intensive, an energy audit is planned to help everyone on the farm look for ways to conserve energy. We will be working closely with Efficiency Vermont to carry out our conservation efforts.

Corn Heater

Our new focus for 2008 is a corn heater, which we have purchased with the help of a grant through the UVM Extension Service. These heaters operate on dried corn kernels, as well as wood pellets and sunflower pellets, with zero carbon emissions. The corn will ideally come from our own farm or a nearby dairy farm. A farm in northern Massachusetts has transitioned some of their feed corn operation to corn used for energy purposes, providing much needed additional income for them. Some of our neighbors across the Connecticut River also grow corn for use in heaters.

Sunflower Oil

Circle Farm grows seven acres of sunflowers, a spectacular sight when in bloom. The oil can be used to help fuel our Clean Burn heating system. Another by-product is sunflower pellets, which could be used in the corn heater, but we feel may be more valuable as animal feed. These sorts of issues are also being researched and evaluated by other farmers who are interested in sustainable energy consumption and facilitating a transition from fossil based fuels. Our main goal for the bulk of the sunflower seed crop is to produce cooking oil to meet the Localvore movement’s need for a local source of organic sunflower oil.

Horse Power

In addition to smaller tractors that consume less fuel, Cedar Circle Farm uses a team of draft horses to prepare soil and plant seed. In the process the horses help aerate the soil opposed to compacting it, allowing it to retain more moisture and micro-organisms, which in turn reduces the amount of irrigation needed. Our horses are also used to give wagon rides to and from the strawberry and pumpkin patch during our annual harvest festivals.

Drip Irrigation

The use of drip irrigation cuts down on irrigation time and water usage, and water pump fuel consumption. A popular technique perfected by Israeli farmers, drip irrigation significantly reduces the amount of water needed by dripping water directly onto the plants, as well as manpower needed for weeding.

Cedar Circle Farm joins the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels, in hopes that many more farmers will learn from our experience. The farm hosts farmer workshops to promote the exchange of ideas. During the winter months, staff members attend workshops and conferences, and visit other farms around the country and the world to learn more and work towards finding local alternatives to fossil fuels, as well as continuously improve farming practices.