USDA Farm Bill State Workshop Materials
The Farm Bill presentations below were used at four Farm Bill Workshops in Montana, February 2004. We encourage state wind working groups to use the presentations below in their state workshops to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses take advantage of the USDA Farm Bill (Section 9006) grants for renewable energy projects. These presentations will help those interested in developing wind projects to organize, write, and submit an application for funding assistance under the Farm Bill.
Introduction to Wind Energy Applications
Larry Flowers, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
This presentation provides an overview of the size and applications of wind turbines; shows the growth of wind energy capacity; discusses the drivers for wind power, cost of wind energy, determining factors, economic development impacts, rural economic benefits, and key deployment issues for wind power; outlines the wind project development process; profiles the uses of small wind turbines in rural America; and introduces a wind energy finance calculator.
Project Case Studies: Including 2003 Farm Bill Awards
Lisa Daniels, Windustry
In August 2003, 35 awards totaled $7.4 million to support wind power.
Lessons Learned by a Recovering Applicant
Lisa Daniels, Windustry
Windustry helped Minnesota and Iowa farmers and ranchers successfully apply for Farm Bill funding in 2003. This presentation outlines the wind development process and USDA application and provides some key lessons learned.