Conference to Explore "Harvesting Energy" From Wind, Biofuels

Farmers, ranchers and rural entrepreneurs are expected to gather in Salt Lake City Monday, Feb. 26, to discuss the harvesting of a new kind of crop – one that no one can eat.

Utah State University is playing a key role in organizing the second annual Intermountain Harvesting Energy Summit. USU’s College of Business is a sponsor of the conference and two of its professors, Cathy Hartman and Edwin Stafford, are helping organize the event.

 

The three-day conference, “Rural Prosperity Through Renewable Energy,” is open to the public and slated to run Feb. 26–28. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is the keynote speaker at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27.

 

The conference is at the Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West in Salt Lake City. It is expected to draw people from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

 

 “This conference focuses on what farmers, ranchers and rural entrepreneurs in Utah can do to foster renewable energy business opportunities in their communities,” said Hartman.

 

Hartman and Stafford completed a study last year that detailed the possible economic impact commercial wind power development could have on Tooele and Box Elder counties.

 

“America’s energy future will be grown or harvested on the farm, and Utah can be a part of this future,” said Stafford.

 

Ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and biomass technologies will be discussed at the conference Feb. 26. A number of workshops on Feb. 28 are aimed at helping rural communities pursue new projects. An afternoon session focuses on wind power development opportunities in Utah.

 

For more information, call 303-283-3524 or e-mail conference organizers at summit@workinglandscapes.com. People may register online. The cost for the three-day conference is $150, plus $35 for the dinner program Feb. 27.

 

Contact: Steve Eaton, 435-797-8640, cell: 435-760-4884