Renewable Energy Conference for farmers March 19 in Cedar Falls will feature wind, crops, and financing options

Are you a farmer interested in learning more about owning a windmill and producing and selling your own wind energy? Do you want to find out about energy crops you can grow to diversify your farming operation? Do you wonder where the money comes from to explore these options?

"Introduction to Wind Energy and Energy Crops: A Conference for Farmers" will be held on Sat., March 19 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education in Cedar Falls (across from the University of Northern Iowa campus). Three panel discussions will cover wind energy, energy crops, and financing options for renewable energy projects. Optional afternoon tours will feature a wind and water project at Hickory Hills Park and a privately owned wind turbine near Vinton.

Call 800-775-5227 for information, or visit www .iafu.org for a registration form and flier. Cost is $10 before March 15, $15 after or at the door. Lunch is provided.

This conference is sponsored by the Iowa Farmers Union and the Center for Energy and Environmental Education, with support from the Iowa Energy Center, Union of Concerned Scientists and I-RENEW.

Iowa Farmers Union is a non-profit advocacy group representing family farmers across the state. IFU is affiliated with National Farmers Union, a general farm organization representing a quarter of a million family farmers and ranchers nationwide. NFU serves its membership by providing educational opportunities, supporting farmer-owned cooperative development, and presenting the organization's policies to lawmakers at the local, state and national levels.