Sustainability
Conservation & Environmental Risks
EQIP
Have you ever thought about having USDA National Resource Conservation Services conduct an environmental farm assessment for you? EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts. These contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.
Urban Agriculture
Urban Agriculture can be an important tool in confronting several key challenges that Americans face, including:
- Supporting farm viability in and around urban areas
- Improving access to healthy, affordable foods
- Realizing the potential of rural-urban linkages through food and agriculture
Resource from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen A. Merrigan
Urban agriculture and gardening can be an important tool in confronting several key challenges that Americans face.
USDA National Agriculture Library
Advancing access to global information for agriculture
Wind Energy
MSU Extension Wind Energy
Offers Michigan landowners information on options for wind energy. On this site you will find information on wind generation in Michigan,wind energy resource maps, frequently asked questions, and a glossary of wind energy terms.
US Dept. of Energy Small Wind Electric Systems: Consumer’s Guide
This guide provides consumers with information to help them determine whether a small wind electric system can provide all or a portion of the energy they need for their home or business based on their wind resources.
Solar & Wind Energy Equipment Suppliers in Michigan
Ubly,
MI Wind Farm, built by Nobel Environmental Power and RMT Wind Connect,
consists of 46 GE wind turbines in Bingham and Sheridan townships, and
will generate 1.5 megawatts of wind power—enough for about 23,000 homes.
Michigan Land Use Guidelines for Siting Wind Energy Systems | Michael Klepinger, MSU Extension
As public interest in renewable energy increases, planning and zoning for wind power are beginning to come of age in Michigan.
Articles & Resources
Steps to Apply for NRCS Cost Share Programs
MIEarth.org
Presented by UM Dearborn and Detroit Public TV. Includes videos and environmental news
Clean Energy Farming
Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiences, Harnessing Renewables
Purdue Extension BioEnergy
Researchers are hard at work on issues such as bioenergy, renewable fuels, ethanol, biodiesel, and DDGS. This site also links to Purdue Extension BioEnergy series publications.
Student Organic Farm: Audio Presentation
Listen to this presentation by Dr. John Biernbaum, MSU faculty member and Student Organic Farm Faculty Coordinator.
