Integrating solar power in and around farms can reduce energy costs, improve sustainability goals, and transform a farms economic status. In this episode, we hear from Tom Giovagnoli, an egg producer with Pete and Jerry’s in Boscawen who shares that adding solar to the roof of his barn made his operation more economically viable. We also chat with John Porter, Retired UNH Extension specialist who continues to consult on infrastructure and barn projects in New Hampshire. John has added solar to his small farm homestead and has consulted with farms across the state on how to successfully reduce energy costs.

Resources

The Rural Energy for America Program, or better known as the USDA REAP Grant, provides grant funding and guaranteed loan financing to rural small businesses and agricultural producers across the United States, to be used for implementing renewable energy systems or making improvements to overall energy efficiency.

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants

Produced by
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Our programs and policies are consistent with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Ben Shambaugh founded Wayside Farm in Sandwich, NH over 30 years ago. Since 2013 he has been trying a variety of alternative fruit crops under the Great Northern Berries name. Through trial and error he has found what works and what doesn’t for his business. Come join us and learn about their journey into producing honey berry and other unique small fruit crops.

Resources
Wayside Farm

Interviewer Nick Rowley

Produced by
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Our programs and policies are consistent with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Bridget McKee and her husband Ben set out to start a vegetable farm that would fit in with their professional interests and the family life they want, in the place where they want to live. Join us to hear about the journey which had them starting their farm in Lancaster and then relocating it to Bethlehem. We’ll talk about how the farm chooses their markets and crops and some of their favorite tips for other farms.

Resources

Bent Fork Farm

New Farmers Resources

For more information on this podcast and the October panel discussions contact Heather Bryant , Heather.Bryant@unh.edu

Produced by
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Our programs and policies are consistent with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity.