Improving Greenhouse Energy Efficiency
Thursday March 15, 3-6 pm.
Walker Farm, Dummerston VT
Join John Bartok, greenhouse engineer, and Jack Manix, owner of Walker
Farm, as they describe the process and results of a recent greenhouse
energy audit on this highly diversified horticulture operation.
The farm
has 20 greenhouses and tunnels of various sizes and shapes, growing a
variety of ornamental and vegetable crops using a variety of heating
systems. We will see everything from a large permanent greenhouse with a
thermal blanket for conservation and automated environmental controls to
a smaller poly tunnel with a corn furnace using local fuel to offset
propane use. Jack will also describe his systems for efficient materials
handling such as an automatic pot and tray filler and seeders. John has
been conducting greenhouse energy audits all across New England, many
with support from USDA programs that growers have signed up for aimed at
improving their energy efficiency.
Directions. Traveling South: Take I-91 Exit 4. Turn left at the end of
the ramp to go south on Route 5 about 4 miles. The farm is on the left.
Traveling North: Take I-91 Exit 3. Go three-quarters of the way around
the rotary and then 4 miles north on Route 5, the farm is on the right.
Questions? Vern
Grubinger 802-257-7967 x303
Sponsored by: University
of Vermont Extension, the Vermont
Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and the Risk
Management Agency, which provides sound risk management solutions for
farmers, see: www.rma.usda.gov.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative
Extension
work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United
States
Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington,
Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of
Agriculture,
cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard
to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,
political
beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. If you
require
accommodations to participate in this program, please let our office
know as soon as possible prior to the event so we may assist you.
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