Shelled corn for greenhouse heat project in last year

Massachusetts growers are invited to participate in a shelled corn heat program that seeks to increase energy independence and supports local agriculture. This is the last year of the project that looks at the economic and environmental feasibility of using locally-grown corn as a greenhouse heating fuel. Andy Cavanaugh of UMass Extension Vegetable Program said the growers who participated in 2008-2010 found the furnaces they installed were cost efficient, relatively simple to set up and operate and did a good job of reducing or eliminating the need for supplemental heat in their greenhouses.
Extension personnel are looking for in-state operations that represent a range of vegetable and horticulture businesses and various types of greenhouse designs, crops and heating needs. Funding is available to provide cost-share for purchase of one corn furnace or boiler per company (up to 50% of the cost, maximum $3,000 per company) for a limited number of businesses.
Growers interested in applying to be a part of a regional network and receiving cost share for ht purchase of a biomass furnace should complete and return an application form.

Pictured: Massachusetts growers have the opportunity to participate in a project studying the feasibility of using locally-grown corn as a greenhouse heating fuel.