Report by Russell Carrington of Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. Additional info from Jane Straker.
One of the extra events put on during hEnergy week which did not feature in the brochure was a 'Farming after peak oil' evening session on Tuesday 13th October. Around 30 people attended the meeting, comprising young farmers, older farmers and other members of the public concerned about food security in the future due to the impacts of climate change and peak oil.
There were five speakers each of whom spent 10-15 minutes outlining their specialist field in the future of farming. Russell Carrington started by outlining how peak oil will drive up the cost of food production and how climate change will affect the growing seasons but questioned whether these problems could mean opportunities for farmers. Sarah Wells from 7Y Energy explained how farmers could produce renewable energy on their farms such as via solar panels on farm buildings and wind turbines on exposed sites. She estimated there are 20,000 homes with south-facing roofs in Herefordshire - if each had 1kW of generating capacity it could make a huge difference.
Kevin Stokes from E and J Solutions spoke about anaerobic digesters and their potential to fit within farm businesses to provide an outlet for farm waste and produce electricity as the by-product. Peter Linnel gave a detailed run-down of the findings from his study into the feasibility of placing wind turbines in Herefordshire based on social and economic influence. Gareth Williams from Caplor Farm finished by sharing how he has reduced the carbon footprint of his business via the installation of some renewable energy systems and better use of farm equipment to improve efficiency (e.g. asking all tractor drivers to take driving efficiency courses). He also pointed out that keeping soil carbon high is good farming practice as well as sequestering carbon.
The discussion afterwards also provided lots of food for thought. Those who attended were left better informed and full of ideas on how to make improvements for the future. Further discussions are already being planned and it is hoped Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs can be involved in H.Energy in 2011.
