Annual Forum Focuses on Opportunities for Profits from Agricultural Energy Sources

The latest in renewable energy and biofuel technology – an updates on water – will be topics of discussion during the annual Colorado Agricultural Outlook Forum, scheduled for Feb.19 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. The forum, called "Profits Outside the Box: Agri-Energy and Beyond," is sponsored by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and graduates of the Colorado Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program.

"We’re going to hear the latest on the potential of wind, biofuels and other forms of renewable energy to increase agriculture profitability and economic development in rural Colorado," said Don Ament, Colorado commissioner of agriculture. "We’re also including an update on the water situation, state legislation and other innovative ideas to stay profitable."

Confirmed speakers include:

– Don Ament, Colorado commissioner of agriculture;

– Larry Penley, president of Colorado State University;

– Jim Nichols, Minnesota county commissioner, farmer and former commissioner of agriculture;

– Jeff Probst, president and CEO of Blue Sun Biodiesel;

– Bob Mailander, Cooperative Development Center, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union;

– Ron Follett, supervisory soil scientist for USDA, Agricultural Research Service; and

– Craig Cox, executive director, Colorado Coalition for New Energy Technologies.

Smaller workshop sessions scheduled for the event are "Large Scale Wind & Community Economic Development;" "Small Scale Wind and Solar;" "Biofuels & Bioproducts;" "Carbon Sequestration;" "Agri-Energy Cooperatives;" "Financing Agri-Energy Projects;" "Innovations for Profitability;" and water and legislative updates.

The forum will be preceded by a reception the evening of Feb.18. Forum registration is $90 per person before Feb.6 and $100 after that date.

To register or for more information, visit the Web at www.coloradoagforum.com or call 303-477-0076 ext. 210.

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