This document summarizes the work of an energy conservation initiative in Outagamie County. An intern secured funding to serve as a farmers' market liaison in Wood County in order to improve communication between vendors and organizers. Energy audits were conducted on 31 dairy farms through a UW-Extension program, identifying over $200,000 in potential energy savings projects. Community outreach events and business audits identified additional energy saving opportunities. Surveys found that participants had implemented recommendations and planned further conservation actions.

1. Farmers’ Market Liaison
Summer Intern 2009
Connie Eisch, FLE
UWEX Wood County

2. Farmers’ Market Liaison-Wood Co.
 Situation: FM in Wood County was
revived 2001, Market has grown to 42
vendors in 2009
 Majority are Hmong and may not speak
English well
 Problems with marketing, and
misunderstandings with market policies
and procedures; no knowledge of UWEX
as a resource for soil conservation

3. Farmers’ Market Liaison-Wood Co.
 Response: SAAIP (Summer Affirmative
Action Intern Program) funds secured
covering 50% of salary for intern
 Central District innovative grant secured for
remaining salary + travel and supplies
 Advertised and interviewed 6 candidates

5. Farmers’ Market Liaison – AyLee
 Radio programs and newspaper articles in
Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield promoting FM
 Hosted a Farmers’ Informational Workshop for
Hmong farmers with Matt Lippert, UWEX Ag,
Kate Carlson, Wood Co HD, and Jack Chang,
Dept of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection
 Presented Hmong culture and history to
4-H campers
 Visited FM weekly to speak with farmers

6. Farmers’ Market Liaison - AyLee
 Worked on good communication strategies
between farmers and market organizers
 Introduced UW Extension as a resource to
the farmers

7. Energy Conservation Initiative
UW-Extension, Outagamie County
Presented by:
Jim Resick, Community Development Educator
Zen Miller, Dairy/Livestock Agent
UW-Extension, Outagamie County

8. Funding A Budget
• NE District Resource Management Grant-$5000
• Mellissa Hansen - Outreach Specialist
• 528 Light bulbs – Focus On Energy

9. OUTAGAMIE COUNTY

10. OUTAGAMIE COUNTY

11. Booth at County Fair
• 1) Handout
• 2) Energy Bicycle
• 3) Staffed by Agents
and Focus On Energy
• Results: 360 people contacted

12. Agriculture
• 75 dairy farms in target area sent letter
• 31 farms with energy audits
• 4 with no recommendations
• 14 turned down or just did something
• 30 farms not contacted

13. Audit Summary
• Only recommend if 4.5 year or less
payback
• Grant amount: $36,950
• Cost: $205,400
• Year Savings: $72,243.59
• Payback: 1.88 years

14. Recommendations
• Switch to natural gas water heater
• Scroll compressor
• Variable speed vacuum pump
• Heat recovery unit
• Water heater from electric to Propane
• 2nd
heat recovery
• Variable speed milk pump
• Commercial washer/dryer

15. Phone Survey N=9 Farms
• Learned to save
• Packet was useful
• Eight felt they saved energy
• Two bought more light bulbs (12)
• One installed variable speed milk pump
• Two rewire programs
• Three plan on changes in next 12 months

16. Community Resource Development
• 2 Green Blitz held 4 days
• 60 Business & Nonprofit energy audits
• 4 Village Board presentations
• 3 Town Board presentations
• 3 Public events

17. Business Energy Audits
• 144.3 KW saved
• $67,293grant/incentives
• $49,472 Year Savings
• ? Payback

18. Phone Surveys
Businesses N=54
• 68.8% (33 of 48) used follow-up report
• 48.1% implemented conservation measures
• 38 changes in 26 buildings (lighting)
• 35.2% (18) plan on changes in next 12 months
• $14,430 incentives in hand, 5 clients

19. Family Living
• 2 Home & Community Education
• 4 Group agency meetings
• County: Maintenance, County
Executive, Finance Director
• Made contact with librarian
(display & meetings set)

20. 4-H & Youth
• 6 clubs visited
• Developed youth oriented presentation
• Packets and CFL lightbulbs delivered
• Packet and CFL lightbulbs delivered to
4-H Livestock & Dairy Committees

21. Phone Surveys
Households N=128
• 82.8% (106) had installed free CFL’s
• 29.3% (36) used coupons to purchase 254 bulbs
• 60.2% (77) partial switch to energy efficient lighting
• 12.0% (12) plan to get energy audit on house

22. Evidence of Success
• 4-H Leader Comment: “Your presentation was the best
we ever had. It was fun and interactive, and it kept our
attention.”
• Business Owner: “My energy bill dropped $150 per
month after implementing the recommendations.”
• City Clerk: “We are using the report in plans to remodel
City Hall.”

23. Conclusion
• Round 2 planned in other
targeted county areas
• Large saving possible / On
going
• Reduces operating costs
• All staff can participate
• Easy to show $ saved