Market Farming

[David Paysnick <davepays AT gmail.com>]

I am well aware of these issues.  Here in New England, pellets can be a 
local, sustainable and renewable resource.  Last year they were about 30% 
cheaper than propane.  This year they are about 55% cheaper than propane (per 
million BTU's).  I am looking to use a combination of propane and pellet/corn 
heat.  I am also aware of the increased management needs of pellets vs 
propane.  The intention is to have a corn/pellet stove that will supply about 
75% of my maximum heat load, paired with a propane furnace that will supply 
about the same.  This will give me seasonal choices based on price, as well 
as provide an effective backup heat source either way.  Many greenhouse 
studies have been done here and the payback on the stoves tends to be about 
3-5 years with the cost savings over oil or propane.  While renewable fuels 
may (will) rise in cost, oil and propane most certainly will.  I appreciate 
the advice, but I am really looking for advice on specific manufacturers and 
units.
Thanks,

David Paysnick
Greenfield Community Farm
34 Glenbrook Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
www.justroots.org
413-271-2772
Sent from the field, please excuse    typos and punctuation errors!


> On Mar 24, 2014, at 12:05 AM, Brian Luton <bcluton AT aol.com> wrote:
> 
> I think the point that Ann is making is consider the costs and perceived 
> future costs of your fuel source in your particular area - as well as the 
> efficacy of any particular heating system for your situation.  Up front 
> costs, management style, etc. 
> 
> Pellets can be costly. Or not. Oil can be "free", or not.  Energy is 
> changing all the time.
> 
> I've mentioned this example in the past but its worth noting again - in our 
> area a few years back yellow grease generators (restaurants, etc.) and 
> chipped wood generators (tree services, municipalities, etc) were paying to 
> get rid of the stuff.  Now they're either personally capturing its 
> heating/fuel value or selling it to those that will.  Availability with 
> some of the "free" byproduct energy sources can be challenging...and/or 
> fleeting. 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 23, 2014, at 9:10 PM, moon AT ceva.net wrote:
>> 
>> Pelet stove? I would consider a waste oil burner. They can be fashioned 
>> from a wood stove or oil furnace, free fuel. Pellets are pricy, unless 
>> youre in suburbia and fumes are a problem. Pellets are big in Europe, 
>> then, they ate up their forest centuries ago. Va shipping ports are 
>> building up pellet factories for the euro Mkt. Good place to sell yr junk 
>> pine.
>> Ann zone 7 Va
>> 
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