By Blake Jackson
The annual PA Energy on the Farm Conference will feature a panel discussion focused on financial and technical resources available to Pennsylvania farmers seeking to improve their farm energy systems.
The conference is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The event will bring together farmers, agricultural professionals, energy experts, and other industry participants for a full day of presentations, discussions, and breakout sessions.
One of the day’s final sessions will focus on practical ways farmers can receive assistance with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other farm energy projects.
The panel, titled “Financial and Technical Assistance for Farm Energy,” will feature specialists representing state government, utilities, federal conservation programs, and national research organizations.
Michael Roth, director of innovation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will discuss state programs designed to support agriculture, energy, and technology. Roth has significant experience with anaerobic digestion and has been involved with initiatives supported through the department’s Ag Innovation Fund.
Bud Fogleman, an energy efficiency program specialist with PPL Electric’s Business Energy Efficiency Program, will explain opportunities available to farmers in the utility’s service area. His work focuses on encouraging energy-efficient practices and providing incentives that can help agricultural operations reduce energy costs.
Pete Vanderstappen, an agricultural engineer and energy specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will provide information about technical assistance and conservation programs available to Pennsylvania farmers. His responsibilities include helping administer the Technical Services Program and other resources addressing farm energy concerns.
Danielle Preziusoc, a socio-technical systems engineer with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will bring expertise from the laboratory’s distributed wind program. She works with farmers and other stakeholders by providing technical guidance for those considering distributed wind energy as part of their operations.
The discussion will examine both funding opportunities and technical resources that can help farmers pursue energy projects. With energy costs continuing to influence farm profitability, improving efficiency or developing on-farm energy generation can offer potential long-term benefits.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their own ideas and challenges. Organizers expect much of the session to center on practical, open dialogue about how farmers can identify appropriate assistance and turn energy plans into workable projects.
The panel will conclude a full day of programming dedicated to farm energy in Pennsylvania and beyond. Participants will have opportunities to learn about emerging options, connect with specialists, and develop strategies for managing their farms’ future energy needs.
Photo Credit: penn-state-extension
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education