By Blake Jackson
The Penn State Extension Energy Team, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, will launch the first-ever Energy and Agriculture Conference this fall.
Designed for agricultural producers, industry professionals, and manufacturers, the event will focus on practical strategies for incorporating renewable energy into farming operations, with a spotlight on solar and biogas technologies.
The conference will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Spanning six hours, the program aims to help participants discover how energy projects can improve efficiency, support long-term sustainability, and boost profitability.
A strong lineup of speakers will headline the event, including Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Matt Steiman from Dickinson College Farm, Michael Helbing of Penn State’s Center for Energy Law and Policy, and Daniel Dotterer of Agrivoltaic Innovations and Dotterer Farms.
Faculty members from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Extension Educators will also contribute, alongside panel discussions with producers already using these energy systems. Representatives from USDA, PDA, and PennTAP will share details on funding opportunities.
“The conference is designed to bridge the gap between energy innovation and agricultural application,” explained Dan Brockett of Penn State Extension. Joseph Conklin, Senior Extension Educator, said.
“Attendees will hear from industry experts and fellow producers on how to harness solar power for on-farm use and leverage biogas systems like anaerobic digesters to utilize food waste and sell excess energy back to the grid.”
Key sessions will cover solar energy adoption, permitting challenges, and agrivoltaics; biogas and anaerobic digester systems; farmer-led panel discussions; and guidance on grants, loans, and other resources to support new projects.
Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. The cost is $20 per participant, with sign-up available online or by calling 1-877-345-0691.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Energy