Action Review: Wind, Solar, Organic... Oh, My!

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AC T ION R E V I E W

Wind, solar, organic...Oh, my!


Editors Note: DRAs Community Energy Development committee is currently facilitating a 200-home energy efficiency project. This is a member-submitted article about home energy efficiency. By Bill Rosin, DRA Member Julie and I are on a certified organic farm/ranch in north-central South Dakota near Selby. Weve been certified since 1996. We grow a variety of small grain and have a herd of Angus beef cows, whose calves are also certified organic. We are also practitioners and students of Parelli natural horsemanship. We have a real old MacDonalds farm, not only because were kind of old, but there are a variety of critters here: chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, three breeds of sheep, dairy goats, a few jersey cows, a mama pig and five piglets, seven horses, a mule, six dogs, and the usual farm cats. We live a half mile from the nearest road, so most everything is truly free ranging. We also have a pretty big garden. It seems HUGE, however when I measured it, its only .12 of an acre. We became interested in producing some of our own electricity because all our grid electricity comes from coal. We wanted to offset at least some of that, while hopefully showing others it could be done. We have had remarkably little interest though; I guess folks still think that if it isnt being done, it cant be. We got our Skystream 3.7 wind charger in June, 2007 from Southwest Windpower, a manufacturer and retailer of wind turbines. The Skystream 3.7 is one of their more popular models; there are

Volume 24, Number 3 May/June 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:
Rosins Home and Farm Feature Keystone Threat Co-op Profile: Kayla Miller Frank James 15 years with WORC Chapter and Committee Updates DRA West River Job Announcement Farm Beginnings in Sioux Falls 1 2 3 5 5 5 6 7 7

Bill Rosin, organic farmer and this articles contributing author, stands by his homes PV panels.

Farmer to Farmer Classifieds July Membership Drive kicks off

several more in use in our area, including one at the local school. These units can put out up to over 3000 watts on a windy day. The local schools wind charger recently put out over 50 kWh in one day - a significant amount considering the average South Dakota home consumes 34 kWh in a day (according to a 2009 analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration). Additionally, we have a bank of seven photovoltaic (PV) panels, connected to the same meter as the wind charger. We like them; theyre very simple and trouble free. They are more expensive per output potential than wind, but we bought our panels used from the same dealer that sold us the wind charger. He just happened to have some for sale, so we were lucky. The wind and solar system each cost about ten grand installed. However we didnt apply for or receive any tax breaks, rebates, grants. We regret not applying for a USDA grant; I think we could have gotten it and would have offset about $2,500. The dealer told us not to bother.
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The 2011 Local Foods Directory


is complete!

Keystone a threat, regulators deem


The Keystone tar sands pipeline becomes the newest liquid pipeline to be deemed an immediate threat to public safety. By Anthony Swift, NRDC blogger Federal regulators made an unprecedented decision when they issued TransCanada with a Corrective Action Order (CAO) after determining that the Keystone tar sands pipeline was an imminent threat to life, property and the environment. This enforcement action has never been taken on such a new pipeline. To put this finding in perspective, consider this over the last twenty five years, regulators have issued only forty-eight CAOs for the entire 170,000 mile U.S. hazardous liquid pipeline system. On average, these pipelines were more than forty-five years old when they were issued a CAO. Before the Keystone tar sands pipeline, which is still less than a year old, the newest pipeline to be deemed an immediate threat to public safety was twenty five years old. Federal pipeline safety regulators at the Department of Transportation (DOT) have initiated a technical review of the Keystone pipeline as part of the CAO to determine what is going wrong with the pipeline with reports due to come out this summer. The State Department, which approved the Keystone pipeline without a DOT review of the safety of raw tar sands pipelines, shouldnt repeat that mistake with Keystone XL- a bigger version of Keystone currently routed through the Ogallala Aquifer. Rather than fast tracking the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS), the State Department should extend the comment period, hold public hearings and allow pipeline safety regulators to determine how to build and operate pipelines safely. On Sunday, regulators at DOT allowed the Keystone pipeline to restart under restricted conditions. This means that TransCanada fulfilled three of the fourteen conditions of the CAO. These include the requirements that TransCanada 1) submit a written re-start plan to PHMSA; 2) repair the pipeline at spill sites and test the failed pipe components; and 3) provide adequate staffing, monitoring and patrolling at pump stations during the restart to ensure that no leaks or failures occur at any pump station. Aside from raising the question of why regulators dont require adequate staffing, monitoring and patrolling at pump stations to prevent leaks and failures at ALL times, these initial conditions are not the major substance of the CAO. That is in the following requirements: - By July 18th, 2011, TransCanada must provide pipeline regulators with a report documenting all issues and incidents on the Keystone since it began operation. - By August 2nd, 2011, TransCanada must compile all available data on small diameter pipeline and components, doing a root cause failure analysis - By September 1st, 2011, TransCanada must submit a remedial work plan that verifies the integrity of the pipeline and addresses all factors known or suspected to have contributed to Keystones twelve spills. Based on the information that these reports bring to light, federal regulators may determine new measures are necessary to ensure that Keystone can be operated safely. This information, and the expertise of our federal pipeline regulators, is highly relevant to the review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Given that the properties of hot raw tar sands, or diluted bitumen, increase the risks of internal corrosion, abrasion and stress corrosion cracking as the pipeline gets older problems this early in Keystones history spell potential disaster in the future.
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We have extra copies of the Local Foods Directory available! If your church, business or group would like copies to distribute, call 605.697.5204. The Directory is a service, an opportunity for producers to list their products free of charge. Anyone can request a free directory to be mailed to them, as well. Thanks to our intern Melissa Kirby and to organizer Holly Tilton for completing this massive, important task! Help us spread the word. If you know someone who would like to receive a directory, email action@dakotarural.org.
2 | ACTION REVIEW

May/June 2011

SD Online Local Foods Co-op Profile:

DRA ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Meredith Redlin, Brookings Chair Holly Waddell, Shadehill Vice-Chair Jon Auer , Brookings Treasurer Zona Vig, Mud Butte Secretary Jon Halvorson, Sioux Falls ER At-Large Rep Jacob Limmer, Lake Norden ER At-Large Rep Paul Seamans, Draper WR At-Large Rep John Hartner, Winner WR At-Large Rep Darwin Oliver, Shadehill WPAG Rep Ethan Wiechmann, Bison WPAG Rep Joyce Jensen, Erwin Kingsbury Rep Cliff Millsapps, Gary Deuel Rep Jim Buchholz, Estelline Deuel Rep Kayla Miller, Brookings Brookings Rep Bill Nibbelink, Flandreau Moody Rep CHAPTERS - Chairpersons Brookings - Emily Ravenscroft Deuel - Cliff Millsapps, Gary Kingsbury Stand-by Status Moody - Stand-by Status WPAG Llewellyn Englehart, Shadehill ACTIVE COMMITTEES - Chairpersons Finance - Jon Auer Personnel - Kristianna Gehant Small Farms - Kristianna Gehant, Nancy Hartenhoff-Crooks Livestock Team - Shane Kolb Community Energy Development - Jim Buchholz Pipeline David Niemi STAFF Frank James Staff Director Heidi Kolbeck-Urlacher Organizer Stephanie Trask Organizer Holly Tilton Organizer Luke Temple Organizer/Lobbyist Tonya Haigh Grant Writer Anna Leisa Schuh Program Support Eowyn Corral Program Administrator Action Review, DRA newsletter - 6 issues yearly Anna Leisa Schuh - layout & editing Dakota Rural Action 910 Fourth Street, Suite A, Box 549 Brookings, SD 57006 605/697-5204 www.dakotarural.org DRA West (field office) 1719 West Main Street, Suite 303 Rapid City, SD 57702 605/718-4957 We strive to build grassroots leadership through community organizing by giving people a strong voice in decisions affecting their quality of life. DRA Mission Statement

Kayla Miller
SDLFC: Why did you decide to join the SD Local Foods Co-op? Kayla: I wanted easy access to locally produced products and healthier foods. SDLFC: What items do you buy or enjoy the most from the co-op? Kayla: I love it all! I cant decide what I enjoy the most, but every month I always have a loaf of bread in my basket, and Ive never had meat that tasted this good before. SDLFC: How did you hear about the co-op? Kayla: Im a DRA member, so I heard about it through DRA. I first got involved by joining the planning committee before the co-op launched. SDLFC: What makes the SD Local Foods Co-op stand out from other food venues? Kayla: The access to local products and the connection that forms between the producers and the consumers. SDLFC: What is your favorite thing about the South Dakota Local Foods Co-op? Kayla: The fact that I have easy access to healthy, local products that also supports the local economy. SDLFC: Would you recommend the Co-op to others? Kayla: Of course! Good for your health, good for your neighbor, and good for your community! SDLFC: What is your greatest hope for the Co-op? Kayla: To keep growing and expanding across the state, bringing healthy, local foods to many more South Dakotans!

Kayla Miller poses here with her horse All That Jazz. Kayla is a dedicated member of the South Dakota Local Foods Co-op and serves on the planning committee by Holly Tilton, DRA staff

When talking about the South Dakota Local Foods Coop one thing is abundantly clear: this project would be nothing if it were not for our members and their dedicated involvement. Kayla Miller is one of those dedicated members. Originally from Sioux Falls, Kayla currently lives in Brookings and is a recent graduate of South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Microbiology. She has served on DRAs Co-op Planning Committee for the last two years. During that time she has helped with the planning for the launch of the co-op, served as dropsite coordinator for Sioux Falls and Brookings, and continues to help with the development of the co-op. Kayla has also taken on one of the more important roles for the coop: the role of consumer. Kayla recently sat down with me to talk about her experience being a purchaser through the South Dakota Local Foods Co-op.

VOLUME 24, NUMBER 3

ACTION REVIEW | 3

Old MacDonalds goes green


Left, Bill and Julie Rosins Skystream wind tower, which can put out up to 3000 watts on a windy day. Below, Zippy, the couples all electric pickup. With new batteries it can go over 20 miles on a charge. If the winds blowing, or the suns shining, or both, it runs for free. Below right, the couples animals dine.

Energy, continued from page 1.


Back in 2007, competition for the funds were intense, and priority given to bigger projects, but now I think there are better incentives. The PVs put out about 1300 watts at their peak. Interestingly, in winter even though the days are so much shorter, the efficiency of the PVs increases with colder temperatures, so the output is not affected too much throughout the year. Our system is kind of a nice hybrid system. Often one application works when the other isnt. On bright sunny windy days, the meter spins like mad; I think I should grease it. But of course, with no net metering, we pretty much give our excess away. The local utility takes just a few dollars off our bill each month, its a pittance. Weve found that rural electric coops vary in their acceptance and tolerance of these units, ours has been pretty good. I have a friend nearby who has a similar turbine, with just him and his wife in a modest sized home, and their bill is cut substantially. As people become more familiar with the benefits of utilizing small scale renewable energy to produce some of their own energy, many have started to investigate how they too can cut their energy bill. However, along with the increased excitement and interest, there are some things to keep in mind while looking for a system to buy. Its not my intention to discourage anyone from doing home grown energy, and food, but there are some pitfalls to look out for. Being knowledgeable about these issues before getting into a project can save some significant time and personal energy, since our wind charger sure had its bugs. It was struck by lightning and fried within a week of installation. However the system was under warranty and 4 | ACTION REVIEW

was replaced by the company. There were also some problems resulting from cold weather, the company seemed to have disregarded that it gets cold up here, but they have since been resolved too. Overall weve had two completely new units installed because of problems. The company has been pretty about getting them replaced, but not all companies are, so it is important to check into their warranty and service policies.

I really think if local energy systems, electric vehicles and renewables would have been a priority... we wouldnt need to import a drop of oil today..
- Bill Rosin

Another important feature to look for when purchasing a wind turbine is if it has a vane on the unit housing. A common scenario in SD, the wind blows from one direction one day, calms at night, and next day comes up gradually from the opposite direction, and the turbine will not flip to orient into the wind. But the biggest bugaboo, and this is something rural folks need to be aware of....the grid voltages in the country can vary, depending on how far you are from a substation. These turbines are programmed to cut out at about 131 volts, and if youre near a substation your

grid voltage may already be up to 127 or so, and when its windy, especially if the turbine is a distance from your house, it boosts the voltage to over the limit. We had that problem for several years, and it really cut into our production. The local utility finally gave us permission to put up to 134 volts in our line at the farm, and we were able to reprogram ours so it works beautifully since. Like everything, its computer controlled. The local schools wind tower did not have this problem, because it was connected through Montana-Dakota Utilities and towns have their own substation, so grid voltage is always lower. A great solution to prevent this at the utility level is to install devices at the substations to automatically adjust the voltage according to demand. Having higher than normal voltage is very wasteful, like having more than necessary pressure in a water line. There are utilities that actually subsidize devices to reduce voltage at point of use, and its saving both them and customers lots of money, and in some cases eliminating the need for more power plants. However a number of utilities cant, or think they cant, afford the devices, which is unfortunate since many co-ops have seen an increase in their electricity demand. Due to the big increase in corn and bean production up in this area, and so many more grain bins with air systems to dry grain, according to our local co-op manager. I often wonder if this energy use is figured in when an analysis is made of the efficiency of modern farming. I really think if local energy systems, electric vehicles and renewables would have been a priority for research and development we wouldnt need to import a drop of oil today. May/June 2011

Frank James, DRA Director, celebrates 15 years with WORC


Dakota Rural Action Director, Frank James, was honored at this years Western Organization of Resource Council (WORC) summer meeting. This year marks Franks 15th year in the WORC network and his 10th year with Dakota Rural Action. Franks experience with WORC has been split between his time at Idaho Rural Council and Dakota Rural Action. It is with much appreciation that we thank Frank for all of his hard work and dedication over the years. We look forward to the years ahead!

DRA is now hiring!


Do you want to improve the health of South Dakotas people and economy? Do you want a job thats in line with your values?

Frank James, center, receives a certificate from Pat Sweeney at the WORC annual meeting in June, marking 15 years of work at Dakota Rural Aciton and the Idaho Rural Council.

Chapter and Committee Updates


CED Committee:
The committee is continuing its work on a series of features on members who have taken steps to reduce their energy consumption. If you have done efficiency upgrades or incorporated renewable energy into your home and you would be interested in being the subject of a featurette wed love to hear from you. We recently heard back from Governor Daugaard, allowing the committee to get a tour of his super-efficient he helped build.We will also update members on the work being done by the state on energy building codes. Please contact Luke Temple with any questions: luket@dakotarural.org.

Deuel Co. Chapter:

The Chapter has been researching ways to best utilize old Astoria school building on of the most popular ideas is to install a commercial kitchen. However, the Chapter would like to incorporate more people into their work in an effort to create a thriving, sustainable and self-reliant community. To accomplish this they are in the middle of planning a free community wide event to bring more people and ideas into the chapter. If you are in the Deuel County area and interested in become involved please contact Luke Temple at luket@dakotarural.org Holiday Hills Retirement Home, and Summerset Retirement Home) by 10% per year for the next three years. The Committee recognized the potential of the SD Online Food Co-op to facilitate institutional ordering of local foods, and helped initiate efforts to bring the Online Co-op West River. Twelve new members of the Black Hills Chapter met on June 13th for their first meeting. You can find the chapter on Facebook, thanks to Chairman John Seward. To join the new chapter, contact Stephanie at 605-718-4957.

We are searching for a West River organizer, to be based out of Rapid City.
This person will be responsible for organizing two chapters - the Western Plains Action Group and the Black Hills Chapter - helping them select campaigns and achieve community-improvement objectives. He or she will also work to develop the co-op in Rapid City and Spearfish, as well as facilitate the transition of Farm Beginnings to the Western half of the state. To receive a list of the full job responsibilities and requirements, please e-mail action@dakotarural.org or call the office at 605.697.5204.

Black Hills Chapter:

The Black Hills Chapter kicked-off on May 9th. The Chapter Organizing Committee, who met throughout the winter to develop the new chapters structure, by-laws, officer duties and nominations slate, and kick-off campaign, gave a presentation on the background and development of the new chapter. The Organizing Committee also worked to define an initial campaign goal for the Black Hills Chapter; To increase local food sourcing in three chosen Black Hills-area institutions (Youth and Family Services,

Applicants must send a resume and cover letter by the end of June.
ACTION REVIEW | 5

VOLUME 24, NUMBER 3

Farm Beginnings to start Sioux Falls class


Now serving: Brookings, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Spearfish!
The South Dakota Local Foods Co-op is the most convienent way to shop for local foods!
by Heidi Kolbeck-Urlacher, DRA Staff Applications are now being accepted for Dakota Rural Actions Farm Beginnings course. Classes begin in November in Sioux Falls. Farm Beginnings is a farmer-led training and support program that provides participants the opportunity to learn first-hand about low-cost, sustainable methods of farming and the tools to successfully launch a profitable farm enterprise. Deadline for application is September 30, 2011 and class size is limited. Course information and online application can be found at www. dakotarural.org/farmbeginnings, or contact Dakota Rural Action at (605) 697-5204 or heidiku@dakotarural.org. Classes are held twice a month, and from November to March students participate in sessions such as Whole Farm Planning, Financial Planning, Marketing, Business Planning, Connecting with Resources, and Connecting with Mentors. All classes are led by established farmers and other agricultural professionals. During the spring and summer month students take part in a variety of on-farm tours and skills sessions. The course also offers the opportunity for students to further their skills by participating in mentorships/ apprenticeships with local farmers. When we began the Farm Beginnings course we knew little more than that we wanted to start an apple orchard, said Laura Clark, a Farm Beginnings graduate. The course gave us glimpses into the operations of many nontraditional farming operations and helped us define our goals and seek out additional training from apple orchard experts. The course was really the springboard that took us from dreaming to doing. Farm Beginnings is an established curriculum developed over a decade ago by the Minnesota-based Land Stewardship Project that is now replicated in several different states, including IL, NE, ND, and NY. Dakota Rural Action has adapted the curriculum to meet the needs of South Dakota farmers.

Shop online and pick-up your order once per month. Get items such as beef, lamb, tomatoes, soap, aprons, apples, and much more from your local producer! Membership is only a one time fee of $50 + tax.

Visit www.sdlocalfoodcoop.org or call 605-697-5204 for more information.

Keystone, continued.
Unfortunately, while remedial action is necessary for Keystone, it is too late to rebuild that pipeline. It is not too late for Keystone XL. Given new safety concerns with tars sands pipelines like Keystone XL, landowners who live on its rightof-way deserve the time to comment on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) and the opportunity to have public hearings. Farmers who rely on the Ogallala Aquifer for water deserve to have their requests for an alternate route for Keystone XL taken seriously by the State Department. First responders need to be prepared

for the risks theyll encounter in the event of a diluted bitumen spill. The American public, a quarter million of whom have asked for additional environmental review and more time to comment on the Keystone XL SDEIS, deserve to know their government is doing proper due diligence on their behalf. Its time to put the rubber stamp down and wait for the facts to come in. Anthony Swift is an Attorney for the National Resource Defense Councils International Program. He writes for a blog with NRDC on curbing pollution, health and the environment, and moving beyond oil.
May/June 2011

6 | ACTION REVIEW

Farmer to Farmer Classifieds


Wanted: Twin screw, rolled tarp truck able to haul 500 to 600 bushels of wheat before harvest. Call Albert Hoff at 605-244-5417. For Sale: Muddy Pumpkin Farms is offering harvest season shares for our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Visit www.muddypumpkin. com for more information For Sale: Hillside Prairie Gardens is offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares for the Brookings area. Visit www.prairiegrown.com for more information. For Sale: Past issues of periodicals from sustainable, organic, etc. organizations and entrepreneurs. Send five dollars for postage and you will receive a sample of each. Payment can be sent to: Tom Neuberger 45052 260th St. Canistota, SD 57012 or call 605-296-3314. Wanted: Used chest freezers. Call Tom or Ruth Neuberger at 605-296-3314. For Sale: Country Living 10.5 acres. Two homes: 1536 sq. ft. (7 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath) and 472 sq. ft. (rental, office, workshop) 272 sq. ft. sun porch with 52 gallon Jacuzzi tub; 14 x 22 garage; many updates; new flooring, cabinets, siding, windows, electric; tranquil and senic; captivating sunsets and stargazing, stream, pond, room for expansion (garden, vineyards, animals) 2 mi. north of Hayti, SD, 18 mi. south of Watertown. Call Steve at 605-783-3744. For Sale: Untreated hay. Square bale, real straw (chaff) including early cut oats and field peas that could have feed value, older hay from last year. $2.50/bale for new hay. $2.00/bale for older hay. Small delivery charge will be added depending on distance. Contact Bill at wjp@swcp.com or by phone at 605-629-3000.

Recruit new members as part of the:

Help DRA grow!

Membership

July

Drive!
For every new member YOU recruit, your name will be put in a hat. At the end of July, two names will be drawn, and the winners will have their choice of one of two prizes:

a $100 Gift Certificate to the SD Local Foods Co-op or a $100 Gift Certificate to Apple/iTunes.
Our goal is to recruit 60 new members in the month of July. More members means more minds and hands to accomplish DRAs goals. Tell your neighbors, friends, church, book club, co-workers to join!

DRA provides a Farmer Exchange classified section in its bi-monthly newsletter. Criteria for classifieds include: o Must be a DRA member o Must pertain to farm-related exchanges. This could include: o Farmers seeking interns or interns seeking farmers o On-farm services needed or offered o Farm tools/equipment for sale or needed o Farmers seeking or selling land o Other farm-related issues The classifieds are meant to connect farmers, especially beginning and small farmers to a network of resources available throughout the state. People have already found success with this resource! Submit your listing now! Listings for the next newsletter can be submitted by calling 605697-5204 or emailing hollyt@dakotarural.org by June 31st.

Email Anna Leisa when you recruit new members!


annaleisa@dakotarural.org. Or contact her with questions about how to recruit!

VOLUME 24, NUMBER 3

ACTION REVIEW | 7

July

CALENDAR

August

July 4 -- Office closed for Independence Day July 14 -- Board Meeting West River July 15 -- Co-op Order Cycle Closes July 20-23 -- POCO training in Brookings July 22 -- Co-op Producer Drop-Off July 23 -- Co-op Consumer Pick-Up

August 12 -- Co-op Order Cycle Closes August 13 -- FarmAid concert in Kansas City August 19 -- Co-op Producer Drop-Off August 20 -- Co-op Consumer Pick-Up

If youd like tr aining on ho w to engage o to achieve go thers als, join us fo r POCO (Prin in your community Organizing T ciples of Com raining), July munity Call the offic 20-23 in Bro e or check ou okings. r website for 605.697.5204 an applicatio . www.dakota n. rural.org.

www.dakotarural.org P.O. Box 549 | Brookings, SD 57006 Tel 605.697.5204 | Fax 605.697.6230
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 53 BROOKINGS, SD 57006

Address Service Requested

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