MCTC project could help Ky. farmers, energy producers
By MISTY MAYNARD, Staff Writer
Taking their cue from a pilot project the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture started, Maysville Community and Technical College plans to plant switchgrass on five acres of the campus to discover whether it might prove to be another way farmers can diversify their agricultural operations and be used as a biofuel for power plants.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative is partnering with UK in the pilot program and Carrie Taylor, associate professor and horticulture coordinator for Workforce Solutions at MCTC, said she hopes to sell the switchgrass harvested at MCTC to power plants like EKPC. Switchgrass is mixed with coal feedstock to fuel power plants.
Dennis Perry, instructional specialist for agriculture at the Rowan campus of the community college, actually suggested the project to Taylor. He said he learned of UK's project and decided that since there was so much space on the Maysville campus, it would be a good location for a similar project.
"The ultimate goal of this is to help create a new product that can be raised on farms," Perry said.
In addition to being used as a biofuel, switchgrass can be used as feed for livestock.
Diversification is important, Taylor said, especially in light of the changes to the tobacco industry. Farmers interested in trying switchgrass can visit the campus and learn about the crop and it's maintenance.
Taylor said switchgrass is a perennial native to Kentucky and relatively easy to maintain. She will monitor it for diseases, fungus and other potentially harmful factors with the assistance of inmates from the Mason County Detention Center. Those inmates are involved in a horticulture work program and take part in other projects as well.
Taylor endorsed the switchgrass project as something that engages many from the community, including farm supply companies and small business owners, which are often interconnected. They are working with the advisement of UK and partnering with extension offices, Taylor said.
Perry and Taylor were not sure how much five acres could yield or the price switchgrass could sell for.
Taylor said the switchgrass will be harvested likely after its second year when it is five to six feet tall. It will likely be planted in the spring and has a 20-year life cycle, Taylor said.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 272.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative is partnering with UK in the pilot program and Carrie Taylor, associate professor and horticulture coordinator for Workforce Solutions at MCTC, said she hopes to sell the switchgrass harvested at MCTC to power plants like EKPC. Switchgrass is mixed with coal feedstock to fuel power plants.
Dennis Perry, instructional specialist for agriculture at the Rowan campus of the community college, actually suggested the project to Taylor. He said he learned of UK's project and decided that since there was so much space on the Maysville campus, it would be a good location for a similar project.
"The ultimate goal of this is to help create a new product that can be raised on farms," Perry said.
In addition to being used as a biofuel, switchgrass can be used as feed for livestock.
Diversification is important, Taylor said, especially in light of the changes to the tobacco industry. Farmers interested in trying switchgrass can visit the campus and learn about the crop and it's maintenance.
Taylor said switchgrass is a perennial native to Kentucky and relatively easy to maintain. She will monitor it for diseases, fungus and other potentially harmful factors with the assistance of inmates from the Mason County Detention Center. Those inmates are involved in a horticulture work program and take part in other projects as well.
Taylor endorsed the switchgrass project as something that engages many from the community, including farm supply companies and small business owners, which are often interconnected. They are working with the advisement of UK and partnering with extension offices, Taylor said.
Perry and Taylor were not sure how much five acres could yield or the price switchgrass could sell for.
Taylor said the switchgrass will be harvested likely after its second year when it is five to six feet tall. It will likely be planted in the spring and has a 20-year life cycle, Taylor said.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 272.
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