MEDIA CONTACT:
Robyn Nowak
Hoffman York
(414) 225-9520
rnowak@hyc.com
– Information about energy efficient equipment for Spanish speaking dairy farmers –
MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 6, 2009) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, has worked to make valuable information about energy efficient dairy equipment and processes available to the Spanish-speaking community. Through project funding provided by the USDA Risk Management Agency, Focus translated four fact sheets into Spanish and made them available on its Web site.
The fact sheets were originally created in English through the Focus on Energy Program to help Wisconsin farmers understand the financial and environmental benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy. As more and more Spanish-speaking people joined the dairy industry, it became imperative to translate the fact sheets.
“Wisconsin has a great opportunity to provide education for the people who are an integral part of the dairy industry and future of farming,” said Rich Hackner, sector manager for the Focus on Energy Agriculture and Rural Business Program. “We recognize that educating Wisconsin’s farm professionals will benefit not only the farming community but ensures Wisconsin’s agricultural future.”
The fact sheets have been distributed to the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) for their Calf Care Workshop for Hispanic Employees which was held Dec. 2 and 3, 2008 and for their upcoming Milker Training for Hispanic Employees being held Feb. 4 and 5, 2009; to Southwest Technical College for their Hispanic Labor Management to be held Feb. 17, 2009; and to the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) for general distribution.
The translation of the fact sheets are part of a larger program called The Wisconsin Beginning and Minority Farmer Outreach & Assistance Program which helps women, Hmongs and Hispanics new to the farming industry access risk management information that can help their farm enterprises be more profitable and more sustainable. The program offers assistance through one-on-one meetings, workshops, as well as referrals to agencies that can be of help. The program includes two Hmong and two Spanish-speaking outreach specialists and is funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency. For more information regarding the program, contact Kathy Schmitt, Wisconsin Farm Center at (800) 942-2474.
Collaborating partners in Wisconsin for the project include: Wisconsin Farm Center; WI Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection; USDA Farm Service Agency; UW Extension; Focus on Energy; UW-Madison Environmental Resources Center; UW Center for Dairy Profitability and the Fondy Food Center.
To access the Spanish technical fact sheets online, visit focusonenergy.com/agfactsheets or for more information about energy-saving opportunities for farmers, call Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077.
About the Wisconsin Beginning and Minority Farmer Outreach and Assistance Program
The Wisconsin Beginning and Minority Farmer Outreach & Assistance Program is funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency and helps beginning, women, Hmong and Hispanic farmers access risk management information that can help their farm enterprises be more profitable and more sustainable. For more information on the project, contact Kathy Schmitt, Wisconsin Farm Center at 1-800-942-2474.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com .
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