Ozarks Region energy alternatives study. Working paper III. Agricultural energy requirements

This Working Paper examines the agricultural energy-consumption patterns by state in the Ozarks Region. Estimates of current energy consumption by type of fuel and by type of crop are developed from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Energy Data Base. Projections of energy requirements are made using the U.S.D.A.'s assumptions regarding future growth patterns for three alternative scenarios, and a brief discussion of projected agricultural energy needs by fuel by state is presented. Potential measures for energy conservation and/or substitution are identified, particularly as they relate to the use of natural gas in agriculture. Recommendations related to development of better and more-detailed information and for agricultural energy conservation and substitution are presented.