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Energy efficiency for farms, fields, and rural families.

Rural America carries a large share of the nation’s energy costs. Rural households often spend a higher percentage of their incomes on home energy than their urban counterparts — and face even higher transportation energy burdens due to longer distances and limited public transit options. Farms and agricultural operations, among the most energy-intensive businesses in the economy, face high costs that efficiency investments can reduce. ACEEE has spent decades working to change that.

ACEEE’s work on agriculture and rural communities spans research, policy advocacy, and direct engagement with states, utilities, and federal agencies. We helped develop the Energy Title of the 2002 Farm Bill and have continued to advise Congress on subsequent updates. Our research documents rural energy burdens and identifies the policy and program designs that best serve rural households, agricultural producers, and rural institutions. 

From precision agriculture to manufactured home upgrades, from rural weatherization to cooperative utility partnerships, ACEEE identifies the opportunities that help rural communities use energy more efficiently — and make the savings last.

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Trending Video

Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting

Video: Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting


What happens when a dairy farmer gets frustrated with equipment that isn’t doing its job? In this episode, we sit down with Horning Manufacturing founder Leon Horning to hear how a problem in the feed bunk led to a globally recognized forage equipment company.

Born out of a third-generation dairy operation in Pennsylvania, Horning Manufacturing started with one goal: helping cows get more nutrition from silage. Leon shares how his father, Leon Sr., built the first kernel processor rolls in the family farm shop after seeing whole corn kernels pass through cows undigested — costing valuable feed efficiency and milk production.

We explore the company’s journey from a side project on the farm to an international manufacturer serving dairy farmers, beef operators, and custom harvesters around the world. Along the way, Leon discusses the evolution of pull-type forage harvesters, the engineering behind Horning’s “plug-and-play” kernel processor kits, and why reducing downtime during harvest can make or break a season.

The conversation also dives into Horning’s row-independent corn heads, practical equipment design, real-world customer stories, and how innovations born in the field continue to shape the company today.

Whether you’re a producer, equipment enthusiast, or simply love stories of grassroots innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one farm family turned necessity into industry-changing technology.

Contact Horning Manufacturing today at 717-354-5040
https://www.horningmfg.com/