Energy efficiency tips for farming

Why reduce energy consumption?
Reducing your energy consumption and using the energy you receive more efficiently will save you money!

Lower energy costs associated with reduced consumption will improve the economic bottom line of your business and help you to run a more efficient operation.

Agriculture and energy are two of the largest emitting sectors in New Zealand. Since 1990 emissions from the energy sector have increased by 35%, largely due to increased CO2 from road transport and thermal electricity generation using natural gas and coal.

Therefore, a good way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is through reducing the demand for energy and improving energy efficiency.

So what can I do to make changes?
I'm a dairy farmer and water heating uses the most electricity in a dairy shed. 

• Insulate your hot water cylinder with a wrap and insulate pipes near the cylinder.
• Use correctly sized hot water cylinders.
• Turn off the water heater until 4 hours or so before you need the hot water by installing a timer.
• Using electricity at off-peak times can significantly reduce power costs.
• Use cold water for wash-downs once per day. The other washes need to be at 80°C to achieve adequate sanitation.
• Consider installing a heat recovery unit.
• Use plate coolers to pre-cool milk before it enters the vat.
• Regularly maintain refrigeration equipment:
  • Regularly service refrigeration units.
  • Keep condensing coils free of obstructions and dust ensure a clear air flow.
  • Situate freezers and refrigerators as far away as possible from heat sources.
  • Ensure freezers and refrigerators are fully loaded whenever possible.

I'm an irrigator.

• Use gravity supply where possible because pumping water costs money.
• Correctly match the pump to the system requirements, rather than throttling a system with a gate valve.
• Monitor and track water use and demand with a meter.
• Use a soil moisture sensor or a professional service to schedule your irrigation application.
• Irrigate little and often – do not irrigate below the active root zone.
• Where appropriate, use mulching and/or shelter belts to conserve applied water.
• Ensure pumps are regularly maintained and any leaks repaired promptly.