Dairy Farm Energy Management Handbook - Wisconsin Department ...

For example, numerous equipment upgrade options exist which can be
applied in a fairly short time. Better and more efficient lighting fixtures, high
efficiency water heaters and electric motors are just a few examples of what
choices are available to you today.
Making those choices is also fairly simple because research and studies have
closely examined energy usage on farms and evaluated what changes make
the best economic sense in terms of payback.
A proactive plan to regularly check or service equipment and make necessary
repairs on a scheduled basis will more than pay for itself when compared to
having to do the same work in a crisis or hurried situation.
The general rule is that for every dollar spent on preventive maintenance, you
will save at least five dollars in subsequent expenses. (1)
Better energy management can also impact milk production in a positive way,
as well as help you increase net returns in dairying by keeping equipment
operating at optimal conditions.
Good energy management also makes sense from a safety standpoint,
especially when it involves examining and maintaining the wiring system to
keep it in top-notch condition. For example, some insurance industry reports
have shown that more than 12% of farm fire losses (property and personal
injuries) involve the electrical system.
This is why you’re strongly encouraged to take advantage of the utility’s
expertise in evaluating your existing wiring infrastructure and electrical
equipment to make sure that it’s safe, up-to-date, and operating efficiently and
properly.
In Wisconsin, all utilities offer a combination of rebates, grants and loans to
help offset the cost for rewiring agricultural facilities.
While every aspect of energy management can’t be covered here, this
handbook will attempt to highlight some important points about farm energy
audits, wiring, cooling milk and water heating, ventilation, lighting and electric
motors. They all represent key areas to consider in your quest to manage and
conserve energy.
In addition, you will also find key contact and resource information in the
appendix section at the back of this handbook, if you wish to pursue energy
topics in more detail.
Note: This Dairy Farm Energy Management Handbook was prepared by Karl Ohm, an
agricultural and natural resource journalist/photographer, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., in
cooperation with the WDATCP and the Rural Energy Management Council (REMC).