Electric Co-op Today

U.S. farmers are using about 28 percent less energy than they were a generation ago, but additional savings are possible for those who upgrade their equipment and modify their operations. 

Efficient LED fixtures in a dairy barn in Oklahoma draw electricity from the distribution lines of Southeastern Electric Co-op. (Photo By: Brian Sloboda/CRN)

That’s according to “Managing Energy Costs in Agriculture,” a new report available from the Cooperative Research Network. The independent research provider, E Source, examined crop production practices and found that efficiency measures that reduce energy costs can make a real impact. 

“Direct energy accounts for 5 to 7 percent of farm expenditures,” said Brian Sloboda, a CRN program manager. “Farmers like to test new technology, but it can be awfully tough sometimes to gauge the total savings improvements may bring.” 

A frequent challenge to maximizing savings is the incremental way improvements are adopted. For example, lighting improvements might be made in portions of an operation, or new equipment might be pressed into service alongside older, less efficient machinery. 

“One dairy operator told me recently it could be five or six years before she will replace the lighting in all of her barns,” Sloboda said. “Costs are almost always a concern, and co-op energy advisors may need to keep working with agricultural consumer-members to encourage them to implement cost-saving recommendations over time.” 

The E Source report looks at both short- and long-term solutions. They include controlling lighting, ventilation and temperatures in outbuildings; stepping up maintenance on fans, motors and pumps; and adjusting drying and irrigation equipment. In some cases, older equipment can be rebuilt to improve efficiency. 

“Sometimes buying a new motor to replace one that is 30 or 40 years old will save money in the long run,” Sloboda said. “Farmers talk to each other, so if some of the most knowledgeable farmers in your service territory see the savings that come from your recommendations, word will spread quickly.” 

CRN is making the report available to NRECA member cooperatives. Energy advisors and member services staffers can share the information directly with farmers in their service territories and use the report to open talks on efficiency and conservation, Sloboda said. 

“There are lots of opportunities for efficiency on the farm, and farmers want to save money. When you can help make that happen, you will be making one of your key accounts happy.”

Tags: Cooperative Research Network, Energy Audit, Energy Conservation