We know how important it is to keep your costs down when running your farm, so here are some great tips for being more energy efficient - and reduce your energy bills.

On the Farm

• Record your monthly consumption and compare it to your past consumption and production records. Large variations in energy use provide an early warning of any problems.
• Consider upgrading to the most energy efficient light bulbs for your operation.
• Consider if using electricity at off-peak times could work for your operation. Depending on your agreed pricing tariff, this could reduce your energy costs.

For the Dairy Shed

• For your milking system, investigate installing a variable speed drive (VSD) to maintain your vacuum pump at a constant level.
• Use a plate pre-cooler for milk chilling, while a secondary cooler combined with a refrigerator heat recovery unit can offer additional heat recovery opportunities.

For the Field and Orchard

• If you are currently using valves to control the flow of water, discuss installing a variable speed drive (VSD) with your irrigation system consultant. This will match the power requirement to what is required to deliver the water volume.
• Use gravity supply where possible to eliminate the need for pumping water.
• Use a soil moisture sensor or a professional service to schedule your irrigation applications.