8 Questions That Could Save Money For Dairy Farms – AG Matters

With no price jump seen in coming milk prices, many farmers are looking for ways to cut expenses. Mary Wrege, an Energy Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, says an energy audit could find ways to save money. A simple 8 question checklist could provide lots of answers.

You can use this form, adapted from University of Missouri Extension, to determine if there are potential energy savings for your farm that could be captured in an energy audit. If you have one or more item(s) that can be answered “yes”, an energy audit may be needed for your farm.

• Are you using incandescent lights, standard metal halide lamps, mercury vapor lamps, halogen lamps, or older T12 fluorescent fixtures? ___Yes ___No

• Do you have a single phase vacuum pump rather than a variable speed drive? ___Yes___No

• Do you lack a water pre-cooler? ___Yes ___No

• Do you have single phase milk transfer pump rather than variable speed drive? ___Yes___No

• Do you have reciprocating compressors rather than scroll compressors? ___Yes ___No

• Do you lack a Compressor Heat Recovery (CHR) for your water heater? ___Yes ___No

• Are some of your circulation fans older than 10 years? ___Yes ___No

• Are there large motors on the farm that are old and run for more than 6 hours a day? ___Yes ___No
Once you have filled out this form, you are welcome to discuss the results with Mary Wrege.  You can call 736-3394 ext 131 or email  mpw57@cornell.edu

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Mary Wrege