As I mentioned in last fridays entry if you are a food producer or farmer you know that energy costs make up a significant proportion of your expenses. This section of the blog advises you on ways to reduce your energy spend. Today I am going to zone in on renewable energy on dairy farming and pig farming.
Renewable Energy and Dairy Farming
An adequate and reliable supply of hot water is an essential element in the production of high quality milk on any dairy farm. Water used for cleaning milking systems and bulk milk storage tanks must be available in adequate quantities and at required temperatures for each cleaning process. Failure to have adequate supplies of hot water at required temperatures can lead to rapid increases in bacterial contamination and subsequent reduction in milk quality. According to Teagasc water heating accounts for one fifth of energy consumption on a dairy farm. Hot water requirements vary from farm-to-farm; therefore, different renewable energy solutions may suit different sites .One of the most suitable solutions for heating water on a dairy farm is air to water heat pumps.
Air to Water Heat Pump
You may be eligible for a Teagasc Dairy Hygiene Grant to help finance your heat pump installation. The Dairy Hygiene Scheme aims to assist dairy farmers in upgrading the dairying facilities on their farms, to ensure continued adherence to EU standards and to further improve on-farm dairy hygiene standards to meet consumer hygiene demands. The installation of new dairy equipment, in either a new or upgraded dairy, including: -Water Heater
http://www.teagasc.ie/environment/schemes/hygiene1_scheme.asp
Renewable Energy and Pig Farming
According to Teagasc, typically a 1000 sow integrated pig unit (i.e. rearing pigs from birth to slaughter) will spend over €80,000 each year on fuel and electricity (often recorded as heat/power/light) for the production of pigs. Therefore, it makes sense to look at renewable energy as a way of reducing your energy spends.
Electricity costs can be reduced through erecting a wind turbine.
Heating costs can be reduced using Biomass