How to slash the energy costs on your dairy farm
Night rate electricity costs about €0.08/kWh compared to the day rate of €0.16/kWh. Night rate runs from midnights until 9am in summer time, and from 11pm to 8am during the winter months.
Switching appliances to night time electricity, such as the water heater which typically takes six hours to fully heat water, can potentially halve water heating costs.
Further appliances can be put on timers, eg ice bank coolers and work off night rate electricity.
Hot water supplies on farms are an essential for cleaning the milking parlour and bulk tanks etc.
Chlorine-free detergents will be mandatory in the near future, incresing the requirement for hot water.
Insulating pipes and water cylinders is a simple and cost effect option for keeping hot water warm for longer.
The table (right) shows the average cost of heating water.
Heat recovery systems use heat generated off the compressors on the bulk tank to heat water up to 60°C and store it in a buffer tank.
The heated water is then transferred into a water heater, and warmed further.
The heated water from the buffer tank can be warm enough for feeding milk replacer to calves.
Cooling milk equates to nearly a third of energy costs on farms.
The running costs for bulk tanks vary greatly between farms. Energy requirements can vary, primarily due to the temperature of the milk when entering the tank or
System Type
Day-rate electricity Night-rate electricity Gas-fired systems Oil-fired systems compressors not working correctly. The tank thermostat needs to be working properly; having a 1°C inaccuracy can increase the bulk tank running costs.
A plate cooler which is working correctly, with adequate supplies of water, can play a significant role when cooling milk.
The aim of the plate cooler is to reduce the temperature of the milk to within 5°C of well water temperature.
This can be achieved by having a plate cooler large enough to cope with the milk pumped through it and also having a large pipe supplying cold water.
Avoid unnecessary water usage by placing a solenoid water valve on the plate meter.
This valve allows water to flow through the plate meter the same time milk is being pumped and shuts off water supply when milk is not being pumped through the plate cooler.
Solar PV panels can be placed on roofs of sheds/milking parlour and used to heat water or create electricity, while producing zero emissions.
They can deliver a good return on investment over a number of years.
Yard and shed lighting is very important on all farms to provide a safe working environment, especially in the winter months with short daylight hours.
LED light bulbs are more economical to run than traditional lighting systems. Dust can build up around light covers so clean them as this will allow more light to shine.
Take a look at all electrical appliances, ensuring that they are functioning correctly.
On efficient farms energy costs are €15 per cow; on less efficient farms they can rise to €45 per cow. The average across Ireland is €37 per cow