Dairy farmers saving on energy costs

Dairy farmers are saving up to $30,000 per year from their energy bill by making simple and effective changes to energy use.

Dairy Australia’s new resource, Saving energy on dairy farms, equips farmers to tackle the rising cost of electricity on-farm as dairy shed energy costs have increased by as much as 89 per cent in some regions over the past decade.

With hot water, milk cooling and milk harvesting accounting for a combined 80 per cent of farm energy use, the new resource breaks down how to achieve savings in each of these key areas.

Dairy Australia program manager Alison Kelly said Saving energy on dairy farms was designed for all dairy farmers concerned about rising costs and energy security.

“Electricity is a major but unavoidable cost for dairy farms,” Mrs Kelly said.

“Real opportunities exist for dairy farmers to better control their energy costs and prepare for potential impacts on power supply.”

The booklet provides farmers with a straightforward checklist to reduce their electricity bill by reviewing their dairy shed energy use.

Potential questions are also suggested for farmers to ask when seeking a supplier for an independent energy audit or potential energy efficiency upgrades.

Since 2012, 21 per cent of dairy farms have conducted an assessment of their energy. Audits showed 40 per cent of farms could save up to $10,000 per year, and five per cent could to save up to $29,000 per year, if all energy efficiency measures were implemented.

South Australian dairy farmer Michael Connor said energy audits are an important step forward for dairy farmers facing rising costs.

“By conducting an energy audit on my farm last year, I was able to better understand the on and off peak energy system in South Australia, meaning I saved money by adjusting my milking and irrigation routine,” Mr Connor said.

Renewable energy use on farm is a major focus of the resource, with alternative energy sources and storage options outlined in detail.

Dairy farmers can access the resources by visiting the website www.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/energy or contacting their local regional development program.

Five things farmers could be doing to save energy:

1. Understand their energy use and identify any leaks

2. Understand the breakdown of costs on their energy bill

3. Consider opportunities to shift energy use to off peak

4. Maximise operational efficiencies in their existing dairy system

5. Consider offsetting remaining energy needs through renewables

Market report for 19th December Wednesday Fat Sale 71 head.

71 head this Wednesday for the Christmas combined sale. Top vealer making 301.2 cents per kg. The good cattle sold well. Steers sold to 267.6 cents. Heifers to 278.6 cents. Cows sold to 210 cents.

The average per head of 71 cattle yarded was $853.74.

Vealers 4 Lim 6 Bld 1 Lim Steers 1 Sim 1 B/B 1 Sim Heifers 1 Sim 1 Lim Cows 1 Ang E Bishop, Ellinbank 520 210.0 2 Ang E Bishop, Ellinbank 560 199.6 1 Jsy Taylor Dairy, Nilma Nth 425 144.6 Bobby calf sale 7th January. Fat sale 9th January. Merry Christmas to all.

PL&HE Hatswell, N/East 386 RP&GR Schuhkraft, C/ders 415 BE Brown, Darnum 310

MJ&GM Cummins, Wgl Cassidy Fry, Bunyip MJ&GM Cummins, Wgl

MJ&GM Cummins, Wgl MJ&GM Cummins, Wgl

475 450 495

475 495

301.2 1163 294.6 1222 270.0 837

267.6 264.2 261.6

278.6 257.6

1190 1188 1242

1323 1275

1092 1117 614

1. Elders, 2. NGL, 3.

Landmark, 4. SEJ, 5. Scotts. We have a Facebook page. Like and follow us on VLE Warragul.