The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates farmers could save $88 million annually by investing in efficient motors and lighting. How can Iowa farmers reap efficiency benefits?
EnSave, a national agricultural energy efficiency firm, provides a pyramid of steps farmers can take to cut down energy use. The greatest savings come from deploying more efficient equipment, although behavioral changes and a simple analysis of how energy is consumed can result in significant savings, too.
Equipped to save Each farm—dairy, poultry, beef, hog, or crop—offers opportunities for efficiency improvements. For example:
Clean equipment: Removing dust, soot, and debris from equipment will allow it to do more work with less effort, extending its life and reducing energy use.
Inspect regularly: Equipment should be checked regularly. Replace parts that are showing excessive wear before they break and cause irreparable damage.
Plug leaks: Be it a pinprick hole in a hose or a drafty barn, leaks waste money, fuel, and electricity.
Remove clutter: Hoses should be regularly flushed to clear debris. Ensure fan and motor intakes and exhausts remain clutter-free for maximum circulation and efficiency.