Energy Efficiency

This series of lessons is designed for farmers that would like to increase the energy efficiency of their farm and processes. It features tutorials on farm building efficiency, outdoor lighting, irrigation efficiency, solar, small-scale wind, and biodiesel. This tutorial includes the following lessons: Introduction to Energy Efficiency, Farm Building Efficiency, Irrigation Efficiency, Solar Electricity, Small Scale Wind, and Biodiesel.

See also: Solar-Powered Livestock Watering Systems.

A collection of resources on farm energy efficiency and conservation topics, including farm buildings, greenhouses, livestock production and buildings, farm equipment, crop systems, irrigation, or the food system.  Resources include publications, factsheets, checklists, tip sheets, Web links, and FAQs.

Links to publications and resources on farm energy use, farm alternative energy, fuel efficiency, motor efficiency, irrigation efficiency, farm building efficiency, and greenhouse efficiency.

The energy conservation and efficiency section covers topics including Conserving Fuel on the Farm, Reducing Nitrogen Fertilizer and Indirect Energy Usage, Reducing Food Miles, Dairy Farm Energy Efficiency, and Irrigation Efficiency.

"Are you looking for ways to cut your energy bill and stay competitive? If you're a dairy farmer, efficient energy use is critical to keeping your farm competitive in today's environment."

Four online "Energy Estimator" tools are available "to increase energy awareness in agriculture."  The tools "help farmers and ranchers identify where they can reduce energy costs" related to animal housing operations, irrigation systems, nitrogen use, and tillage systems.

Covers topics including energy efficiency research and technologies, building guidelines, regulations, codes and standards, current news and events for homes, businesses and institutions.

Information for businesses, homes, institutions, governments, Native American tribes and the transportation sector to help assess energy performance and improve weather resistance in buildings and homes.

This checklist identifies greenhouse design characteristics, "improved heating and ventilating equipment and new management systems" that can be used for conservation and efficient use of facilities to reduce costs in a greenhouse operation.

This Website on agricultural energy efficiency covers "energy conservation for dairy farms, grain drying, irrigation, crop storage (potatoes in particular), aquaculture, greenhouses, maple syrup production, lighting and the Wisconsin Agricultural Re-wiring program."