Energy efficiency on agenda at open day
Based on farm studies, researchers concluded that the average cost of electricity measured on 21 commercial farms in 2010 was 0.43 cent per litre. But the cost varied from 0.23 cent to 0.76 cent per litre, resulting in some farmers spending €1,500 more on energy than others.
The main uses of electricity are milk cooling and water heating. Night rate electricity can be used to plate cool a high percentage of morning milk to within three degrees of the incoming water temperature. This offers potential to save €700, in a 100-cow herd.
Energy savings can also be made by fixing hot water leaks, insulating pipes, and using lights only when necessary.
Investments in plate cooling, piping and wells are also worthwhile.
