Researchers shed light on energy usage

With the huge rise in energy costs, energy efficiency is receiving a lot of attention.

Based on research and farm studies, the findings of Moorepark researchers are as follows: The average cost of electricity measured on 21 commercial dairy farms in 2010 was 0.43c per litre of milk produced. These costs varied from 0.23c to 0.76c per litre — more than €1,500 of a difference on average farms.

Milk cooling and water heating consumes the most electricity. Plate cooling milk to within three degrees of the temperature of the incoming water can enable cooling a high percentage of morning milk at night rate electricity cost. Proper plate cooling can save as much as €700 in a 100-cow herd.