Dairy Farms Efficiency Checklist:
Do you use variable speed vacuum pumps on your milking machines?
Your vacuum pump is a major energy user. Variable speed controllers can cut your vacuum system energy costs in half.
Do you use a water-cooled plate cooler?
This technology will save money by reducing the number of hours your compressor operates, help cool milk faster, and reduce milk agitation. Plate coolers, also known as plate heat exchangers, use well water to cool milk as it moves from the milking system to the bulk tank.
How do you heat your water?
You may want to consider installing a heat recovery system, which would use the heat from your compressor to pre-heat water. This can cut your water heating costs in half.
Use a timer on your water heater so the water is the right temperature only when you need it
Are you recycling?
Investigate availability of water recycling equipment, and look into anaerobic digestion of manure for green energy and reduced odour.
Are your fans working for you?
Effective and efficient fans can improve production and save money. HVLS (high volume, low speed) fans are an efficient way to move large amounts of air and make less noise than standard fans.
Remember to clean the fans.
Are your lights energy efficient?
If not, consider T8 fluorescent lamps in a barn stall or pulse start metal halide lights in a free stall facility. Replacing older incandescent light bulbs and fixtures with energy efficient ones can save up to 75 percent on lighting costs.
Use dimmers and motion sensors on your barn lights
Are you considering switching to long-day lighting?
Some dairy operations are choosing to employ long-day lighting practices, or photoperiod control, in their barns. Studies have shown that this process of exposing cows to supplemental light can increase milk production by between 5 percent and 16 percent.
Do you have a plan in place for replacing failed equipment?
By developing an equipment replacement plan you can be ready when equipment fails. Specifying premium efficiency motors, scroll compressors, or blower style vacuum pumps will allow you to receive the benefits of energy efficiency, when your equipment does require replacement. Don’t get stuck with inefficient equipment that you may use for the next 20 years. Let your vendors know you want to purchase the most efficient equipment that makes economic sense for your application.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your machinery and equipment
Are there other sources of energy available?
Are there opportunities for using wind or solar energy (powering electric fences and water pumps)?
Sources: Dairy farm efficiency checklist from www.efficiencyMAINE.com and 25 Quick On-Farm Energy Saving Tips by Elin Gwyn at OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Canada)
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