Renewables are saving farmers time, money and effort while drastically reducing their carbon footprint, and one farmer believes it's time farmers considered the cost of not investing in them.
On-farm renewable energy solutions are being utilised in a variety of different farming industries including dairy, beef and horticulture.
Dairies, which often use energy at off-peak solar times, are making the most out of cheap energy from the sun.
Keemin Energy Solutions principal John Cutler has been busy helping dairies across Victoria utilise renewable energy to save them massive amounts of money, time and effort.
Mr Cutler said for a typical dairy, two thirds of power consumption went towards hot water usage and refrigeration.
“You can use solar in the middle of the day to chill water for free, then use that in your afternoon milking to bring down your milk temperature to six degrees to deliver to the vat, improving the quality of the bacteria in the milk,” he said.
“You can also get heat recovery on refrigeration allowing you to deliver 55 degree hot water for free.
“You do have to use supplementary heating for sterilisation but you’re only lifting the temperature from 55 as opposed to 15 degrees, so the energy consumption is smashed.”
Mr Cutler said dairy farmers could install these "dead cheap" thermal recovery and solar systems for free using government grants and subsidies.
“We develop a finance package which means the farmer doesn’t have to find any money at all because it’s on a lease program, and the cost of the lease is covered by the savings so it’s self-funded.”
But Mr Cutler said there are some barriers.
“The problem facing dairy farmers is they’ve been smashed financially for a long time, they have low cash reserves and are apprehensive as to reinvesting in their business,” he said.
“The other problem is that they’re that bloody tired — they work seven days a week — so it’s difficult to have the opportunity to sit down and plan this stuff, it’s difficult.
“But they have to force themselves to make that time.”
To get in contact with Keemin Energy Solutions, call 5368 2001.
For more information about renewable farming, visit: farmersforclimateaction.org.au