Farm Energy Audits are now available in New Jersey

Residences and commercial establishments can receive energy audits.

Now, New Jersey farms can too!

The North and South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Councils just trained five individuals to collect data for Farm Energy Audits. The training was performed by EnSave, Inc, who will process the data collected and create the final audit report. This report will show farmers where and how they can reduce their energy use.

The three day training focused on dairy and greenhouse farm operations, as these operations have the greatest potential for energy savings as a result of an audit. However, farm audits can be conducted on any type of farm. Steve Faust, trainer and EnSave president said “We have found typical dairy operations can save hundreds to thousands of dollars in energy costs if they follow the recommendations of our energy audit. Indeed, most upgrades we recommend have a return on investment of less than 5 years.”

Dairy farmers, Robert Fulper Sr. , Robert Fulper Jr., and Breanna Fulper surround
Steve Faust as he explains the Audit process to the Data Collector trainees,
Mike Infante and Alan Midkiff on the right.

“Greenhouse operation savings likewise vary. In small operations, where there may not be much of a savings opportunity I take the time to talk to owner and advise them where they can save a few bucks. While, in medium to large operations, the savings are often in the thousands of dollars range. In these situations, the cost of an audit is well worth it.” Steve continued.

REAP Information and application material

Farm energy audits are required for farmers applying for energy grants over $50,000 with the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program received $55 million this year, over twice what it received last year. Rural Development is accepting applications for audits through July 31, 2009.

John Swanekamp, Kube Pak Vice President, discusses
the underground heat system used in his greenhouse.

The training was supported in part through a Conservation Innovation Grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

To discuss how your farm might benefit from an audit, contact EnSave at (800) 732-1399, or Ken Taaffe, South Jersey RC&D, at (609) 267-0811 x110.