increase font size
A programme launched last year to help dairy farmers cut energy costs, is open to more recruits.
Under the programme, qualifying dairy farmers get grants towards installing heat recovery systems in the milking shed. These systems cut electricity bills by around a third, by 'capturing' waste heat from refrigeration and re-using it to heat water used for washing down the dairy shed.
Run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the government agency that works to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses, the programme has attracted 18 farms. The programme plans to assist the installation of around 40 systems, so there is room for a further 22 recruits.
"Heat recovery from the milk refrigeration system is a great opportunity for dairy farmers to reduce electricity costs and improve productivity," says EECA business industrial programme manager Rod Treder.
"Heat recovery is one of the best ways for dairy farmers to improve their energy use, productivity and bottom line.
"Clearly the drought has been very tough for many dairy farmers. Installing new heat recovery equipment might not be top of mind, but the savings achieved through heat recovery build year-on-year, helping make farm businesses more resilient."
EECA BUSINESS research shows a wide variation in milking shed energy efficiency, with some operations using three times more electricity per cow than others. Heat recovery is usually the most cost-effective way to reduce energy costs.
On average, heat recovery saves farmers around $6,000 in electricity costs every year, with a payback of around 2 years. Generally, the larger the herd the shorter the payback period.
To take part in the Shed Heat Recovery programme, farmers should contact one of four contracted providers around the country.
Nationwide:
Climatemaster - www.climatemaster.co.nz
North Island:
Maverick Energy - www.maverickenergy.co.nz
South Island:
Dairycool - www.dairycool.co.nz
Waitaki Refrigeration - www.waitakirefrigeration.co.nz
For more information see www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/dairy-shed-heat-recovery
OPINION: You would've missed this one if you rely on mainstream media for your news, but your old mate reckons credit should go where credit's due: Emissions by dairy cattle decreased by 1.6% according to the latest NZ Greenhouse Gas Inventory report.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
This season's dry conditions have made one thing clear: not having enough feed on hand can bring your season to an early close.
With an amendment to the Medicines Act proposing human medicines could be approved in 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions, there’s a call for a similar approach to be applied to animal medicines.
The Government wants to make sure that rural communities get a level of service that people who live in cities often complacently expect.
As the New Zealand Government launches negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, one Canterbury-based vegetable seed breeder is already benefiting from exporting to the world's fifth-largest economy.
Onenui Station on Mahia Peninsula in northern Hawke's Bay is a world first in more ways than one.
Horticulture NZ (HortNZ) is encouraging growers with leadership aspirations to apply for its associate director role on the HortNZ board.
Fonterra is closing a milk powder blending and packaging site in Hamilton, a move that will affect 120 jobs.
