Category: Farm Equipment Efficiency

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Energy Efficiency for Direct Market Farms

Farm Energy IQ logo

 

This curriculum module on Energy Efficiency for Direct Market Farms the fundamentals of energy systems.  Topics include basic thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion processes and discussion of energy efficiency and specific applications on farms.

Link to all of the Northeast Farm Energy IQ Curriculum, developed by Extension specialists from Penn State, Rutgers and University of Vermont.

This is part of the Farm Energy Efficiency (EE) Curriculum Series:  Farm Energy Efficiency Principles | Energy Audits | EE for Dairy Farms…

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Energy Efficiency in Field Crop Production

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This curriculum module on Energy Efficiency in Field Crop Production examines four major areas where analysis and management of energy inputs in field crop production can lead to energy savings. These include reducing fuel consumption in tractor and equipment use in field operations, considering energy invested in optimizing nutrient use and pest control, saving energy in irrigation and managing grain drying for energy conservation.

Link to all of the Northeast Farm Energy IQ Curriculum, developed by Extension specialists from …

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Dairy Farm Energy Efficiency

Farm Energy IQ logo

This curriculum module on Dairy Farm Energy Efficiency covers….

Link to all of the Northeast Farm Energy IQ Curriculum, developed by Extension specialists from Penn State, Rutgers and University of Vermont.

This is part of the Farm Energy Efficiency Curriculum Series: 

Farm Energy Efficiency Principles | Energy Audits | EE for Dairy Farms | EE for Greenhouses | EE for Fruit Production | EE for Field Crop Production | EE for Direct Market Farms

This module includes:

…
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Using Tractor Test Data for Selecting Farm Tractors
Photo: Iowa Public Television.

Introduction

The Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) at the University of Nebraska is the official tractor testing station for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the United States. This independent laboratory is responsible for testing a representative tractor of each model sold in the state of Nebraska. It also tests tractors manufactured in the United States and sold in international markets. The laboratory publishes the results of all tests conducted.

The test reports …

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Introduction to Farm Equipment Energy Efficiency

 

Photo: Jason Johnson, NRCS.

Farms have lots of equipment, and most of it uses energy. In some cases, increasing the efficiency of a single piece of equipment or an operation can result in significant energy savings, especially over time. In other situations, many small improvements in efficiency and conservation across the farm can add up to meaningful reductions in energy use and operating costs.

In field-crop based agriculture, liquid fuel use in field operations is equivalent to fertilizers and pesticides …

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Selecting Engine and Travel Speeds for Optimal Fuel Efficiency
Photo: Gary E. Wyatt.

Introduction

The speed at which tractor engines are operated, travel speed in the field, and the load tractors pull all have a major influence on the fuel efficiency of the equipment. Running equipment at optimal speeds and loads can save significantly on fuel costs.

Optimizing Travel Speed

Field travel speed is a major factor in matching tractor to implement. For many operations, the most desirable travel speed is from 5 to 7 miles per hour (6.4 …

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Match Implement Size to Tractor to Save Fuel

 
Photo:  Gary E. Wyatt.

Matching tractors and implements of appropriate size is a major management decision facing many farmers and ranchers. Proper sizing will minimize time and labor requirements while maintaining efficient field operations.

If the tractor is oversized for the implement, fuel consumption and costs will be higher than necessary for the work done. According to data from Lazarus, a 200 HP MFWD tractor costs $24.27 more per hour of use than a 130 HP MFWD tractor; costs …

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Farm Lighting Energy Efficiency Checklist and Tips

Mercury vapor yard light. Photo credit: Carl Pederson

Farm Lighting is part of a series of Efficiency Checklists and Topics that can help you to assess all areas of your farming operation for energy efficiency and find ideas to save energy and reduce costs. For links to other articles in the Efficiency Checklists and Topics series, see Additional Resources at the end of this article.

 

Farm Lighting

The design and management of a farm’s lighting system greatly affects its energy …

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Refrigeration Systems for Milk Cooling

Bulk Milk Cooling Tank. Photo courtesy of Charriau,

Milk must be cooled from 98 degrees F. (37 degrees C.) to storage temperature, typically about 38 degrees F., to preserve its quality. The cooling process involves removing 56 BTUs of energy from each pound of milk (27 kilojoule per kg). Typically, a refrigeration system does this by using a special refrigerant fluid to remove heat from the milk and “reject” the heat (usually) into the outside air.

The basic refrigeration …

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Machinery Maintenance for Energy Efficiency

The operating condition of tractors and other farm machinery can affect the fuel efficiency of those machines; therefore, maintenance is crucial for energy and financial savings.

Tractors and self-propelled equipment

Tractor engines and engines in self-propelled equipment should be maintained in good condition. It is possible for a tractor to be operating below peak performance without noticeably affecting field performance. Preventive maintenance and scheduled tune-ups are recommended to insure that the engine operates efficiently. Follow the recommendations in the operator’s …

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