5 Ways Farmers Can Save Money Through Energy Conservation

Why Is There a Need for Energy Conservation Around the Farm?

Farming is a large-scale, energy-intensive operation that has a significant impact on the environment. Agriculture is responsible for 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. The use of electricity on farms has been increasing and it is estimated that by 2030, there will be an additional 70% in greenhouse gas emissions from farming alone.
Water consumption on farms is also a major concern. The water used to irrigate crops and run livestock operations can quickly add up to billions of gallons per day. This water use has been linked to habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and increased temperatures in streams and rivers.
The good news is that by conserving energy, farmers can save significantly on operating costs. That means that what’s good for the environment is good for farmers’ pockets too, and that’s what we call a win-win situation!
In this article, we’ll cover the major factors affecting energy consumption on farms and what can be done to conserve at least part of it.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Farm’s Energy Consumption

There are many ways to reduce your farm’s energy use. These simple solutions can help you save money on your utility bills and sustain a more environmentally-friendly operation.
Some of these solutions include:

1. Use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
   These options are significantly better for the environment than fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. You can use energy sources such as wind and solar for an abundance of operations on the farm, including heating, cooling, and lighting.
2. Plant trees to provide shade for buildings and livestock
   Planting trees for shade and other uses is a great and relatively easy way to take advantage of your natural surroundings in a way that benefits everyone. The best part is that they don’t require more than minimal maintenance and they don’t produce bills at the end of the month. When life hands you lemons…
3. Use sustainable materials
   Another way to reduce your costs is by using sustainable materials like straw bales instead of plastic mulch in your garden beds. This will reduce the cost of buying new materials and help the environment at the same time.
4. Reduce waste
   Reducing waste from fertilizers and pesticides is good for everyone, and there are many ways to reduce or reuse these products such as composting or by growing crops that do not need pesticides.
5. Install water-saving irrigation systems for better water retention
   Some of the many ways to conserve water include installing high-efficiency toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart irrigation systems which can save millions of gallons of water (and up to thousands of dollars) each year.

What’s Next for Sustainable Farming?

As is visible from afar, sustainable farming practices are becoming popular because they are better for the environment and for the farmer’s wallet. The best part is that these practices can be applied in any type of farming, from organic to conventional farming.
Mottech offers a uniquely innovative and eco-friendly irrigation system that allows for advanced control and monitoring from the water source to the irrigation valve, all accessible through a user-friendly app that allows remote monitoring and control.
Learn more about Mottech’s cutting-edge water management systems >> https://mottech.com/the-mottech-system/