Save money tomorrow by making energy improvements today.
The Winneshiek Energy District is now offering Farm Energy Planning services to farmers across Iowa.
Agriculture is the dominant land use and economic mainstay of our Northeast Iowa counties. Can you believe area farmers spend well over $100 million per year on energy inputs? Major cost categories include: Nitrogen inputs to cropland; electricity and gas usage in livestock facilities such as dairy, hog, and poultry, and in grain drying; and equipment fuels for field operations.
Much of that energy can be saved through efficiency practices, and much more generated right on the farm through renewables. Taking advantage of these opportunities will help the pocketbooks of farmers, contribute greatly to local economies, and reduce our regional contribution to climate change.
Conduct inventory and analysis of all energy sources and uses, including energy efficiency AND renewable energy opportunities on your site.
Lighting – the LED era is here and now!
You can start by collecting energy records for the past 12-24 months including electric, gas/propane, gasoline/diesel, and Nitrogen fertilizer.
We’ll schedule an on-site visit, and possibly return for more data collection.
We’ll take a look at the whole farm, but do let us know if there’s something specific you’re interested in.
You’ll receive a report with details of the analysis and suggestions for further steps.
Costs will vary depending on the size and type of farm and whether the plan is required to follow EQIP cost-share requirements.
Am I eligible for a Farm Energy Plan?
Farms in Allamakee, Clayton, Winneshiek, Fayette, Howard, or Chickasaw county are eligible for WED’s farm energy planning program.
So, what is the Winneshiek Energy District?
Local leaders created WED, a non-profit, in response to local energy economics and climate change concerns, and modeled it on the Soil and Water Conservation Districts formed in the Dust Bowl. We work for locally-owned renewable energy and energy efficiency and the creation of an energy ethic at the local and state level. We hope to be the first of many Energy Districts in Iowa and the United States.
Direct further questions about the Farm Energy Planning Program to Farm Energy Planner Joel Zook.