Powering Dairy: How Energy Assessments Are Helping Wisconsin Farms

Save Energy, Reduce Costs

Long-Term Benefits

Madison, WI – Wisconsin dairy farmers are seeing the long-term benefits of renewable energy and storage projects after working with Focus on Energy®, Farmers for Sustainable Food (FSF), Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, and Vybe Energy. In 2024, Focus on Energy visited more than a dozen and identified areas to save energy and reduce costs. Vybe Energy helped estimate the long-term value of the projects.

During the assessments, Focus on Energy’s technical experts inspected each farm’s existing equipment, including:

Building envelope and insulation.
Milking and cooling equipment.
Lighting and controls.
Compressed air systems.
Livestock waterers and fans
Variable frequency drives.
Space heating systems.
Grain drying and irrigation.
Manure handling systems.

Justin Peterson from Creamery Creek Holsteins said, “The energy assessment gave us a new perspective on how our systems are running. It is great to see that what is efficient from a sustainable standpoint can also be beneficial for our bottom line.”

By utilizing more efficient equipment and fine-tuning controls, farms can use less energy and save money. These changes help keep animals comfortable and operations running smoothly.

“Assessments like these help farmers reduce expenses in the areas where it matters most,” said Heather Feigum, Program Manager with Focus on Energy. “They help farms improve now while laying the groundwork for a more profitable future.”

The assessments were part of a larger effort led by FSF and the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. FSF is an industry-supported nonprofit supporting farmer-led solutions to environmental challenges. Funding for the assessments was made possible by BMO Harris and Compeer Financial.

“The assessments provide farmers the data they need to make important on-farm decisions,” said Lauren Brey, Managing Director at FSF. "This insight helps farmers make business decisions that support their long-term environmental and financial sustainability."

Based on the assessment recommendations, seven farms completed additional upgrades. Projects included:

Installing LED lighting.
Using variable frequency drives.
Improving ventilation.
Upgrading milking equipment.

Long-Term Benefits

Together, these changes are expected to lead to:

Energy Savings
- Over 1.3 million kWh of electricity and 4,500 therms of natural gas saved annually.
Financial Savings
- $176,526 on annual energy bills.
Environmental Impact
- 1.64 million pounds of reduced CO2 emissions in the first year. This is equal to taking 220 cars off the road for a year.

This initiative shows the value of energy assessments. From improved lighting to efficient milking equipment, adopting sustainable practices can support a farm for future generations. Wisconsin farmers can contact their Energy Advisor to learn more.

Note: Savings are estimated using average statewide rates and may vary by site.