JC Kow Farms Partnership recognized for energy efficient improvements at its 200-head cattle farm
WHITEWATER – Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen today visited Whitewater-based JC Kow Farms Partnership to learn about energy efficient improvements that have saved the farm 56,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy a year. The improvements were made possible thanks to an incentive grant from Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Rural Business Program, a portion of the state’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative.
“Conserving energy is an important component of Governor’s Doyle’s plan for Wisconsin’s energy future,” said Nilsestuen. “I commend JC Kow Farms for blazing a trail in energy efficiency.” The visit was part of Governor Doyle’s Capital for the Day in Walworth County.
Nilsestuen’s tour highlighted how the overall efficiency of the 200-head cattle farm improved with the installation of energy efficient equipment including a variable frequency drive, plate heater exchange, gas water heaters, high efficiency fans and energy efficient lighting.
The improvements were the result of a free energy audit in 2004.
The variable frequency drive on the farm’s vacuum pump reduced pumping costs by 50 percent and the installation of a plate heater exchange on the milk pipeline reduced the amount of energy required to cool the milk. Additional savings were realized with the replacement of electric water heaters with gas units – increasing the efficiency of the units by 96 percent and reducing the demand on the electric system. High efficiency ventilation fans used in animal housing areas to provide cooling and fresh air and upgrades from standard incandescent lighting to energy efficiency options rounded out the improvements in May and October of 2004.
For more information about saving opportunities at your facility or Focus on Energy’s Business Programs, call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit http://www.focusonenergy.com For more information about Governor Doyle’s Energy Help hotline, call 800.522.3014 or visit http://Energyhelp.wi.gov
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin.
