Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook Radio
Number 203
USDA’s Conservation Energy Estimators (2:27 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Robert Coats, Ph.D.
Extension Economist and Professor
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
This is Robert Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
USDA’s
Conservation Energy Estimators
The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed four energy decision aid
tools. These energy decision aid tools are designed to first, increase energy
awareness in agriculture and, secondly, to help farmers identify where they can
reduce their energy costs.
The four energy
decision aid tools are as follows:
Energy
Estimator: Animal Housing
The Energy Estimator for Animal Housing tool evaluates major energy costs in
lighting, ventilation and heating costs for swine and poultry. For dairy it
evaluates major energy costs with lighting, air circulation, milk cooling, water
heating and milk harvesting for a typical dairy.
Energy
Estimator: Irrigation
The Energy Estimator for Irrigation tool enables you to estimate potential
energy savings associated with pumping water for irrigation.
Energy
Estimator: Nitrogen
The Energy Estimator for Nitrogen tool enables you to calculate the potential
cost-savings related to nitrogen use on your farm or ranch.
Energy
Estimator: Tillage
The Energy Estimator for Tillage tool estimates diesel fuel use and costs in the
production of key crops in your area and compares potential energy savings
between conventional tillage and alternative tillage systems. The Energy
Estimator gives you an idea of the magnitude of diesel fuel savings under
different levels of tillage.
Finally, the
results generated by these energy decision aid tools are estimates
based on Natural Resources and Conservation Service models.
This has been Robert Coats Extension Economist University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
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