The search is on for the dairy producer demonstrating the best energy savings for a new farm energy award launched by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers and sponsored by GEA Farm Technologies.
Entrants are required to write a two page case study on how they have successfully implemented energy efficiency on their farm. Each farm will be judged on its individual merit for example, installation of renewable energy production, heat recovery, or milk cooling efficiencies. The judges will include representatives from the Farm Energy Centre, RABDF and GEA Farm Technologies.
A heat recovery unit from GEA Farm Technologies is at stake for the winner who will be announced at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on Wednesday 16 September. The winning entrant will also be flown to the Geronimo energy conference in Barcelona, in autumn where they will have an opportunity to learn more about energy efficiency and be entered into the European finals of the prestigious Pan European Geronimo Award.
RABDF policy and technical adviser, Tom Rabbetts comments: “We have launched this new award to reward farmers who have achieved energy efficiency on their farm, not just at the moment but for the long term. It is also designed to incentivise others to follow suit since there are an increasing number of opportunities for energy reduction on a dairy farm without requiring high levels of investment which not only save on fixed costs but also the environment.”
He adds: “We would also like to take a lead and inform other EU states that we in the UK are making great steps in energy efficiency. We are looking forward to finding and showcasing the Europe’s most energy efficient farm.”
Entry forms can be downloaded from here and the deadline is 14 August. For further details contact Tom Rabbetts on 0845 458 2711 or tomrabbetts@rabdf.co.uk.
1. An alternative prize is available for entrants who already have a heat recovery unit.
2. The RABDF Farm Energy Efficiency Award forms the UK heat for the Pan European Geronimo Award, sponsored by Ecolab. Geronimo is a website that brings EU dairy farmers into the energy equation by breaking down time, resource and knowledge barriers that may block them from being energy efficient. More details can be found at www.dairyenergy.eu
3. The prize offered will be a GEA extra heat unit which can help to reduce parlour water heating costs by up to 50%.Installation is not included with the prize.