Ag Energy NY Program

A resource guide for New York Farmers for the implementation of agricultural best practices for energy use and equipment operations to improve energy savings and productivity.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s new Best Energy Practices program is designed to help New York farmers identify specific changes that can reduce energy costs while improving their farm’s overall productivity. The program’s new smartphone friendly website at AgEnergyNY.org will offer free resources on the latest energy saving technology and methods, and will enable farmers to connect with trained extension educators who can answer their questions and advise them on “next steps” to start reducing their farm’s energy use.

Farms use a significant amount of energy producing livestock and other crops, leaving farmers vulnerable to energy market fluctuations. Farmers can protect themselves from these price surges and improve their bottom line by upgrading the efficiency of on-farm technology in areas of lighting, refrigeration, ventilation, motors, pumps, controls, thermal technologies and more. Some examples of steps farms may take to begin to reduce their energy use include implementing preventative equipment maintenance, improving building efficiency, and/or installing new high-efficiency motors or lighting when expanding or replacing equipment.

Producers will find that the Ag Energy NY website is organized by individual farm sectors including field crops and vegetables, livestock, poultry, grains, maple, orchards, berries, and vineyards. Resources tailored to needs in each of those sectors have been developed by agriculture and energy professionals and will be available on the website.

After reviewing the recommendations at AgEnergyNY.org, farmers are invited to reach out to our team to ask questions on how to save energy on your farm and for guidance on possible resources and incentives. Visit www.agenergyny.org.

Last updated June 17, 2024