Farm Energy
Smart energy use on the farm is an important part of farm viability. Emerging technologies also present opportunities for farms to produce energy and even to harvest "carbon credits" for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. See below, as well as the links on the right for specific topics.
Cornell Resources
Cornell Small Farms Program - Farm Energy
Northeast regional climate center
Grazing Sheep on Solar Sites in New York State: Opportunities and Challenges
Other Resources
Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy (USDA Sustainable Ag Research & Education)
Energy Efficiency Improvements for Farms (NYSERDA)
Farm Energy Alternatives (National Sustainable Ag Information Service - ATTRA)
Farmers' Handbook for Energy Self-Reliance (Vermont Law School)
Renewable & Alternative Energy (Penn State U.)
Sustainable Ag Energy (eXtension)
Vermont Bioenergy Initiative - Vermont farmers, entrepreneurs and researchers are building an alternative model of bioenergy production that is small-scale, community focused, economical and sustainable. Click the link to view videos from the project.
Energy Conservation
Farm Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Farmstead Energy Audits
Farmstead Energy Audits (North Dakota State U.)
Farm Energy Audits - Availability, Usefulness, and Cost (National Center for Appropriate Technology)
Innovation Center for US Dairy
Energy-efficient Farm Operations
Energy-efficient Tractor & Field Operations
Energy Consumption Awareness Tools (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Farm Equipment Energy Efficiency
The Residential Agriculture Discount Program
The Residential Agricultural Discount Program is an electricity rate discount available to farm businesses which have a residence connected to the same electric meter as the farm business.
New applications, and yearly renewals if you already participate in the program, need to be submitted by JULY 1 st. If you have a residence on the same electric meter as your farm business and you file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a farm business with either an:
- IRS - Schedule F (Form 1040) or,
- IRS Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065,
you can apply for this Discount, even if you generate your own electricity. Applications are available on your utility company website, along with eligibility criteria and other information. Or you can contact your utility company directly.
The Residential Agricultural Discount Program is funded through the New York Power Authority - ReCharge New York program.
Contact your service provider if you have questions.
Last updated January 11, 2024