As the cost of energy rises, farmers are seeking alternative energy sources that are not only cheaper but also more reliable.
One possible solution is renewable energy.
The renewable energy sector is rapidly growing, and farmers have access to a wealth of information.
Four experts will speak at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre, Bairnsdale, next Thursday to make this more relatable to East Gippsland farmers.
The speakers are Sandra Jefford and Wilco Droppert from Wilandra Farms, Cassian Drew from Acclimate Partners, Stephen Todd from Volt Farmer, and Jen Smith from the Gippsland Agriculture Group.
Event organiser, Emma Orgill, the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator at the Orbost Landcare Office with Far East Victoria Landcare said the day would be insightful for everyone.
“The renewables is such an interesting space within agriculture,” Emma said.
“People will be able to learn so much from these fantastic speakers.”
“We’re offering this day because it’s such a polarising topic.
“People will be able to make up their own minds, the technology is coming, we may as well be proactive and aware.”
Sandra Jefford and Wilco Droppert are dairy farmers who are using renewable energy to increase energy efficiency and reliability, resulting in a reduction of energy costs.
They have been on this path since 2019, when they completed an energy audit highlighting opportunities to reduce power usage.
With solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, they use an AEI Smartbox to ensure each irrigation and pumping component is fully automated, controlled, and monitored.
During 2022, the AEI system managed to utilise generated renewable energy over 90 per cent, minimising grid usage to below 10 per cent.
By being more energy efficient and utilising renewables, they have not only reduced their energy bills but also
improved water use efficiency, reduced their carbon footprint, saved time irrigating, and reduced their stress levels as they now mainly irrigate during the day.
Sandra and Wilco will discuss the lessons learned, what works, and the return on investment.
As a managing partner of Acclimate Partners, Cassian Drew is an engaging speaker with a wealth of knowledge.
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Acclimate Partners is a professional services, capital, and technology partner to governments, industry, and investors.
They work on ‘big picture’ items around transforming industries and places in response to energy transition and the needs of communities.
Cassian will talk about new technological advancements, what alternative energy options are available now, and what is on the horizon.
Stephen Todd from Voltfarmer firmly believes in locally produced renewable energy.
Stephen will talk about integrating solar energy production within a productive agricultural system known as ‘Agrivoltaics’.
Agrivoltaics has been around since the 1980s, but is growing in popularity and is a topic all farmers should be aware of.
It can take many forms, but its primary function is dual: to produce energy while growing food.
Stephen will discuss the forms it can take and the advantages and disadvantages of such systems.
Finally, Jen Smith from Gippsland Agriculture Group will discuss what is new in the carbon and biodiversity space.
Jen will highlight the importance of ‘knowing your number’ in today’s market of carbon neutral.
Farmers need to know their baseline carbon emissions number to make the right decisions.
This number is calculated through Greenhouse Carbon Calculators.
Jen will discuss the emission calculator and what is new in carbon farming.
As an East Gippsland farmer, Jen is well-placed to talk about what is relevant to farmers, what is farmer-ready, and what you should be aware of.
Emma said the project was coordinated by East Gippsland Shire Council, and jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements.
The New Technology in Agriculture – the Renewable Space session is free, and a light lunch will be provided.
It will take place at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre, Bairnsdale, on Thursday, October 17, from 10am-1.30pm, contact Emma Orgill for more details.
