The Scenario
As a fourth generation dairy farmer, Mary Kraft and her husband Chris have a passion for innovation and drive to make constant improvements on their farm. To help guide these efforts, the Krafts
connected with the CDA ACRE3 grant program and found out about free energy audits and support available through the Colorado Energy Office Agricultural Energy Efficiency (AgEE) Program.
The Kraft Family Dairy Farm, near Fort Morgan, Colorado, operates two farms with over 5,600 milking cows and 850 acres of feed crops for the cows. The AgEE program was able to identify numerous energy and cost-saving opportunities for them. Energy hogs and aging equipment were optimized, lights were replaced, and a thermistor was added to their older dairy. “We got thousands of dollars plus an awareness of other energy sinks that could be investment opportunities that keep us alive, and help us be green,” expressed Mary.
“The grant funds made it happen sooner, on their dime, and we enjoyed the energy savings.”
– Mary Kraft, Kraft Family Dairies
Project Snapshot
Facility Type
• Two dairies with 5000+ cows and 800+ acre feed crops
Improvements
• Lighting
• Plate Cooler
Project Verification Date
• March of 2019
Energy Savings
• 241,017 kWh
• $12,051 per year
Get Started Today
Keep the Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency program in mind when examining on-farm cost saving opportunities and contact us at CEO_AG_EE@nexant.com
