Across the state, dairy farms are adopting practices that save energy, manage resources, and reduce environmental impacts. These efforts benefit the farms themselves and contribute to their local communities.
Operational improvements
In 2024, Focus on Energy worked with Farmers for Sustainable Food (FSF), Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Vybe Energy to help 12 Wisconsin dairy farms find ways to be more energy efficient. Focus on Energy’s technical staff visited each farm to identify opportunities and strategies to improve operations, while reducing energy use and saving money. At the same time, Vybe Energy helped estimate the long term value of renewable energy and storage projects. During these assessments, Focus on Energy reviewed each farm’s existing equipment, including:
- Building envelope and insulation.
- Milking and cooling equipment.
- Lighting and controls.
- Compressed air systems.
- Livestock waterers and fans.
- Space heating systems.
- Grain drying and insulation.
- Manure handling systems.
By upgrading to more efficient equipment and fine-tuning controls, farms can reduce energy use, improve cow comfort and keep operations running smoothly.
“These assessments can help farmers cut costs where it matters most,” said Heather Feigum, Program Manager with Focus on Energy. “They help farms improve now while laying the groundwork for a more profitable future.”
Brey Cycle Farm LLC
One participant was Brey Cycle Farm LLC, a 1,300‑cow dairy in northeastern Wisconsin. The farm also manages 1,700 acres of crops and raises heifers. The Brey family is deeply involved in conservation leadership through the Door‑Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network and partnerships with state and federal agencies. Their work includes testing low‑disturbance manure injection, no‑till cropping and other innovative practices.
Over the years, the Breys have upgraded lighting, ventilation, milking equipment, including a variable speed vacuum pump, and installed an electronically commutated fan motor condenser. These improvements have reduced energy use and positioned the farm for continued progress.
“Working with the Breys has been a rewarding experience,” said Joel Roltgen, Energy Advisor with Focus on Energy. “Their commitment to reducing energy use is inspiring. Our assessment uncovered numerous opportunities for energy‑efficient upgrades that can contribute to substantial savings, particularly in ventilation and milk cooling.”
The energy assessment conducted at Brey Cycle Farm included the office, parlor, milkhouse, barns and maintenance shop. Overall, the farm’s equipment is modern and well-maintained. However, the study identified opportunities to further reduce energy use, particularly during the summer months when circulation fans run continuously. Installing a fan control system could optimize the ventilation and reduce unnecessary energy use during cooler time periods.
Agriculture resilience
The assessments were part of a larger effort led by FSF and the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative to support farmer-led solutions to environmental challenges. The mission is to provide farmers with the data they need to make informed, long‑term decisions. Funding for the assessments was made possible by BMO Harris and Compeer Financial.
Based on the findings, seven farms pursued upgrades, including installing LED lighting, adding variable frequency drives, improving ventilation and upgrading milking equipment.
Together, these improvements will produce:
- Energy savings: Over 1.3 million kWh of electricity and 4,500 therms of natural gas annually, about the same amount of energy used by 129 homes for a full year.
- Financial savings: $176,526 in yearly energy costs.
- Environmental impact: 1.64 million pounds of carbon dioxide reduced in the first year, equal to taking 220 cars off the road.
Note: Savings are estimated using average statewide rates and may vary by site.
Energy assessments provide farmers with a clearer picture of how their operation uses energy and where strategic improvements can have the greatest impact. When paired with financial incentives and technical support, these findings can empower farmers to adopt best practices to strengthen both their business and the environment.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call 800-762-7077 or go to focusonenergy.com.