Energy saving advice for the northwest

Farmers in the northwest could benefit from energy-saving advice and grants through the government’s Rural Development Programme for England.

The RDPE Northwest Livestock Programme offers subsidised consultancy advice from Promar on animal welfare, nutrient management and resource efficiency.

It can also provide grants for systems such as heat recovery units, which can reduce water heating costs on dairy farms. Savings of £1,159 per year can be achieved when a heat recovery unit is installed for a standard 350-litre hot water tank heating morning and night, says Andy Taylor of Promar.

With installation costs of £4,000 to £6,000, this gives a payback of between three-and-a-half and just over five years.

Resource audits are available at a subsidised rate of £150+VAT to farmers in the northwest through the Northwest Livestock Programme. Call 0870 870 7380 or visit www.livestocknw.co.uk