As the harvest winds down, many farms and agribusinesses may be thinking about updating their grain drying systems or revamping irrigation pumps.  Focus on Energy can help!  Jessica Mlsna runs down the opportunities with Pam Jahnke.

Since 2020, Focus on Energy has helped Wisconsin farms and agribusinesses save money with their grain bin tune up program, and energy saving incentives.  In that time, 87 dryers have received incentives to upgrade their grain dryer.  These incentives totaled over $1.5 million.  There are 24 trade allies across the state that have assisted customers in receiving incentives and choosing an energy efficient dryer.  Incentives are available through Focus on Energy for Natural Gas dryers and propane dryers.  If your existing grain dryer is 20 to 30 years old, consider replacing with a newer, more efficient model. A grain dryer upgrade incentive: $16 per busher/hr drying capacity Only corn dryers are eligible New dryer must improve efficiency by 250 BTU/lb water Dryer must include one of the efficient features Staged temperature Grain turners or inverters Differential grain speed Varied drying column Grain heat recovery Advanced controls

Dr. Shawn Conley's got some reminders for Wisconsin soybean growers heading to the fields.  From chemical combinations to placement of seed - it's all going to matter this year. Conley also shares some of the ongoing and upcoming field research he and his team will be conducting this year.  Much of the funding for Conley's research comes from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and soybean checkoff dollars.

This is a great time of the year (and great weather) to be tuning things up for the growing season of 2024.  Kevin Weiler, Focus on Energy Advisor, and Pam Jahnke talk about some of the incentives they're offering for the tune-ups  you need! Weiler focuses in on some key strategic optimizations farms and agribusinesses should look at this year. Focus on Energy Advisors like Weiler can pinpoint energy-efficient upgrades that contribute to cost savings and ensure sustained benefits on your utility bills for years to come. Today we are going to talk about: • Irrigation Systems. • Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Bonus. • Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation Equipment. • Grain Dryers For a complete list of incentives available this year - just go to the Focus on Energy website.  You can also call 800.762.7077 or email business@focusonenergy.com

Focus on Energy Advisor, Jessica Mlsna, helps kick off the new calendar year with an update on incentives being offered through Focus on Energy.  She also reminds people wrapping up projects to get their paperwork completed on time. 2024 Agribusiness Catalog is out! • Now available on the website. Visit focusonenergy.com/catalogs to download a copy. • For projects completed in 2023, submit applications by January 31, 2024. • Reminder - Applications must be post-marked or emailed within 60 calendar days of equipment installation (unless otherwise specified). Even more emphasis this year on Compressed Air systems. Compressed Air Tune-Ups Performing a compressed air leak survey and repairing audible leaks is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. These leaks impact energy costs significantly and affect the overall system efficiency. Customers can save over $1,500 annually by just repairing one audible leak. A compressed air system leak survey can include the following: • Replacing air lubricant separators to the manufacturer’s specs. • Valving off or capping unused equipment or sections of piping. • Evaluating system pressure. • Lubricating and cleaning the compressor motor. • Inspecting condensate traps. • Setting for optimum duration/frequency. • Adjusting or replacing belts if needed. • Cleaning or replacing the filter. • Identifying and fixing air leaks. Work directly with a participating Trade Ally and receive a discount of $200 per air compressor system. Your Trade Ally will extend the credit to you directly on your invoice. Dairy operations with a participating electric utility are eligible for the service once per year. There's much more that Focus on Energy has to offer for farms looking at new construction, or trade ally's that want to get involved in their programs.  Simply go to their website or call, 800.762.7077, and get started.

Sparta Floral & Greenhouses has served Sparta and the surrounding area since the 1860s. It has been owned by the Solberg family since 1945. The “new” greenhouse includes a retail operation and another house with foliage and house plants that are grown year-round. The other two greenhouses on the property are a garden center and a growing operation.  Jessica Mlsna, Focus on Energy Advisor, partnered with the Solberg's contractors to help make their expansion dream come true, with energy savings to boot! The main energy consumption goes to heating. For cooling, they rely on natural ventilation and use half fans (horizontal airflow fans) to help with the airflow when the vents are closed. Over the years, the Solbergs have utilized a variety of fuels, including coal, fuel oil, and now natural gas, which is their main source. Winter is their main heating time, and their energy needs can vary dramatically depending on the weather. They have had monthly heating bills as high as $20,000. The Solbergs also had to deal with an inefficient boiler. Their previous boiler system that used to feed all the greenhouses had leaks and regularly needed to be refilled. The Solbergs worked with Focus on Energy on previous retrofit projects in their older greenhouses. When pursuing this new construction project, their builder was adamant they collaborate with Focus on Energy to ensure they installed the most efficient equipment. Their Energy Advisor helped determine which equipment would qualify for rebates. They bumped up to a more efficient grade of heaters costing equal to the older, inefficient models. The bottom line is that all that additional space, is now efficiently running with savings in the Solberg's pockets. Energy Savings Summary • Received $11,177 in Financial Incentives from Focus on Energy. • Energy Savings: o 194 kWh. o 12,138 Therms. • Annual Bill Savings: o $9,125. • Savings equate to the same amount of electricity used by 12 homes for an entire year. Thinking of, or working on a project - start with Focus on Energy first. Contact your local Energy Advisor with questions and help getting started by visiting focusonenergy.com/EA-map or calling 800.762.7077.

Miltrim Farms of Athens, Wisconsin has been recognized as an Energy Efficiency Excellence Award Winner. Pam Jahnke and Focus on Energy Advisor, Kevin Weiler, discuss their energy saving strategy and some of the new program adjustments that Focus on Energy has made to some key offerings. The commitment to sustainable farming sets Miltrim Farms apart from others in the industry. Over the years, the team at Miltrim Farms has made small improvements by incorporating new technologies and pursuing energy efficiency at every opportunity. In 2021, Miltrim Farms completed a new construction project making it the largest robotic milking facility in the state. Since 2016, Miltrim Farms has completed nearly 30 projects with Focus on Energy, including: Upgrading to Installing high-efficiency water heaters, in-floor heat boilers, and refrigeration heat recovery units. Integrating variable frequency drives on: Milk Vacuum Ventilation Energy Savings Summary: Received $128,642 in Financial Incentives from Focus on Utility Bill Savings: o 3,056,897 kWh. 6,667 Savings equate to powering 428 homes for an entire Miltrim Farm’s notable allegiance to being good stewards of the land has not gone unrecognized. In 2021 the farm was awarded the "Business Friend of the Environment Sustainability Award" by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. Winners of this award are selected for innovative approaches to environmental protection and for demonstrating environmental practices for Wisconsin’s environment and economy.

Warmer temperatures bring longer workdays and increased operational costs. FOCUS ON ENERGY® can help with financial incentives to offset the installation of energy-efficient equipment, so farmers can count on their equipment when needed. Kevin Weiler is one of the Focus on Energy Advisors helping Wisconsin farms and agribusinesses capitalize on available energy savings incentives. Are you looking to replace your fans or make them more efficient? Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for agribusinesses interested in upgrading to high-efficiency models. Gain greater operational flexibility by installing variable frequency drives on your ventilation systems to reduce fan energy usage by 36%. With milk cooling accounting for the most significant energy expenditure on a dairy farm, not only do tune-ups improve function and extend equipment life – but they can also uncover potential issues before they arise. Investing in a plate cooler is a great option for most dairy farms. Plate coolers help cool milk to prevent bacteria growth during storage and transportation and warm water for animal watering and equipment cleaning. There is no one-size-fits-all option for plate cooler technology, so it is important to work with a reputable equipment dealer when purchasing this technology. A properly sized plate cooler can achieve a simple payback in as little as two to three years.

With agricultural energy expenditures climbing, farmers need to decrease expenses without sacrificing production. FOCUS ON ENERGY® can help with financial incentives to offset the installation of energy- efficient equipment. Today we are going to talk about the following: Irrigation Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation Grain Irrigation Systems Increase the efficiency of your irrigation system by using energy-efficient equipment or modifications to reduce unnecessary water use: Pump Motor Horsepower Reduction - $65/HP VFD, Irrigation Well Pump (≥500 Annual Operating Hour) - $30 - $50/HP. Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Bonus Are you struggling with an inefficient pumping system? Focus on Energy is offering a comprehensive assessment to identify performance issues and provide opportunities for improvement: $500/pump assessed, up to 100% of the assessment Qualifying motors must be: 40 HP or Operate a minimum of 500 hours per Focus on Energy is offering customers who complete a pump assessment a bonus for installing a VSD on their pump system: 50% bonus, up to $2,000. Total incentive, including the bonus, may not exceed the equipment Projects must be completed within six months of the assessment (no later than December 31, 2023). Schedule your pump assessment with a Focus on Energy Trade Ally and uncover the potential energy savings. Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation Equipment Variable frequency drives should be installed at the same time as fans to reduce overall labor costs, ensure the design of the ventilation system is optimized prior to installation, and guarantee controls for the fans are compatible and integrated with other systems. Customers can receive the following incentives: Ventilation/Exhaust Fan, Dairy and Other (non-dairy), ≥ 48” with Variable Speed –$250/fan.

Focus on your farm in 2023 by optimizing operations. Find out how Focus on Energy can help you identify energy efficiency upgrades while saving money on your utility bills for years to come. Today we are going to talk about: 2023 Program Updates Propane Offering Horticultural Lighting Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Bonus New Construction Projects in 2023 Interested in participating? Contact your local Energy Advisor with questions and help getting started! For a complete list of incentives, visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness or call 800.762.7077.

As Wisconsin farmers prepare for colder weather, Focus on Energy is here to remind you about the financial incentives available for improving energy efficiency in your operation this upcoming heating season.  Pam Jahnke visits with Jessica Mlsna, a Focus on Energy Advisor that helps cover the state. Today we are going to talk about: Heating Equipment Incentives Agribusiness Heating Fuel Bonus Grain Dryers Market Relief Bonus 2022 Project Wrap Up New Construction Projects in 2023 Interested in taking part in any of the offerings mentioned? Contact your local Energy Advisor for questions and how to get started! Visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness or call 888.623.2146.

With the summer heat, farms across Wisconsin are looking for ways to keep their livestock cool and comfortable.  Focus on Energy is helping with those situations by providing rebate incentives for farms looking at upgrading or revamping their barn fan systems. Pam Jahnke talks with Kevin Weiler at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days about how easy it is to discover those rebates.  Weiler also explains what Market Relief Bonuses may also be available for all agriculture related projects. Contact Focus on Energy and schedule a visit with your own energy advisor to discover the rebates and incentives you might be missing. You can also call 800-762-7077.

Are you looking to replace your fans or make them more efficient? Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for agribusinesses interested in upgrading to high-efficiency models. Gain greater operational flexibility by installing variable frequency drives on your ventilation systems to reduce fan energy usage by 36 percent. Pam Jahnke visits with Focus on Energy Advisor, Kevin Weiler in the Marshfield area. He not only chats about current incentives, he also shares the success story of Dallman East River Dairy and the money they saved by partnering with Focus on Energy. Aside from ventilation - the Focus on Energy team is also ready to address and assist with dairy refrigeration tune ups and plate cooler reviews.  Plus, how about a FREE Farm House Kit!! Contact Focus on Energy at 888.623.2146 with questions about this or other offerings, or visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness to learn more.  

With agricultural energy expenditures climbing, farmers need to decrease expenses without sacrificing production. FOCUS ON ENERGY® can help with financial incentives to offset the installation of energy-efficiency equipment. Today Pam Jahnke visits with Joel Roltgen, a Focus on Energy Advisor who's reminding producers about some great energy incentives they might want to consider now.   Today we’re going to talk about: Irrigation and pump assessments Ventilation (adding VFDs) Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Bonus: Are you struggling with an oversized or inefficient pumping system? Focus on Energy offers a comprehensive assessment to identify performance issues and provide opportunities for improvement. Customers who schedule a pump assessment with a Focus on Energy registered Trade Ally can receive: $500/pump assessed Up to 100% off the assessment cost Qualifying motors must be 75 HP or greater and operate a minimum of 500 hours per year   Install a variable speed drive (VSD) on your pump system following your assessment and you’ll be eligible for a BONUS: 50% bonus, up to $2,000 Total incentive, including the bonus, can’t exceed equipment costs Projects must be completed within six months of the assessment (no later than December 31, 2022)   Schedule your pump assessment with a Focus on Energy Trade Ally and uncover the potential energy savings. Review the Pump Assessment Overview and Application at focusonenergy.com/agribusiness for more information and to get started.     Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation Equipment Variable frequency drives should be installed at the same time as fans to reduce overall labor costs, ensure the design of the ventilation system is optimized prior to installation, and guarantee the controls for the fans are compatible and integrated with other controls systems.   Customers can receive the following incentives:   Ventilation/Exhaust Fan, Dairy and Other (non-dairy) , ≥ 48” with Variable Speed - $250/fan   Check out the 2022 Agribusiness Catalog to learn more about this and other offerings. Visit focusonenergy.com/catalogs to download a copy. Remember, applications must be postmarked or emailed within 60 calendar days of equipment installation to qualify for incentives (unless otherwise specified). Are you interested in participating? Contact your local Energy Advisor to get started! For a complete list of incentives, visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness or call 888.623.2146.

Do you use propane for your farm or agribusiness? Focus on Energy, in partnership with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation, is offering energy efficiency incentives for agricultural customers who currently use propane to fuel specific equipment. Focus on Energy offers a FREE farmhouse energy-saving kit to help you use energy smarter and reduce energy waste in your home. For more information on how you can order your kit today, visit focusonenergy.com/farmhousekits or call us at 800.762.7077. This kit is available only in rural areas to qualified farmhouses and customers of a participating Wisconsin utility company. Please check focusonenergy.com/utilities to see if you're eligible.

Are you planning on building or expanding your farming operations in 2022? Energy can be one of the biggest expenses for new buildings. Focus on Energy can help you design your facility with quality and efficiency in mind, helping to save money on your utility bills for years to come. Pam Jahnke visits with Focus on Energy Advisor, Joel Roltgen, about incentives available and how to get a Focus on Energy Advisor involved in your project.  Having them involved from blueprints on will save you money!

California dairy exhibitors were thrilled to return to World Dairy Expo this year.  Bob Bosold talks with an exhibitor from just outside of Sacramento about what the year's been like. Winter wheat has seen increased acreage in Wisconsin and the mild fall weather's allowing more farmers to consider it this year.  Jack Kaltenberg with Partners in Production updates us on seed availability and things to think about before you plant in this paid program. Focus on Energy is featuring rebates for a lot of devices farms depend on for reliable heat in the winter.  Kevin Weiler, Focus on Energy specialist, shares the details on this paid program.

As Wisconsin farmers prepare to transition for colder weather, Focus on Energy is here to remind you about financial incentives available for improving energy efficiency in your operation this upcoming heating season.  Check out focusonenergy.com/propane for a complete list of eligibility requirements and details for all the offerings mentioned. NEW! Pump assessment offering and VSD bonus Are you struggling with an inefficient pumping system? Focus on Energy is offering a comprehensive assessment to identify performance issues and provide opportunities for improvement: $500/pump assessed, up to 100% of the assessment cost Qualifying motors must be: 75 HP or greater Interested in participating in any of the offerings mentioned? Contact your local Energy Advisor for questions and how to get started! Visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness or call 888.623.2146.  

Farms use a lot of propane-fueled equipment, so Focus On Energy has a bonus incentive when completing any propane or natural gas-fueled equipment projects. Energy advisor Jessica Mlsna break this incentive down and shares other inventives for irrigation and smart thermostats in this conversation with Pam Jahnke.

Pam Jahnke catches up with Jessica Mlsna, an energy advisor with Focus on Energy, about what's in store for Wisconsin farmers as the weather gets nicer.

Jessica Mlsna, an Energy Adviser with Focus on Energy, chats with Pam Jahnke about the exciting things happening in 2021. Mlsna says despite the challenges of 2020, they saw a  lot of action and plan to help those in agriculture save even more energy and money this year.

Joel Roltgen joins Pam Jahnke on the Mid-West Farm Report.

There’s a lot of folks that are gearing up for spring time activities. In agribusiness, that includes those in the horticulture. Tad Beeksma is an Ag Technical Energy Specialist with Focus on Energy and he recently spoke with Pam Jahnke about how horticulture can save energy and money by using lighting upgrades.  Originally aired March 2020.

2020 is offering some special incentives for Wisconsin farmers and agribusiness owners through Focus on Energy! Saurabh Betawadkar, Lead Energy Advisor with Focus on Energy, joined Pam in studio to explain the new opportunities, and talk more about the cooperative process that Focus on Energy’s been developing with the trade industry across Wisconsin. Originally aired January 2020.

Kevin Weiler joins Pam Jahnke on the Mid-West Farm Report.

Kevin Weiller of Focus on Energy joins Pam Jahnke on the Mid-West Farm Report to discuss energy and money saving tips.

Steve Craker, Trade Ally Liason with Focus on Energy talks about a new program they are offering this year. Focus on Energy is offer $150.00 to help pay for a professional tune up on your grain dryer, which can help you to save money in the long run as well. Focus of Energy has other incentives as well to help with hot water boilers, unit heaters, and greenhouse controls. They also want to be able to help you with your engine block heaters to help reduce time used by putting it on a timer to start up 2 hours before you are ready to get going for your day. Visit them at https://focusonenergy.com\agribusiness or give them a call at (888) 947-7828 to get in touch with an Energy Advisor today and to find out more.

Pam Jahnke talks with Joel Langmeier of Langmeier Dairy. Joel and his family are one of the winners on the 2019 Energy Efficiency Excellency Award winners.

Jessica Mlsna gives us an update on a new propane program available through Focus on Energy! Do you use propane for your farm or agribusiness? FOCUS ON ENERGY®, in partnership with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation (PSC WI-OEI), is offering energy efficiency incentives for agricultural customers who currently use propane to fuel specific equipment.  Funding for incentives related to energy-efficient propane equipment has been made possible through a federal US Department of Energy State Energy Program grant to the PSC WI-OEI. These incentives are being delivered in partnership with Focus on Energy through its statewide network of energy advisors.  Potential technologies include: Boilers and unit heaters Water heaters Refrigeration heat recovery units Grain dryers Greenhouse thermal curtains Greenhouse climate controls  Details: Must be a farm or agribusiness Must have a Focus on Energy participating utility provider. (focusonenergy.com/participatingutilities) Must use propane to fuel incentivized equipment.   Funding is limited; start saving today! Check out focusonenergy.com/propane to learn more! Visit focusonenergy.com/agribusiness or call 888.947.7828. Get in touch with an Energy Advisor for questions and how to get started!  

Focus on Energy is rolling out some major rebates for Wisconsin's farmers and agribusinesses.  Jessica Mlsna, one of the state energy advisors, explains where the big bonuses are for today's farmers looking at lighting, heating/cooling, and other projects now or in the future, around the farm.