The Washington Farm Energy Program Delivers

To address the potential value of energy improvements to Washington's agriculture producers, a unique group of agencies and experts formed the Washington Farm Energy Program. This interdisciplinary team is developing new investment-grade, open-source software tools and support to help producers evaluate energy-related costs. The project delivers:

Comprehensive energy assessment software tools, created for Washington agricultural production systems, to help producers evaluate the most effective activities related to energy use.
Whole farm energy assessment training for Conservation District and NRCS staff.
An effective infrastructure of Conservation District agricultural engineers and experts trained as energy analysts to leverage public utility and private resources for energy assessments and energy system improvements.
Documentation of producer cost savings, energy savings, and environmental benefits.

Because energy is a major business expense for Washington's agricultural producers, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Dave Brown said this initiative is designed to "help producers identify how to reduce those costs and make their operation more efficient and profitable."

The unique part of this energy program is that it looks at all the energy burdens and opportunities on a farm, not only electrons and fuels, but also the energy costs and benefits embodied in the choices about irrigation, fertilization and weed and pest control.

Whether you are a farm producer, farm industry supporter, policy maker, or energy provider, this website will introduce this innovative program and show you the many ways you can participate.