Smart Farm Power - opportunities in an uncertain carbon future
Wilandra Farms is a unique and energy-efficient dairying enterprise, located at Clydebank near Sale. Owners Sandra Jefford and Wilco Droppert, who are Food & Fibre Gippsland members, will host a field day on 2nd February, 2023. The event will provide an unmissable opportunity to hear how Wilandra Farms have significantly lowered operating costs through the use of renewable energy, while reducing their carbon footprint.
Producers of certified organic milk, silage and hay, Wilandra Farms are reliant on irrigation. After having an energy audit undertaken in 2018, Wilco and Sandra commissioned the creation of an energy action plan, leading to the installation of 200kW of solar panels. The results are remarkable. Along with additional measures to create a more energy efficient system, Wilandra Farms’ irrigation energy bills have dropped from approx. $80,000, to only $1200 last year.
Employment of regenerative strategies and a strong focus on habitat protection are just some of the ways Wilco, Sandra and their team are approaching sustainable farming. As they move towards becoming carbon neutral, Wilandra Farms have organised a field day to tell others about the diverse methods they are utilising in working with nature, and reducing the use of conventional power.
The Smart Farm Power field day will consist of a morning conference session, followed by lunch and an on-farm session in the afternoon.
Sharing the vast learnings from their experience, Wilco and Sandra will be joined by others in the industry to consider opportunities in an uncertain carbon future.
Field day speakers will cover topics that include:
How can Australia’s agricultural sector realise opportunity in a low emissions future?
Why is there pressure on ag? International trade barriers
Overview of Wilandra Farms
Overview of renewable energy solutions and integration to irrigation
Dairy changes to reduce power demand
Farm and community microgrids
Measuring your carbon footprint
Government assistance and policy going forward
Smart Farm Power - opportunities in an uncertain carbon future promises to be an invaluable experience for farmers and others in the agriculture industry in Gippsland, who are driven to improve productivity and reduce their carbon footprint.
To register for the event, go to: https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/wilandra2023 or read more about what has been achieved by Wilandra Farms through the Smart Farm Project.
