Dairy farm in Barre will host energy efficiency open house on Oct. 25
BARRE – The Van Lieshout dairy farm at the corner of East Barre Road and Route 98 will host presentations and tours on Oct. 25, highlighting energy efficiency upgrades and resources available to farmers.
The farm is participating in a no-cost energy audit with the Agriculture Energy Audit Program through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Equipped with the results of the energy audit, the Van Lieshout dairy farm worked with National Grid to install robotic milking equipment and other energy efficient equipment.
National Grid’s Energy Efficiency and Economic Development programs provided approximately $90,000 to the project. By purchasing highly efficient products, the Van Lieshouts will save an estimated 311,000 kWh per year, which equates to approximately $31,000 per year in electrical costs.
During the open house from 10 a.m. to noon, farmers can hear directly from the Cyndy Van Lieshout about her family’s experience with various programs and services they used to help the farm become energy efficient and sustainable.
The Van Lieshout Dairy Farm, a third-generation family owned and run operation, has been in business since 1978. Investing in energy efficiency and making these upgrades will better position Cyndi’s son, Garrett, to manage the business in the future as the current generation prepares to retire in a few years.
The Van Lieshouts completed a Cornell Dairy Farm Business Summary on an annual basis to assess their business and plan for a sustainable future. For this project, they used Pro-Dairy’s Dairy Acceleration Program, now known as the Dairy Advancement Program, funded through New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to cost share their facility engineering.
Representatives from NSYERDA, National Grid, and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the newly installed equipment. Light Refreshments will be provided. The farm’s address is 4775 Oak Orchard Rd.
