Most energy used in farming is generated from fossil fuels and is therefore a limited and valuable resource. Steps should be taken to improve efficiency of energy use and to minimise wastage. This involves:

• Carrying out a farm energy audit, per unit, per year, to ensure that all energy consumption on the farm is as efficient as possible. Please refer to Farm Energy centre for template of how to carry this out. www.fecservices.co.uk
• Adoption of energy saving measures such as improved insulation of buildings, double-glazing, regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery, remote control activation and shut off systems.
• Assessing fuel requirements of different field operations as part of the decision process.
• Consideration of the possible use of alternative sources of fuel, other than fossil fuels, e.g. bio diesel
• Combining field operations to save fuel, e.g. minimum tillage, where possible.
• Minimising haulage distances.
• Investigating alternative energy sources, such as wind power, solar energy and biofuels and adopting them if economically viable.
• Considering carefully the energy cost of producing Nitrogen fertiliser. It is possible to consider the use of sources. of N fertilisers that are co- products of existing industrial production, thus delivering a net saving in energy consumption.
• Energy audits should be carried out and be available for inspection.