Climate change is a reality for us all, and farmers are no exception!   Other than the changes in temperature regimes and precipitation patterns, farms will also be affected by the increased occurrence of extreme weather events, as well as unpredictable changes in the prevalence of weeds, insects, and disease.

Canada's agriculture sector emits approximately 8% of Canada’s GHG emissions which contributes to climate change.  Most farm GHG emissions are in the form of nitrous oxide, released primarily from the application of fertilizer and manure onto crops to supply nutrients for growth.  Methane, emitted from the digestion of feed by livestock and from manure storage systems, makes up much of the remainder.  In addition, fossil fuel burning and soils release carbon dioxide.  It can be easy to reduce GHG emissions through the adoption of farm best management practices and use of energy efficient equipment.

Due to substantial hikes in electricity, fuel and fertilizer costs, farmers in Carleton County and beyond are looking for ways to farm more efficiently.  Through the C5 Project, FBC has designed and tested a "farm energy audit" that you can use to sleuth out ways to improve your farm's energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.  

Saving Energy and Money - Down on the Farm is a user-friendly energy audit workbook that walks the reader through the farm energy audit.  It tells you where to look, how to figure out energy consumption with basic calculations, and solutions to reduce your monthly power bill and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  The workbook is applicable to both organic and conventional farming operations in dairy, potato, cattle, grain, fruit or mixed vegetables.

Order your copy of Saving Energy and Money - Down on the Farm today!  Copies are $10 each plus shipping.  To order:

Phone: (506) 375-4310 or (506) 375-8143

E-mail: agriculture@fallsbrookcentre.ca