Working with the NSW Farmers’ Energy Team, the Kensal Green farm in Gunnedah identified significant energy savings opportunities over the short, medium and longer term. Heading the list of opportunities was the use of variable speed drives (VSDs) on pumps, as well as proper ballasting of the farm’s new tractor.

Biomass is a fuel source that could replace diesel for farmers prepared to make the investment but the technology is not readily accessible. At Gum Creek the use of biomass is under investigation and with over $200,000 in pumping costs the incentive to innovate is strong for third generation farmer Ian Blight.