For producers who have not applied organic amendments more than three years in the last five years and who have agricultural fields testing low for soil organic matter levels where the addition of appropriate soil organic amendments could increase low soil organic matter levels and improve soil structure, tilth, aeration, moisture, nutrient cycling and soil life.

For producers seeking to understand and improve the use of energy on their farms through a basic/introductory energy use assessment of the whole farm operation. This assessment includes a walkthrough of the operation and identification of the most immediate or obvious energy conservation and efficiency opportunities. The assessment should also include a review of utility bills, an inventory of equipment and the identification of feasible energy savings opportunities associated with installation of improved technologies/equipment/modifications.

A Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1) is a preliminary evaluation of a farm operation’s energy performance, focusing on identifying potential areas for improvement and identifying opportunities for energy savings, ultimately providing an overview of a farm operation’s energy-related strengths and weaknesses. The assessment must be conducted by a qualified third-party consultant/engineer/energy auditor.

For producers seeking to understand the use of energy on their farms through a detailed, site-specific analysis leading to development of a written plan and list of recommended improvements for energy use at the whole farm operation. The audit must be conducted by a qualified third-party consultant/engineer/energy auditor.

A Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2) is a comprehensive examination of an operation’s current energy consumption (baseline) and aims to identify opportunities to improve energy use efficiency and reduce related costs. The primary goals of a Level 2 Energy Audit are to provide a detailed analysis of the energy consumption patterns and inefficiencies within an operation and its various activities, that will help identify areas where energy is wasted; and to provide recommendations for potential energy-saving measures. For more information see https://bmpbooks.com/publications/on-farm-energy-a-primer/.

For producers seeking to reduce the use of electrical energy or fossil fuels on their farm operation by implementing energy efficiency improvements.

Energy efficiency improvements must demonstrate an overall energy savings:

• Reduction in electricity use (lower annual kWh usage); and/or
• Reduction in fossil fuel use (lower annual fuel usage; shown as kWh equivalent).

Eligible projects are limited to those that replace current activities/technologies/materials that result in reduced energy usage. The program does not provide financial support for equipment purchases related to expansions that result in an overall increased energy use.

Eligible activities are limited to those that are directly related to farm production and excludes energy efficiency measures for homes/residences (permanent or temporary) or non-agricultural activities on the farm property.

For producers who want to enhance manure storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve nutrient management and/or increase storage efficiency through equipment or technology modifications.

For producers who spread manure and require equipment upgrades for effective and responsible spreading of manure to minimize environmental risk and support efficient plant nutrient uptake.

For producers who use heavy equipment (e.g., wagons, manure spreading equipment, etc.) where reductions to tire pressure could reduce soil compaction.

For producers who manage cropland where there are erosion issues that could be addressed with one or more erosion control structure(s). Projects will focus on construction of soil erosion control structures including: Water and Sediment Control Basins (WaSCoBs), grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, and constructed wetlands to improve agricultural land and reduce rates of soil erosion and nutrient losses.

For producers seeking to implement one of the recommended energy efficiency improvements identified through a previously completed energy audit (similar to the Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2) or equivalent) that results in a reduction in the use of electrical energy or fossil fuels that supports enhanced on-farm energy use efficiency.

Energy efficiency improvements must demonstrate an overall energy savings:

• Reduction in electricity use (lower annual kWh usage); and/or
• Reduction in fossil fuel use (lower annual fuel usage; shown as kWh equivalent).

Eligible projects are limited to those that replace current activities/technologies/materials that result in reduced energy usage. The program does not provide financial support for equipment purchases related to expansions that result in an overall increased energy use.

Eligible activities are limited to those that are directly related to farm production and excludes energy efficiency measures for homes/residences (permanent or temporary) or non-agricultural activities on the farm property.

Applications must be supported by a previously completed energy audit that meets the minimum requirements as outlined for a Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2), available here. The completed energy audit must have been prepared within the last 3 years and must have been prepared by a qualified third-party consultant/engineer/energy auditor.

For producers who require equipment upgrades for effective and responsible nutrient application to minimize environmental risk and support efficient plant nutrient uptake.

For producers who need to develop a first-time plan for improving nutrient management and soil health.