For Peter Waldner from Parkland Hutterite Colony, energy efficiency is not just about reducing power use and energy costs, it’s about improving animal welfare and strengthening the future of the farm.
“Energy management is about improving the quality of life for our animals,” he said.
Peter works in IT and electrical operations at the colony’s commercial farming operation south of Nanton, Alberta. The farm raises pigs, beef, dairy and chicken to be sold across the province. When the animals live comfortably, they create a better meat product, ensuring the farm remains profitable and sustainable for the future. That’s why Peter signed up for ERA’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program.
“It makes sense to be energy efficient, for the benefit of livestock and the longevity of the farm,” said Peter.
Smart Heating Reduces Energy Use While Improving Animal Comfort
The colony has four barns, each containing multiple buildings. They house hogs and piglets, cows for dairy, chickens for egg laying, and maintain grassland for beef. As a 500-sow operation, they raise about 17,500 piglets over the course of the year. Parkland uses heat lamps to keep the young pigs warm and comfortable.
Thanks to a Facility Readiness Assessment from SEMI, Parkland identified the heat lamps in the hog barn as a high-energy piece of equipment. With a $53,000 grant from SEMI’s Capital Retrofits activity, they upgraded the lamps to reduce their consumption. Now, the temperature is regulated for the thousands of piglets in the barn, automatically adjusting and turning off based on the outside temperature.
Parkland to Save $6,667 Annually
“Farming is an expensive hobby, so funding programs like these are very helpful. I try to keep on top of federal and provincial government programs, and see what funding is available. You’re never too old to learn a new concept or energy-efficient way of doing things,” said Peter.
The new heat lamps are expected to save 44,447 kWh on energy per year. It translates to $6,667 in cost savings for Parkland Colony—and a better home for the piglets.
Quick Facts
- Parkland Colony Farming is a commercial farming operation located south of Nanton, Alberta, in the community of Parkland.
- ERA’s SEMI program provides industrial and manufacturing facilities with funding support, expertise, and training in energy management.
- SEMI is a $70 million program, with funding provided by the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It is designed to help the province’s industrial and manufacturing sectors increase competitiveness, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
