Kirkham Farm Energy Audit: A Guide to Farm Energy Self Sufficiency

摘要

The original intent of the Kirkham Farm Energy Audit in Oregon was to develop a plan whereby the farm could eventually become energy self-sufficient. Results of this study have outlined the steps to take in the planning process and have provided the tools to measure energy use and resources on a farm. The actual results of this study, however, have not resulted in alternative energy being produced on the farm. The economic conditions within agriculture the last two to three years have made it just about impossible to devote financial resources to anything but direct agricultural production. As a consequence of this, even where energy sources such as hydropower and alcohol show that they would eventually yield net financial savings to the farm, the capital resources have just not been available to even think about beginning construction. (ERA citation 11:040844)