ADAS is offering a free online tool to help farmers assess and reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions.

The environmental consultancy’s interactive online Farm Management Resource tool, based on data from 900 farms, became available to farmers on the ADAS website in March and is designed to help them assess whether they are needlessly wasting electricity in day-to-day operations.

Brian Angell, head of farming and rural advice at ADAS, said rising electricity and fuel prices were a grave concern for farmers but could be mitigated with a series of low-cost measures such as reviewing energy providers, regular machinery maintenance, reviewing day-to-day operations such as travel and ensuring all staff are aware of the importance of reducing energy throughout the business.

He said: “Farmers are already feeling the pinch of fluctuating commodity prices and the rising cost of inputs. Factor in utility bills and government requirements to reduce carbon emissions and some might find their figures just don’t make farming worthwhile.

“However, resource efficiency assessments we have carried out suggest most farms could reduce electricity and fuel use by at least 10 per cent and in some instances, we have found opportunities to save 60 per cent, which equates to very significant financial saving in an industry with tight margins.

“What we really want to do with this tool is help farmers monitor electricity consumption and then reduce it. All the signs are that electricity prices are going to rise significantly - perhaps by a quarter on current in the next decade - and that’s a major threat to profitability.”