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Farm Operations, Facilities & EquipmentBackup Power for Dairy Farms
Cows need milking, water and fans whether or not the grid is up. A backup power plan decided in advance is much easier than one made during an outage.
Key points
- Decide what must keep running and size backup power to match.
- Use a properly installed transfer switch for any building connection.
- Test and maintain the generator and manage fuel safely.
- Know your milk buyer's rules for outages.
Why plan before the outage
Power loss affects milking, cooling, ventilation, water pumps and lighting all at once. Cows that cannot be milked on time become uncomfortable, and milk that cannot be cooled may be lost.
The time to decide what you need is before the storm, not during it. Write a plan and share it with everyone who works on the farm.
List what must keep running
Walk the farm and list the loads you cannot do without, in order of priority. Typical items include the milking system, the bulk tank, water supply, ventilation, lights and the pumps for wash water.
Next to each item, note its power rating and whether it starts with a surge. A qualified electrician or equipment dealer can help you size backup power for your actual loads.
- Milking equipment and vacuum pumps
- Bulk tank and cooling
- Water pumps and heaters needed for washing
- Fans and ventilation in hot weather
- Lighting for safe work
- Feed and manure handling that cannot wait
Generator types and transfer switches
Backup power usually comes from a tractor-driven generator or a stationary unit. Each has strengths: tractor-driven units can be moved and use a machine you already have, while stationary units can start automatically and are ready sooner.
Any generator connected to a building must be connected through a properly installed transfer switch. Without one, power can flow back onto utility lines and injure or kill line workers.
Fuel, storage and maintenance
A generator is only useful if it starts. Keep fuel fresh and supplies adequate, and test the unit under load on a schedule. Check oil, coolant, batteries and belts as the manufacturer directs.
Store fuel safely and away from ignition sources, and keep fire extinguishers close. Follow local rules on fuel storage and spill response.
- Test under load on a regular schedule
- Keep a written maintenance log
- Rotate and manage stored fuel
- Keep spare filters, belts and fuses
- Store a copy of the manual with the unit
Safety during operation
Generators produce carbon monoxide, so never run one in or near an enclosed building. Keep exhaust away from air intakes and open doors, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Moving power take-off shafts, hot parts and fuel are common hazards. Keep guards in place, keep children and bystanders away and follow OSHA and manufacturer guidance.
Operating the farm during an outage
Have a written step-by-step guide for starting the generator, switching loads and shutting down. Put it near the unit so anyone can follow it.
Decide how you will milk, cool and handle milk if power is limited. Talk with your milk buyer about what to do if cooling fails and about pickup delays, so you know their rules in advance.
- Contact list for the electrician, utility and milk buyer
- Plan for water for cows and washing
- Extra lighting and flashlights
- Plan for communication if phones are down
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include buying a generator that is too small, skipping the transfer switch, never testing it and forgetting about water. Another is waiting until a storm is forecast to find out the unit will not start.
Review your plan once a year with your electrician and every worker. Update it when you add equipment or change your milking system.
Sources and further reading
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.