Energy Options & Energy-Saving Energy Options & Energy-Saving Technologies for Greenhouse ProductionTechnologies for Greenhouse Production

By Paul A. Thomas & Forrest StegelinBy Paul A. Thomas & Forrest StegelinUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of Georgia

2006 Oklahoma ConferenceSponsored by The OFA

Natural Gas and Propane will not be economically viable fuel sources

for greenhouse production within the next five years….unless

you can raise the price of your product 18% -28%

We Must Raise Our Prices!

0

510

1520

253035

40

Do

llars

1965 1975 1985 1995 2005

Value of a 5" PoinsettiaCorrected for Inflation

1965-2005

Retail - INF

Whole - INF

ActualWholesale

5.13% Annualincrease

Reducing Energy Costs: Reducing Energy Costs: Are There Easy Solutions?Are There Easy Solutions?

Nope!

Do an Energy Audit

Do a Site Inspection

Do an Inquisition: Evaluate all Hidden Costs! (product handling, etc)

Hold a Staff Meeting and reward Input !

Before you blow your top, do a comprehensive business assessment

Consider Your Options

Reduce Perform general maintenance

Reduce or eliminate low profit crops

Reduce high risk customers

Re-train employees for efficiency

Set new company policies!

Keep better records…and use them!

Do Your Homework on Energy Alternatives

Plan For The Future

• Discuss 5 and 10 year plans for business

• Consider re-tooling over time:

Greenhouse glazing

Heat curtains

New heaters / boilers

• Consider long-term investment effects

Tighten Your Belt

• Review Yearly Expenses – Yearly!

• Evaluate Procedures / Policies

• Eliminate Shrinkage

• Conserve Energy Expenditures

• Reconsider Your Technology Level

Do all the Small Percentage Decreases in Cost Add Up to

Something Worthwhile?

Let’s Ask Forrest…..