Where agriculture spends energy and how to reduce it

What is a small or medium agriculture business

Smaller farms and agri‑businesses that use more energy than a typical site due to equipment load or extended operating hours, but do not need complex procurement.

Common examples

• Market gardens and vineyards with irrigation pumps and cool storage.

• Poultry and livestock sheds with ventilation, heating, and lighting.

• Dairies with milk cooling and washdown requirements.

• Food producers with small processing lines and cold rooms.

Typical profile

Quarterly bills, time of use tariffs, and a focus on quick savings that do not disrupt operations.

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What is a commercial and large agricultural operator

Larger organisations that manage multiple sites, large refrigeration or processing loads, or high‑duty pumping across seasons. These operators benefit from structured procurement and a portfolio energy strategy.

Common examples

• Multi‑site broadacre and horticulture with large irrigation or fertigation systems.

• Large dairies and feedlots with refrigeration, aeration, and continuous plant.

• Cold chain storage, packing, and distribution facilities.

• Food and beverage processors with heat and refrigeration loads.

Typical profile

Monthly billing, interval metering, demand charges across sites, and procurement via tender to secure competitive rates over 1 to 5 year terms aligned to risk appetite and contract goals.

Challenges for small and medium agriculture businesses

• Rising pump and refrigeration costs

• Seasonal peaks that drive bills in heat or cold snaps

• Limited time to review energy plans

• Tariff confusion and unclear fees

• Equipment inefficiencies from ageing motors and controls

How Zembl helps

Fast bill comparison, simple plan structures, and practical site tweaks that trim usage without disrupting production.

Challenges for commercial and large agricultural operators

• Managing energy across multiple sites and seasons

• Aligning contract end dates and network charges

• Balancing product quality and animal welfare with cost control

• Limited visibility of energy use by site or process

• Limited internal resources for energy procurement

How Zembl helps

Obligation free tenders across our retailer panel, data led offer analysis, and clear recommendations that fit load and risk. We manage the process so decisions move quickly.

Two recent success stories

Amalfi Pizza Pasta Wantirna saves $4,900  

Hospitality site demonstrating how a clear comparison and a competitive plan can reduce annual costs without operational change.

Burnfarmers dairy farm saves $119,000  

A large dairy operation achieving significant savings through structured procurement and better tariff alignment.

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FAQs for agriculture businesses

Where is energy used most on farms and agri‑businesses?

Irrigation and pumping, refrigeration and milk cooling, ventilation and heating for sheds, lighting, compressors and machinery, and processing or packing lines.

Why do energy bills change across the year?

Weather and season drive irrigation and refrigeration load. Harvest, calving or packing periods extend run time. Time of use and demand charges can spike during hot afternoons or cold snaps.

How can small farms reduce their energy costs?

Compare plans regularly, maintain pumps and refrigeration, upgrade to efficient lighting and motors, manage setpoints, and review contract terms before expiry.

What drives the highest usage in large agricultural operations?

Large refrigeration and cold storage, continuous pumping, aeration, and processing equipment across multiple sites. Concurrent operation can increase demand charges.

How can multi‑site agri‑businesses improve efficiency?

Align contract end dates, monitor usage by site and process, review tariffs, upgrade ageing equipment, optimise irrigation schedules and refrigeration settings, and use interval data to identify peak demand periods.

Talk to a Zembl energy expert

Whether you run a small farm or a national agri business, we align pricing, advice, and next steps to your operations and goals. Share your latest bill or interval data to get started.