British farmers continuously work around the clock. They wake up at dawn for the lambs to arrive and then continue their day finishing off the harvest until they go to bed at midnight. Consequently, food production runs on a very tight-time-based schedule all around the countryside. Each piece of production equipment, whether it is an engine, a dryer or even grain handling employs a critical resource which supports the entire food production system. Thus, maintaining an assured energy supply is not just numbers on a spreadsheet; but rather is the very heart of a successful and modern rural business.
For this reason, navigating logistical challenges during a busy harvest season requires forward-thinking infrastructure and orderly supply chains to deliver bulk farming fuel. In order to mitigate fluctuations in fuel prices, many farming operations rely on established bulk-farm-fuel delivery models to reduce the risk associated with unexpected fuel shortages. By providing their operation with an uninterrupted supply of fuel through a dedicated bulk-farm-fuel provider, growers are focused on producing the highest level of yields and not concerned with the changing cost of emergency fuel deliveries.
Redefining the Rural Tank: Navigating the Red Diesel Shift
Recently, there was a monumental change in the regulations regarding fuel used in United Kingdom agriculture due to new requirements for issuing a diesel rebate. For over 30 years, gas oil (or red diesel) has been the most important fuel for all types of farm equipment, including small utility vehicles and large combine harvesters. Currently, red diesel will continue to be available to UK farmers at a discounted rate for legitimate agricultural, horticultural and forestry related purposes; however, there are significant changes to how producers can currently use red diesel legally—namely increased documentation requirements regarding when and where red diesel can be used.
As producers attempt to deliver compliant red diesel to their farms, they need to be able to maintain accurate records of each distinct purpose for which the red diesel was used. The requirements to deliver red diesel will require pro-active measures from all producers to ensure that their use of red diesel is for legally-defined agricultural-related purposes only. As a result, many agricultural businesses throughout the United Kingdom are conducting audits of their use and storage of red diesel to ascertain any potential liability issues with regards to agricultural use of red diesel versus commercial transport operations with regular white diesel.
Greener Horizons: Is HVO the Future of Fieldwork?
The urgency of achieving net-zero goals is increasing across the supply chain, spurring many progressive estates to look for alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO fuel, is now being touted as an innovative alternative that can be dropped directly into existing diesel engines without any major modifications. HVO is made from certified waste fats and used cooking oils and it has a cleaner burn than conventional diesel fuels, greatly reducing the production of greenhouse gases.
By switching to a sustainable farm fuel supply through renewable alternatives, farms will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also increase the life of their equipment. HVO fuel has excellent cold flow properties which significantly reduce the chances of fuel filters becoming blocked during the cold British winters and there is no longer the problem of sticky sludge that was often found with first generation biodiesels. Transitioning to renewable liquids is thus becoming an attractive option for estates that are looking to future-proof operations and appeal to eco-conscious supermarkets.
Total Farm Thermal Control: Managing Grain Dryers and Living Quarters
Most agricultural operations include more than just a place to work, and they often combine heavy industry with multiple generations of family housing within one ecosystem. After harvest and before grain can be sold to buyers, the grain drying process required to prevent spoilage uses a considerable amount of energy during this short time period to meet buyers’ strict moisture requirements for grain. To operate these energy-intensive thermal equipment, farm managers commonly employ; Industrial Heating Oil (IHO); as it was designed as a lower-cost, blended fuel designed specifically for use in large commercial boilers and drying facilities.
At the same time, the main farmhouse, worker cottages, and turned barns throughout the property need a consistent level of comfort during the winter months. As a result, rural properties are almost always without access to the national gas pipeline, therefore oil for domestic heating is a major need for these properties to provide effective heating. By coordinating bulk deliveries of IHO for both industrial-grade burners and the domestic heating tanks brings considerable savings in administrative time as well greater purchasing advantages when buying in bulk from distributors.
Storage, Safety, and the Battle Against Fuel Degradation
As a business owner, having many liquids stored at your business presents a significant challenge for protecting the environment as well as any large investments you have made into your business. Because of this, the Environment Agency has put into place many rules regarding the safe storage of liquids in bunded storage tanks with the primary requirement that any secondary containment system must be able to hold not less than 110% of the capacity of the inner tank. The best way to protect yourself against major events or costly environmental damage to the environment and being fined by the government is to invest in either high-quality UV stabilized polyethylene or steel bunded storage tanks.
One of the biggest things you can do to maintain your stored diesel is to eliminate all water from your storage tank. One of the leading causes of diesel fuel not running properly is when condensation builds up inside your storage tank resulting in a perfect environment for the “diesel bug” which is a bacteria that produces thick slime that clogs fuel filters and corrodes injectors on diesel engines. In order to prevent this from happening to your stored diesel, you should perform regular draining of your storage tank, fuel polishing, and complete maintenance on your storage tank with antimicrobial treatments so that when you need to have your backup power source running or active equipment, it is ready when needed.
