Scott Buchan sees the impact of technology whenever he’s watching his broiler chickens or looking at his hydro bills.
For Buchan, who operates Buchrest Farms along with his family in Ontario’s Waterloo Region, investing in technology and innovation plays a key role in making the operation more profitable and sustainable.
Buchan notes that his energy bill is a clear indicator of the impact of technology on the farm. The installation of solar panels has led to a significant reduction in hydro bills and cooling technology has also helped create a more comfortable environment for birds, improving both health and welfare.
On this episode of Profitable Practices, Buchan emphasizes the critical role the barn environment plays in the success of a chicken farm. Birds dislike significant temperature changes, so maintaining a consistent environment is crucial. He shares how an evaporative cooling system cools the barn by about 10 degrees using a car radiator-like mechanism and 60-inch cooling fans. The high air speed and water evaporation process keep the barn environment dry, preventing disease. It also helps improve feed efficiency as birds can eat throughout the day without being affected by extreme heat.
The exterior of the barn also features a solar wall that uses sunlight to preheat incoming air, reducing the need for propane heat. Heat exchangers further optimize the system by using warm air to preheat cool air, reducing external heat requirements by 40 to 45 per cent.
There’s also energy efficient LED lighting and a series of tree wind breaks which minimize wind exposure and reduce heat requirements. Watch the video below.
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