With heating bills expected to rise this winter, there are a number of ways that farmers and rural residents can save on energy costs during the winter. 

Joel Zook, a certified energy manager and a National Re­sources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical service provider, says a good place to start is with an energy audit. 

“I always recommend getting an energy audit for your farm to take a look at the big picture of all energy uses on your operation,” Zook said.  

“The NRCS has cost-share op­­portunities through EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Pro­­gram) that can help cover the cost of a farm energy audit, as well as cost share for energy saving...