Energy & Data bring knowledge and power to modern farming operations.

"Monitoring and Controls" network brings solar system production, weather, well pump, irrigation system, and more into easy "real-time" view and control of operations managers... and it's all done wirelessly.

The staff at Capay Farms is responsible for more than 10,000 acres of almond and walnut production spread over 100 square miles in Glenn, Butte and Tehama counties. Headquartered in Hamilton City, the team has incorporated technical savvy, commercially available technology and a proprietary telemetry and controls network to help them optimize operations and energy use.

In fact, Capay incorporates an advanced energy efficiency and demand management approach throughout its entire operation. As the farm’s energy consultant, Tony Pastore with AgEnergy Systems, oversees farm energy usage, energy generation, data telemetry and controls, and participation in Demand Response programs.

“With more than 10,000 acres in cultivation, our energy needs are high,” Pastore says. “This includes everything from electricity for irrigation water pumping to vehicle fuel to natural gas and diesel for various equipment. Solar electric generation is important in the mix, too. To keep energy costs as reasonable as possible, we do two things,” he adds. “We save money by reducing usage, generating electricity with solar and by tapping energy wisely, at the correct time of day.”

“With so many pumps involved, capital costs were a big concern. Funding from the PG&E ADR program allowed us to move the project forward and covered most of the equipment and installation costs. Having remote start/stop control on each pump has made our regular operations and participation in Demand Response much easier and more cost-effective,” Dan Cummings, comments.

“Employees understand that a more prosperous farm is a good thing for everyone. But any time you adjust to different technology, there is a learning curve,” Julia Violich comments. At Capay, employee training and ongoing check-ins to ensure the staff is comfortable using the technology are part of the comprehensive data-driven approach to farming.

Efforts add up

The expanded ADR system is part of a larger data monitoring and controls network also built by Bedard Controls, AgEnergy Systems, and Farm Staff. Predictive maintenance at Capay complements efforts to keep energy and operating costs in check by avoiding expensive repair periods of failed equipment. As an example, Capay uses temperature and vibration sensors on motors to predict when a pumping plant may need new bearings, a mounting adjustment, shaft alignment or other maintenance.

Pastore's initiative with both solar and data networking has brought significant value to the staff and operations team. Now with the ability to monitor and control devices, irrigation parameters are in view and we are able to schedule pumps and valves to optimize for "time of use" energy costs as well as frost management late in the night, etc.... all of which leads to huge savings for the owners.