Preliminary Analysis of Energy Costs for Crop Production In Eastern South Dakota: Results of a Grower Survey.

Current agricultural production systems in the US rely heavily on large quantities of inputs that are primarily derived from fossil fuels.  Both increasing energy prices and environmental concern from fossil fuel use make it essential for growers to identify points where efficiency can be gained and negative environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel use minimized.  Toward this end, a survey was conducted of farmers in eastern South Dakota to obtain information on farm level practices and develop estimates of energy use.  The questionnaire obtained data regarding farm inputs and outputs; including seed, crop, yield, fertilizers, manures, pesticides/pest management, machines, fuel, livestock, and human labor.  One thousand ninety one farms between 500 and 1,500 acres of crop land were mailed surveys.  Ninety farms responded with accurate information.  The study employed the process analysis technique to estimate energy inputs and outputs for those responding to the survey.  Data on net energy gain, energy intensity and energy productivity calculations for the survey respondents will be presented.  This study is an initial step in developing a framework for evaluating farm energy use in eastern South Dakota.