An Ararat bioenergy expert believes alternative fuel sources could help Wimmera farmers become more sustainable.
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Ararat Rural City Council's bioenergy support officer Daryl Scherger said far-fetched ideas like running tractors on straw could help farmers to remain viable.
The council and the Department of Sustainability and Environment began a Bioenergy Support Program earlier this year to assist businesses and individuals to become more sustainable.
Mr Scherger said the program had garnered some interest, but many people still did not understand the opportunities in the Wimmera for on-site biofuel production.
He said fuels such as diesel and LPG could be made cost-effectively using raw organic farm material.
"People can use biomass which includes wood, straw, mustard seed, canola, animal manure and a whole variety of plant and animal waste materials," he said.
"Things such as mustard seed and canola can be crushed into oil and with a few modifications to a vehicle used as diesel.
"While wheat, straw and wood chips can be burnt to make gas.
"Countries in Europe have found ways to turn straw into diesel and I expect that technology will be available in Australia soon."
While burning straw and wheat leads to carbon being released into the atmosphere, Mr Scherger said it was less damaging to the atmosphere than burning fossil fuels.
"If straw is not burnt, the carbon would return to the atmosphere when the straw is broken down by bacteria," he said.
"The following year that carbon would be reclaimed when planting another crop.
"Where as burning old-growth forests releases carbon that has been stored for many years."
Kaniva farmer Steve Hobbs is one of the Wimmera's leading biofuel users and has modified his machinery to run on diesel, created using beans and legumes grown on his own farm.
Berrybank Piggery, near Ballarat, uses a biogas plant to turn pig manure into gas to help heat and power the business.
The $2-million investment annually saves the plant $435,000 in running costs.
Mr Scherger said farmers should look into Berrybank Piggery and Mr Hobbs' set up.
"People need to look at what materials they have left over and how they can use them as biofuel," he said. "As fuel and electricity becomes more expensive, farms and businesses will need to become more sustainable.
"I really encourage farmers to look into the technology now and see what suits their operation best."
He said people interested in using bioenergy could contact Ararat Rural City Council on 5355 0200.