Planting and harvesting activities typically require diesel fuel for tractors, combines, mowers, balers, and other equipment. This would include application of fertilizers and pesticides as well. Electricity serves the farm sector well. Electricity is required to operate irrigation equipment. Dairy operations demand electricity to operate milking parlors, to keep milk cool, and to heat water for sanitation purposes.
Electricity is needed to light homes, barns, and operate cooling systems for poultry.
Natural gas, liquid propane, and electricity are used to power crop dryers. In addition, gasoline, oils, and lubricants are necessary to the farm. Estimates of energy expenditures and cash costs are expected to rise in 2000 after being fairly stable over the past three years. Total cash expenses are also estimated to rise, but at a slower rate than direct energy cost. The types and amounts of energy needed by production activity vary considerably.