A force of nature, wind power was always destined to do good. From generating electricity and lighting up our homes, to providing meaningful secondary revenue streams to empower dwindling crop farms. Farms that have been suffering at the hands of a worsening economy across the United States.
The plight of crop farmers is a real one. On one hand, they find it hard to sell farmland that has been in their family for centuries. On the other, little to no profits from the crops and livestock make a steady income impossible. In fact, a large numbers of such farms are knee deep in debts. They’re struggling to make ends meet due to a sharp increase in commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns.
Amid this existential crisis, leasing out their land to wind power developers has been a ray of hope for farmers on the verge of losing their properties. By harvesting robust winds and adding those revenues to traditional crop revenues, American farmers are able to make a living off their lands.
Well maintained wind projects span at least 30-40 years. Suffering farmers are now relying on these lease payments as a steady source of income as they fight the constant trade battles with cheaper imports.
Turbines. Goats. Crops – All Is Fair in Wind Power Co-Location
This wind-powered revenue stream has thus proven to be beneficial for the society at large. It encourages non-participating farmers to play their part in making renewable energy commonplace. Moreover, making anywhere between $3000-$7000 annually, farmers who participate are able to pay off their debts and invest in small scale technological efficiencies.
What makes this arrangement so ‘empowering’ is the concept of cohabitation. Setting up renewable energy assets peacefully along with livestock, crops and in some instances, PV panels is a great way to use precious farm land.
Consequently, for the same 2 acres of land, where you previously had 100% crops, you will now have 70% crops + 70% turbines. Cultivating a bit of both resources makes this arrangement a definite a win-win for all.
