“The more than $100 billion that companies have invested in wind power in low-income counties—where about 70 percent of wind farms are located—has helped double assessed land values in some of the poorest parts of rural America.”

Over 99% of the 2.1 million farms are family-owned and operated. A large portion now host wind turbines.

Scene of a Michigan Thumb Wind Farm

Wind Energy is a Stable Moneymaker for Farmers

In a recent report by Bloomberg Businessweek it noted that “Wind energy, the fastest-growing source of electricity in the U.S., is transforming low-income rural areas in ways not seen since the federal government gave land to homesteaders 150 years ago.”

For some farmers, turbines spin off six-figure incomes that have allowed them to retire from farming altogether. However, this windfall his highly dependent wind conditions, location, local zoning, setback requirements and a bit of luck. In Huron County Michigan, turbine projects and placement has pitted neighbor vs. neighbor and nasty exchanges in the township halls have ensued. While each lease is confidential, Bloomberg noted that landowners who sign lease agreements with wind companies typically get wind farm incomes between $7,000 and $10,000 per turbine each year.

“Before, I raised corn and soybeans and cattle. Now I don’t. I’m a wind farmer.”

In an analysis of the article by Tina Casey she noted, “The full impact of new wind turbines on local communities is a bit more mixed than the article represents, but it does underscore how the wind industry is playing a critical role rural economic development — without the high risks and impacts of fossil fuel extraction.” Wind farm income is now an economic reality and can lead to more stability in family farms.

In addition, since 2012, agricultural commodity prices rates have steadily declined due to strong supply and weak demand. Wind power add a significant economic buffer to agricultural price fluctuations due to weather events or policy changes such as tariffs.

Moratorium Affected Wind Development

In 2015 , with the self-imposed wind moratorium all but finished in Huron County Michigan. Several wind projects were slated to start up in the Upper Thumb that fall. Renewable Energy Systems Americas began construction on 47 wind turbines in Dwight, Bloomfield and Lincoln townships, while Huron Township started with 25. Local farmers expected wind farm income to grow that year

The project, entitled the Deerfield Wind Energy project, provided up to 200 jobs during the peak of construction and up to six permanent jobs once construction is completed. Currently more than 215 local landowners are participating in Deerfield Wind Energy

The 72 turbines generate 150 megawatts enough to power 50,000 to 60,000 homes. Cadillac-based Wolverine Power Cooperative is the power purchaser.

In a new trend to appease landowners, RES Americas, told county officials in 2015 that every landowner within 2,100 feet of a turbine would receive royalty payments. Even those with or without turbines.

Deerfield Wind Energy reached commercial operation in 2016.

Sources Consulted

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