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Posts Tagged ‘wind farms’
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
In a sign of major erosion of public support, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture recently came out against new wind farm projects, citing health concerns and questions about efficiency.
While the OFA says that it remains committed to green energy programs, the groups says that wind farms are dividing rural communities and seriously effecting the quality of life throughout rural Ontario.
Of particular concern to OFA is guaranteeing that the interests of farm families are adequately protected.
Energy officials are concerned about the OFA’s stance, claiming that farm organizations have worked with the Canadian government in creating green energy projects. According to Energy Minister Chris Bentley, “We’ve worked very closely with farmers, with the OFA, with rural Ontario in developing and strengthening the renewable energy approvals process.”
The difficulty in forging a green energy program in Canada may have repercussions in the United States. Communities throughout the U.S. have struggled against many renewable energy programs. On the eastern seaboard, for example, the building of wind farms has been resisted as many rural communities view them as eyesores.
Given the skepticism that many farm organizations harbor towards environmental conservation programs, such as the Chesapeake Bay restoration project, data questioning the efficiency of wind farms are likely to be seized by farm organization in the States.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Canada, chesapeake bay, wind farms
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Saturday, October 15th, 2011
According to recent public polling, the citizens of Maryland broadly support plans to build offshore wind farms. The wind farm plan, a major part of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s environmental policies, appears to be moving closer to fruition, according to political insiders. The public support for the plan has emboldened lawmakers to take action.
Upon approval, the plan would authorize the creation of 120 wind turbines 11 miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. The plan stalled in the last General Assembly session, with House and Senate members worried about potential costs.
However, with the result of recent polling showing that over sixty percent of Marylanders would be willing to pay the extra $2 per month for wind energy, many believe that the state assembly will change its tune in the current session.
Some Marylanders are still concerned about potential cost. In particular, agricultural leaders want assurances from the governor that increased energy costs won’t disproportionately fall on their industry, which could not only affect their bottom line, but could cause increased food costs across the state.
While some politicians are warming to the idea of wind farms, many still say there is a lot of fact-finding necessary before they throw their total support behind the idea.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Martin O’Malley, Maryland, wind farms
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Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Photo courtesy of Carleton College
Wind turbines are most commonly used as a way to create renewable energy on existing farmland in the United States. However, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory reports wind turbines also help keep corn and soybean crops cool and dry which means they are less likely to get fungal infestations.
Ames Laboratory associate and agricultural meteorology expert Gene Takle spoke at the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco on the subject. “We’ve finished the first phase of our research, and we’re confident that wind turbines do produce measurable effects on the microclimate near crops,” Takle said.
Takle worked alongside assistant professor of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado- Boulder, Julie Lundquist.
Lundquist’s team used a laser known as a lidar to measure winds and turbulence near the top tip of the blade as well as near Earth’s surface. “Our laser instrument could detect a beautiful plume of increased turbulence that persisted even a quarter-mile downwind of a turbine,” Lundquist said.
Both researchers state that the findings cannot prove anything yet, but scientifically the increased airflow suggests this is a highly realistic possibility. “The turbulence resulting from wind turbines may speed up natural exchange processes between crop plants and the lower atmosphere,” Takle said.
Not only can wind turbines help control the airflow and temperature of crops, but they can also effect crop moisture levels. The turbulence may dry the dew on plants that appears in early morning ultimately minimizing the time fungi can grow on plant leaves. It can also help farmers reduce the time and money spent on artificially drying crops.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: Department of Energy, renewable energy, wind farms
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Monday, October 4th, 2010
Photo courtesy of Fuel From the Wind
For centuries farmers have used mechanical wind mills to pump life into ranches and farms across the country. However, an increasing number of producers are converting from old windmill to solar-powered systems.
According to windmill producers, many are making the change because it’s not only more efficient, but the cost of repair is far less. With windmills one repair is followed by another until you have invested thousands of dollars into repairs. Instead of making the repairs, farmers are using the money to invest in newer systems.
Solar-powered windmills have been on the market for 20 years and their efficiency has greatly improved during this time. Solar-powered windmills run anywhere from $4,500 to $10,000 and the average repairs on a traditional windmill cost around $5,000. Producers feel the solar-powered windmills are more durable and reliable than traditional ones. Farmers can collect water for days in case the sun is not out for a day and they need to water plants or feed animals.
Though windmill styles are changing, the technology has been used for so long that it is not expected that farmers will completely remove windmills from their farms.
If you would like to improve conditions on your farm or need money to cover production costs, contact Farm Plus today for information on our low-rate agriculture loans. Speak with a representative at 866-929-5585 or visit our website for rates and information.
Tags: renewable energy, solar panels, wind farms
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
“Manure Use for Fertilizer and Energy,” a report published by the USDA says that manure can be used to produce energy commercially on farms without competing withthe supply needed for fertilizer.
The manure-to-energy interest is growing, but the actual implementation of the plan is not common in the United States. Most producers use anaerobic digestion and combustion to caputre carbon dioxide and methane for electricity generation according to the report. This is mostly done on hog and dairy farms.
Combustion is most beneficial to fuel large power plants with cattle manure and poultry litter that have high energy and low moisture content. Only one exists today using turkey litter.
Biomass Magazine said, ” Using manure for energy won’t impose substantial constraints on manure for fertilizer supplies, the report says, because the technologies do not consume the nutrients that are beneficial for plant growth. In anaerobic digestion, the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium remain in the effluent to be spread on fields. Digestion also eliminates odors and nearly eliminates pathogens, according to the report. Combustion plants burn nitrogen nutrients, but leave the phosphorous and potassium in concentrated form in the ash residues. In addition, manure-to-energy projects function in markets for fertilizer and energy and will be most economical in those areas where acquisition costs of manure are lowest, the report says. In turn, manure costs will be lowest where manure is in excess supply.
In the market for a farm loan? Look no further! Farm Plus has low-rate farm loans waiting for you! Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: alternative energy, renewable envergy, wind farms
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Friday, October 30th, 2009
Minnesota businesses and farmers have been granted $3 million worth of loans available from the USDA.
The loans are part of a $62.5 million national loan campaign from the USDA for renewable energy projects and energy efficient projects. The program is allotted for 705 projects nationwide. The money is available through the Rural Energy for America Program.
“President Obama and I are committed to helping rural businesses become more energy efficient - it’s good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for the workers and customers who depend on the goods and services these businesses provide,†said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Loans in Minnesota were generally around $50,000. The largest grants were $250,000 and $598,857 to South Central Grain and energy in Hector.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. We have farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. See or rate sheets here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: minnesota, renewable energy, usda, wind farms
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Massachusetts has plans for a one-of-a-kind wind farm.
Want to invest in a wind farm? Need a low-rate loan for other types of farming? Call Farm Plus today! Farm loans are available today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: renewable energy, wind farms
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