Renewable energy is a win for Iowa farmers and their communities

Since my family began farming nearly 50 years ago, we have transformed 700 acres of rich Iowa farmland into a thriving 1,000-head cattle operation. During American Clean Power Week, my family and I are grateful that renewable energy has provided a path for us to keep our way of life competitive and successful.

In 2009, we welcomed four wind turbines to our property that have been a financial asset, allowing us to diversify our income and hedge against market conditions and unfavorable weather conditions.

In farming, we see the good and bad sides of Mother Nature. We see the sun come up and go down every day. Thanks to the natural resources my family have chosen to harvest, we can rest our heads peacefully at night knowing we’ve done a good day’s work and are building a resilient future for our family.

We see the presence of wind turbines as a winning situation not only for us but to every resident in our community. Wind projects like ours generate tax revenue that helps the county repair bridges, repave roads, and make other necessary infrastructure improvements in our community.

This American Clean Power Week, I encourage my fellow farmers to embrace clean energy and the good it provides for agricultural communities like mine.

Dave Johnson

Riceville