2018 Spring Farm

2018 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 22, 2018 Page 29 addition, the placement of turbines may cause soil compaction. To offset possible negative impacts, companies constructing the wind farms now must sign Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement agreeing to take care of any damages to drainage tiles or crops. Farm owner Cheryl Baker says the income from the towers more than make up for the lost farm income. Solar farms have also gained popularity in the Midwest as a renewable energy source in recent years and appear to generate less controversy than wind farms. With at least two acres needed for the panels, they take more acreage out of production, though agricultural production can continue around them. It is easier to return the land to its original condition after the solar farm has been decommissioned and the panels removed. The Union of Concerned Scientists says, “Solar energy can be used in agriculture in a number of ways, saving money, increasing self-reliance, and reducing pollution. Solar energy can cut a farm’s electricity and heating bills. Solar heat collectors can be used to dry crops and warm homes, livestock buildings, and greenhouse.” Locally, small panels are being utilized to operate remote electric gates, fences, drainage tile shut-off valves, surveillance cameras, water trough heaters, well pumps, lighting and more. Solar tax credits and rebates provide an economic incentive. Solar power is also touted as bringing energy savings by reducing electric bills, claiming it will save about ten percent on energy costs. The Logan County Board’s Airport and Farm Committee has been in discussion with IPS Solar about renting 18 acres at the airport for a solar array. As part of an incentive package, the county would receive discounted electricity. The Logan County Board Planning and Zoning Committee is working on a solar ordinance with certain conditions that will have to be met. Both wind and solar have potential as energy sources, but it is important to consider the impacts to agriculture. [Angela Reiners / with contributions by Jan Youngquist]