On-Farm Energy Production

On March 8, 2007, Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT, Senate Agriculture Committee ) introduced legislation that would give incentives to produce renewable energy "on-farm" farmers and ranchers. The proposal status is S. 828.

On-farm Energy Production Act of 2007," is an amendment to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today signed onto Baucus' bill, {link}which will go before the Agriculture Committee for its consideration before going to the Senate floor.

Baucus' bill would amend the EQIP which currently gives producers incentives to do conservation work on their lands.

The bill will help farmers and ranchers install windmills, solar panels, or biodiesel oilseed presses on their operations. The federal government would pay about 50 percent of the total costs to add renewable energy sources to the farm or ranch.

Baucus said other alternative energy programs help agriculture producers, but indirectly. Under his bill, farmers and ranchers will benefit directly because they'll be able to cut their energy and fuel bills. The Farm Bureau and the Farmer's Union back this proposed legislation to boost alternative energy.

A Handful of South Dakota wind-

{wind farming doesn't make economic sense until the wind is faster than 14 mph, so this Handful yields little wind power}

Noon Jun 02, N at 6 mph
9 AM Jun 02, N 7 mph
5 AM Jun 02, Calm light rain; mist
9 PM Jun 01, E at 6 mph
7 PM (23) Jun 01, ENE at 5 mph light rain
2 PM (18) Jun 01, E at mph 14 light rain .

Do contact me if you want to buy any of this blog's content or would like to have other specific wind power-related content uncovered.

'Til next time. Best Wind.