Alternative Energy and Farming: A Greener Way to Produce Food
Farmers are coming under fire for being environmental offenders, often using equipment and practices that contribute to our increasing pollution problem. Without farmers, however, the world would soon starve. Is there a middle ground where food and livestock can be successfully, and profitably, produced without damaging our planet? It seems that there is. The answer lies in implementing green energy practices in the daily operations of agricultural businesses.
People across the United States are becoming more aware of and interested in solar power. The ability to produce your own electricity without creating noise and air pollution is appealing to most. This power source, straight from the sun, is perfect for many farms. All you need is an unobstructed access to sunlight for most or all of the days of the year. Luckily, most farms and ranches have many rooftops or sunny, open areas like fields that are perfect for a solar installation. Solar electric energy is extremely useful on farms and ranches and is usually the cheapest and lowest maintenance type of energy in areas far from utility lines. It can be used to run irrigation systems, feeding systems, electric fencing, and lighting systems. It can also be the ideal way to heat greenhouses or to heat produce-drying sheds. In remote pasture or field areas, solar energy is the perfect solution to pump water for irrigation or for watering livestock.
In areas where there is a steady wind source, particularly in the western United States, wind power may be a viable solution for your agricultural power needs. If your farm has at least one acre of land in a rural area, has a steady wind source, and is zoned to allow wind turbines, wind power may be a good choice for you. Wind energy can be used to power many of the same operations as solar energy or any other power source and, while it may cost more as an up-front expense, it will save you more than enough money to pay for itself in the long run.
While solar and wind power may provide the electricity you need to run your farm or ranch, what about all of the fuel needed to operate tractors and other equipment? Biodiesels are the answer. Straight biodiesel reduces harmful emissions by half in the environment, including carbon monoxide, particulates, and many other toxins. It can also cut diesel-related cancer risks by as much as 90%.
Using green energy sources can make the operation of farms and ranches cleaner, more efficient, and more cost effective. It can also take some of the societal pressures away from the agricultural business by making it more eco-friendly. Considering these advantages, doesn't it follow that green energy is the right choice for your farm or ranch?
