Alex Delworth.

Due to rising energy demand, the development of wind energy generation continues to present opportunities for rural counties and landowners alike. A key to taking advantage of these opportunities begins with open communication and collaboration between wind energy developers and local communities. A notable example of this can be found in Howard County, Iowa, where wind turbines have provided consistent economic value for farmers and the county, as detailed in a recent case study by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Wind development can bring real economic value to local landowners. Farmers who host turbines supplement their income through dependable land-lease payments. Local farmer Greg “Grub” Lichty worked with developers to strategically place turbines and access roads on his farm in Howard County, Iowa, ensuring a smooth integration. He also negotiated the contract terms to bolster protections for landowners against potential damages during construction and operation. While none of the landowners interviewed as part of the Center’s case study cited any major issues during project negotiations, they all emphasized the importance of detailed land-lease contracts and developer flexibility.

Hosting wind turbines has allowed Howard County farmers to invest in and improve their operations. Neil Shaffer, president of the Howard County Farm Bureau, said, “Farmers have put that money into their land; they buy new farm equipment, build new machine sheds and homes.” Greg shared that the turbines “helped with machinery purchases, and it’s a great asset to the operation [given] inflation.”

Through this process, Howard County landowners believed the developer did a good job of “making right” by the farmer, versus pursuing the most convenient approach. This experience serves as a reminder that collaboration between landowners and developers is essential for ensuring that agriculture and renewable energy can coexist successfully.

To read and download a copy of the report, visit cfra.org/publications/wind-energy-howardco-iowa.

Alex Delworth is senior policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs.