RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION ON AMERICAN FARMS

摘要

American farmers and ranchers increasingly contribute to the US' endeavors towards energy independence, according to the results of the 2009 On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Survey, released in February by the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Across the nation, 8,569 operations reported producing renewable energy with solar panels, wind turbines or methane digesters. The most prevalent method of renewable energy production on farms and ranches is the solar panel. According to the farmers, in the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, more than 100,000 panels were installed on their operations -- more than double the number from the previous five-year cycle. At the state level, California is the front-runner when it comes to on-farm solar panels in the US. Wind turbines are another popular way to generate renewable energy on the farm. Producers on farms in 29 states reported using methane digesters. Show less