What is in this article?:
- Wind Wisdom | 5 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Wind-Energy Lease
- 2. How long will the lease tie up my land?
- 3. What are my obligations under the lease?
- 4. How will I be compensated?
- 5. What happens when the project ends?
- How to evaluate the wind-power developer
- Types of wind-power property agreements
- How a wind turbine could affect your farming operation
How a wind turbine could affect your farming operation
Construction phase damage: Soil compaction and damage to crops, drainage structures, terraces, fences and other farm property may occur during the construction phase.
Improvement restrictions: Wind power leases usually restrict buildings to protect wind flow. Drainage tile installation and maintenance work may also be restricted due to underground power lines.
Aerial spraying:Wind towers may interfere with crop spraying in the area.
Field configuration: Turbines and access roads can change field configurations, resulting in new end rows, strips inaccessible to large equipment, irrigation disruptions and irregular fields that reduce efficiency of field operations.
Snow removal: Snow piled up on fields due to clearing access roads can delay or even prevent spring fieldwork.
Sources: Dwight Aakre, Dean Retherford, Shannon Ferrell, Farmers Legal Action Group, Windustry
