Mike Pearson takes a look at how the construction of high voltage electric transmission lines across the Corn Belt and Great Plains will impact landowners as the lines stretch from the west to the east coast to more populated areas.

MID-Content Independent System Operator or MISO largest expansion in history recently approved the project.

The project will cost $28 million to complete the high voltage electrical system with 24 new lines that will stretch from South Dakota to Michigan and Indiana.

The idea is to connect the west to the midwest and be backup in severe weather events.

The project will span nine states from South Dakota to Michigan and Indiana to create a major connection to people in highly populated areas.

The project will provide 100 megawatts of renewable energy.

But for farmers, it's not that simple. It's about land use. Farmers are concerned about compensation and the long term impacts of the project.

MISO will need to secure right of ways to cut across farms in order to construct the transmission lines.

Farmers and landowners will have to negotiate compensation as part of the agreements for right of ways.

Farmers are also concerned about disruptions in the farmland, production losses and disruptions to the operation during the construction period

Related:Farm Progress America, Jan. 16, 2025

Planning and permitting is underway to get the process started and get construction moving.

However, acquiring land is going to be an issue for MISO.

MISO also says strengthening grid is key to reducing the price of electricity for consumers. Up to 16.5 million a year could be saved in the event of storms if other power sources don't have to built to provide energy in the event of a disaster.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.