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Hi-Tech Farming: Wind energy expansion could help state economies across the country.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

May 7, 2020

3 Min Read
wind turbines
ECONOMIC DRIVER? A study involving Purdue University used unique virtual models to determine that adding wind turbines in the top 10 wind energy-producing states could help the overall U.S. economy. Tom J. Bechman

Giant windmills that capture wind energy have supporters and detractors, and they aren’t always rational, on either side. However, one rational argument opponents promote is that while wind energy generates fewer greenhouse gases than coal or natural gas, it’s not as efficient.

Despite that fact, a unique study by scientists and engineers located literally on both sides of the globe indicates that expanding wind energy in the U.S. in top wind energy-producing states could deliver huge economic impact, not only in those states but across the country.

Purdue University’s Shweta Singh, with appointments in both the College of Engineering and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, worked with cohorts at the University of Sydney in Australia to determine the economic impact of adding 500 megawatts of wind energy production in the 10 U.S. states that produce the most wind energy. That would be only a 5% increase from current production. The states are Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, California, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Colorado.

The results are striking. The researchers’ models indicate $24 billion in increased economic activity in those 10 states, plus $3 billion in states where no new wind turbines would even be added. That’s because of a spillover of activity created by the initial activity in states getting more windmills.

That’s a $27 billion economic impact across the country from a 5% expansion in capacity in 10 states. Manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance, transportation and warehousing, and public administration would see the most positive economic impact.

Linking farmers and buyers

Gro-connect.com recently launched a global food-supply chain networking platform aimed at connecting farmers who produce food with buyers and allowing sales transactions across the platform. Organizers say it’s a neutral, safe platform where food-supply chain participants can create profiles and buy or sell nationally or globally.

Gro-connect.com is waiving the yearly membership fee until the COVID-19 pandemic clears. Check out gro-connect.com.

New herbicide for soybeans

Alite 27 herbicide from BASF received EPA approval for use in selected counties in specific states. The company is positioning it for use beginning in 2021. What makes Alite 27 noteworthy is that it’s the first and only Group 27 HPPD herbicide available for use in soybeans. It can only be applied on acres that will be planted to LibertyLink GT27 soybeans. It’s approved in select counties in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and some other states.

Expect this residual herbicide to be positioned as a tankmix partner with other residuals to go after tough herbicide-resistant weeds. It has a low use rate of 1.5 to 3 ounces per acre and is compatible with many other products.

Follow up with a BASF rep to see if it will be available in your area. Visit basf.com/us.

Expanded product use

Interline herbicide now has EPA approval for use not only in LibertyLink systems, but in all systems that contain “glufosinate-resistant traits.” Glufosinate is the active ingredient in Liberty herbicide. Interline is approved for use on Enlist E3 soybeans and LibertyLink GT27 soybeans, as well.

Interline is marketed by UPL. The herbicide is approved in key Midwestern states. Learn more at upl-ltd.com/us.

 

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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