Thousands of acres of farmland soon to be filled with wind turbines for Blackford wind project

BLACKFORD, IN - Starting next year, farmlands in Blackford County will begin producing energy instead of crops. It's a part of the Blackford Wind Project that's expected to help produce energy for the next 30 years.




Thousands of acres in Blackford County that are currently used to grow crops like corn and soybeans will soon begin producing electricity instead. More wind towers are coming to these farmlands to help produce energy for Hoosiers.




"We really need to keep our foot on the gas and develop all energy needs across the state," said State Rep. JD Prescott of District 33. "Obviously, wind and solar are a part of that portfolio as well as coal, natural gas, nuclear and other energy sources."




Prescott said these new wind power plants will not only help Blackford County bring in money and help with an economic boom, but it will help neighboring counties as well. The project will still allow the land to be used for agricultural use and can expand a farmer's portfolio.

"This is really just giving farmers that opportunity to diversify their income stream, their portfolio, really let the free market play out," said Prescott.




While the county and city leaders think this is a good idea, some farmers said they aren't so sure this will work out.




Farmer Dennis Layman said he's against the Blackford Wind Project because he believes it won't favor county growth. He believes money raised by the project will go towards the wrong programs for the county.




"All of the money raised, it's all going to economic development," said Layman. "So it will go to programs that really don't favor growth in a lot of ways."

Layman also expressed concerns over the towers being on people's property. He said it could devalue the price of their homes and is not something he wants to see in or around his property.




"You have to remember this is going in your backyard," said Layman. "Would you want this in your backyard? Remember that people, would you want this in your backyard?"




Blackford County has been known for its agriculture and its support of its farmers. With the new wind plants coming to town, as well as solar panels, Layman believes this won't help the county and will take away from what Blackford County is known for.




"Our grandparents, they made it farming. There were no programs to help subsidize them," said Layman. "A lot of them were green, animal, livestock, and that's how they made their money."




Despite the backlash from some farmers, Prescott said this is a win-win for everyone, as it will bring money to farmers and the county, as well as let farmers expand and diversify their portfolio.

The Blackford Wind Project is one of more than 20 such facilities nationwide owned by Texas-based Leeward Renewable Energy. Construction for the project is already underway and is set to be online late next year.





via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/thousands-of-acres-of-farmland-soon-to-be-filled-with-wind-turbines-for-blackford-wind-project/