From the fields to the future: Rural farmers go solar

Hi there neighbor,

As farmers across America grow our nation's food, we know they are always looking for ways to save money or be more efficient. 

From the heartlands of Indiana to the expanses of Montana, farmers like Rex Reilly, Kevin Smith, and Jeff Bauman are doing more than cultivating crops. They’re also protecting their bottom line and growing their local economies. 

Here at Resource Rural, we’re telling the stories of rural Americans who are combining their own grit and determination with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs to create jobs, reduce operational costs, and drive agricultural innovation so that our farms and ranches can thrive for generations to come.

What started as a kernel of an idea for Indiana farmer Kevin Smith… 

Soon popped into a full-blown solution in a competitive market. 

Kevin Smith and his wife, rooted in their rural Indiana hometown of Rochester, embody a deep connection to popcorn both at their family farm and at the local movie theater. Managing Smith Family Farms, a third-generation agricultural operation established in 1950, Kevin and his brother oversee thousands of acres producing corn, soybeans, potatoes, and a remarkable 3 million pounds of popcorn annually.

Situated in a predominantly agricultural community, the farm stands out with its recent installation of a sizable solar array, funded in part by a Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) grant from the Inflation Reduction Act. This American-made array, supported by substantial tax credits, promises to power their grain operations while potentially saving $30,000 each year.

“Don’t be the first to try something, but don’t be the last,” Kevin shared with us, quoting his teacher. “We think the return will be about five years, it’ll be a good ROI for us.”

You can read more about Kevin’s pragmatic optimism here.

“Why not do it?” Montana rancher cuts costs by turning sun to savings.

Rex Reilly, a Montana rancher operating a multigenerational cow-calf operation near Stanford, knows the challenges of sustaining his family’s legacy amidst tough market conditions and persistent droughts. 

Determined to secure the family ranch's future and support their local community, Rex recently made a pivotal decision with the help of Northern Plains Resource Council: installing a solar array to power their farming operations through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

"It's a big investment for us," Rex explained proudly. "Our electric bill, which used to range between $55 to $100 monthly, now sits at just $4, allowing us to allocate savings towards crucial improvements like fencing and pasture enhancements."

You can read more about Rex’s economic choice and outcome here.

Indiana Farmer Jeff Bauman shares that solar expansion was “Not rocket science, just smart farming.”

At Clauson Farms in north-central Indiana, farming is a multigenerational tradition for Jeff Bauman's family. Their commitment to the farm’s longevity made solar arrays a no-brainer, as a solution to boost efficiency and cut costs across their operations. The family started with one array – and quickly expanded to four. 

Even better? The panels utilized otherwise unproductive farm space. 

“We saw how the first one worked out and it just makes sense financially,” Jeff said. “They don’t take up a lot of space or cause trouble.”

By securing federal grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), including recent funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, they expect to recoup their investment within two years. Jeff anticipates more solar installations at Clauson Farms, driven by ongoing savings and tax incentives. You can read more about his smart farming here.

Without the know-how and resilience of locals, federal funding sits idle. 

And at the heart of our nation’s agricultural landscape, you’ll find innovation, hard work, and tenacity. 

That’s why these three farmers highlight not just the transformative impact of federal funding from landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, but they also underscore the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of rural communities nationwide. 

By harnessing solar energy to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, these farmers are not just safeguarding their livelihoods, they’re also paving the way for a brighter future for agriculture. 

Here at Resource Rural, we’re committed to sharing these inspiring journeys — and we’re glad that you’re here to witness them with us.

In gratitude, 

Resource Rural