But in recent years, a new crop has sprung up across the state and added a new twist to production agriculture. Acres of wind turbines are dotting the landscape in farm fields near Storm Lake, Clear Lake, Mason City and Albia. These high-tech wind farms serve as a welcome new revenue source to landowners and local governments. In addition to tapping into an alternative source of income, these farmers are helping to engineer a steady supply of energy produced locally. The wind farms even lure sight-seers and tourists to the area, who generate cash flow to the local retail economy.
Wind energy is also good news for consumers.
Understandably, I've gotten an earful throughout the last year from Iowans concerned about the rising costs of energy. Whether it's prices at the pump or home heating bills, Iowans are watching energy expenses soak up a greater share of their monthly budgets. Harnessing the power of wind will help clamp down on energy shortages and soaring prices in the future. But the benefits go far beyond dollars and cents. In addition to the economic impact, wind energy bears promising environmental and national security gains for Americans.