Food Prices Solution: Wind Farms

The first heyday of wind power in America lasted from 1850 to 1930, when thousands of farmers used the wind to pump water and generate power. The second heyday is just beginning, but there is one big difference. Instead of generating electricity for themselves, today’s farmers are harnessing the wind for everyone, from the small town schools to the city of Chicago.

With small sections of corn fields or cow pastures leased to a windmill company, farmers are finding the same wind that dries their crops can power a large, sleek wind turbine, which in turn, can power 600 American households.

Wind energy is moving fast and furious. In 2007, the U.S. wind industry installed 5,244 megawatts worth of new wind turbines. This boosted the nation’s total wind power capacity by 45% in a single year. Illinois alone has 699 megawatts worth installed as of January 1, 2008.