Renewable Energy For Small Farm Profit Enhancement

23. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY This research is concerned with improving the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-sized farms and ranches. The profitability and sustainability of small farms is vital to our Nation's character and economy, as well as to our stewardship of our biological and natural resources. Small and mid-size businesses in all areas of commerce, including agriculture, must increase the profitability of each item or hour of labor sold since the size of the enterprise limits the total number of units that can be sold, even under the best of circumstances. In this research, renewable wind energy production provides an excellent synergy with the agricultural activity of small and mid-sized farms and ranches. The agriculture takes place at ground level, while the wind turbines have improved performance when raised off the ground on towers. In this way, the two income streams can coexist and reinforce each other for mutual benefit. This research is primarily concerned with lowering the initial reoccurring costs associated with wind turbine towers. Towers are vital to the safe and effective operation of wind turbines and account for 20 to 40% of the total initial cost of the system. Taller towers allow the turbine to see higher wind speeds, and lower turbulence generated from upstream obstacles. The ultimate result of this research will be to make windpower an affordable enterprise to improve the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-sized farms and ranches while increasing the energy independence of the Nation as a whole.