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Growing energy demand could create new opportunities for farmers

The director of energy policy at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation says the growing energy demand across the state could create additional opportunities for farmers in 2026.

Dale Arnold tells Brownfield, “Many of these developers need these materials 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year. How can we schedule to ensure that they’re supplied throughout the year?”

He tells Brownfield logistical delays throughout the supply chain continue to be the biggest challenge for the ag sector.

“Corn, wheat and beans are commoditized, and you have a system for transport,” he says. “If you want to use stovers, manures, or other organic rich farm products, getting those to the production facility is key.”

Arnold says working to strengthen the guidelines of the energy landscape will be critical as Ohio farmers evaluate how renewable energy could work for their operations.

AUDIO: Dale Arnold, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation