Overshadowed by the U.S. electricity and transportation industries, the agricultural sector sinks below the radar for its contribution of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. It accounts for 9 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions and is only projected to increase.

But farmers are taking action, installing renewable energy capacity on their land to mitigate their environmental footprint and operating costs. Whitmore Farm owner Kent Ozkum is among them, and has undoubtedly set the bar for the rest of the industry to reach. 

On the fringe of Frederick County, Maryland, Whitmore Farm boasts a 28-acre playground for chickens, hogs and lamb to graze and forage. It’s paradise for the animals, but as such it comes with a catch.

“We are very energy dependent here,” Ozkum said, explaining how the farm uses 10 times the energy of the average American household. “I was finding my utility bills were pretty high with all the livestock, heat requirements and water. I wanted to find a way to cut it.”

A self-proclaimed environmentalist, Ozkum had been purchasing wind energy to supply half of the farm’s power. Still frustrated with his dependence on dirty energy and high operating costs, Ozkum contracted Standard Solar to build a solar array to generate the remaining 50 percent.

Whitmore Farm, located five miles east of Emmitsburg, Maryland, gets half its energy needs from its rooftop solar array. Photo by Max Strotbeck

Mounted atop his barn, the 28-kilowatt (kW) system has been producing 36,000 kW hours annually since it was completed six years ago. His utility bill has shrunk 45 percent, but Ozkum believes it serves a much greater purpose.

“Part of our mission statement is that everything we do on the farm is meant to be sustainable. In other words, it doesn’t pollute the environment around us. And it’s something that can maintain itself.”

Apart from the gasoline needed for the tractor and small generators, Whitmore Farm runs entirely on renewables. Ozkum even uses solar charged batteries to electrify portable fences, and has two passive solar greenhouses that grow produce year round.

In the first week of March, lettuces in the passive solar greenhouse are already thriving. Photo by Max Strotbeck

Ozkum wants other farmers to shift towards fossil-free energy, and urges them to take advantage of the financial support that is available. He said federal and state incentives helped him save nearly 40 percent on his solar installation.

“I think if you look at the tax incentives they are still quite favorable. Some states are better than others, but I would encourage any small business person to look at the incentives,” he said. “The upfront costs can be a little high … but depending on where you live, and between the state and the federal incentives, it can become a very affordable option that pays itself back in a relatively short period of time.”

Whitmore Farm embodies Ozkum’s eco-conscious spirit, and it’s paying off. He is able to charge a premium on his products because the farm’s customers “tend to be more environmentally minded and like the idea that they’re supporting a sustainable farm.”

Increasing revenue while decreasing operating expenses and emissions. Yes, it’s possible, and surely an attractive model for other farmers to replicate.