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Farmers in Bonneville Want Wind Turbines by Johnny Archer KPVI, October 29, 2010

Ridgeline Energy is pushing for their Meadow Creek wind project to receive acceptance from the Bonneville County community.

Many farmers in Bonneville County want to see the project move forward as well. Farmers say the agricultural business can be unpredictable at times. But, receiving royalties from a wind energy company for using their property will help bring some stability to their business. Like the Talbot family, that own more than 10,000 acres of land in the foothills of Bonneville County.

"This is our home and we've been here for many generations," said farmer, Tory Talbot.

Their family has been farming their lands for almost 100 years growing dry land wheat. Some years may be profitable, other years may not.

"It's a rather difficult process to make ends meat," said Trent Talbot, a farmer and Tory's brother.

But, hosting a wind farm on their property may possibly help alleviate financial issues. That time could be now. Ridgeline Energy has proposed to build 75 wind turbines east of Idaho Falls in Bonneville County. The majority of the turbines proposed to be built will be on the Talbot's property.

"It works very well with our operation to go ahead and have the wind farm on our agriculture land because we can continue to farm it," said Trent Talbot. "We're farmers and that's what we do, and will continue to do."

There are some residents who oppose the construction of new turbines, partly because it will change the view of the land.

Currently the Bonneville County Commissioners are reviewing an appeal submitted by Ridgeline Energy.