The impact of data centers continues to be a topic of discussion among farmers. Southeast Kansas farmer Ben Bellar says he has mixed feelings but is worried that the heat produced could impact crop health. “The heat could help it on the right years, but it could also really damage it in the wrong years. However, I don’t know enough about them yet.”
South-central Nebraska producer Michael Dibbern says there could be an increase in electrical rates and loads. “What we’ve been hearing over the last couple of years is that we’re running out of electrical power. However, in some conversations with the public power districts, they’re confident that the power that’s slated to be built out can take care of that.”
Northeast Nebraska farmer Greg Anderson says further expansion could reduce water supplies and raise land rates. “Farmers want to see their generational farms continue and not be sold out to a corporation that could care less perhaps about whatever footprint they might leave.”
The producers say while there are risks, there needs to be a balance in how centers are regulated and how information is stored.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Farmers’ thoughts about data centers seem to be much like that of many other concerned citizens. The concerns about electricity and water seem to mirror the issues of greatest concern to others. However, the concerns about potential impact on crop production when located near a data center are unique to agriculture.
Many states are already developing mandates to address concerns about electricity generation and water usage. I have not heard of anyone addressing the concern over ag production, which could include unknown effects on livestock as well. The need for scientific research and reliable information is great. Farmers want answers as does the public when it comes to data centers.
While you may not have answers to all these questions about data centers, you do have answers to any questions about the CAD program and all the tools developed to support it. Don’t be shy about telling your farm/ranch customers about everything you offer that is designed to make their truck purchase easier than your competitors. And be sure to put those ag customers at the very top of your prospect list.
