News
Renewable Energy is a 'Second Opportunity' for Some Rural Texans
In Texas, some farmers and ranchers are finding that partnerships with renewable energy projects can provide a stable, reliable source of income amid the uncertainty of agriculture.
For San Antonio rancher Ely Valdez, grazing sheep on solar sites helped grow his operation from a small flock to a multi-state business, while offering other producers a way to maintain their herds during drought and market downturns.
West Texas energy rancher and goat herder John Davis estimates wind energy provides about 40% of his income -- money he can reinvest into his farm -- and allows him to keep the land in his family.
For San Antonio rancher Ely Valdez, grazing sheep on solar sites helped grow his operation from a small flock to a multi-state business, while offering other producers a way to maintain their herds during drought and market downturns.
West Texas energy rancher and goat herder John Davis estimates wind energy provides about 40% of his income -- money he can reinvest into his farm -- and allows him to keep the land in his family.
In Rural West Texas, Renewable Energy Brings a Windfall for Seniors
In Crockett County, revenue and charitable contributions from wind companies are helping fund essential services for older residents, including daily meals, transportation support, and community programming that allow seniors to age in place.
Local leaders say wind energy has become an important economic resource for the rural county, supplementing traditional oil and gas revenues and providing more stable funding for community services. Wind-related investments have helped sustain programs like the Helping Hands meal delivery service and the Crockett County Senior Center.
These local contributions have become even more important as federal support for senior programs has declined.
Local leaders say wind energy has become an important economic resource for the rural county, supplementing traditional oil and gas revenues and providing more stable funding for community services. Wind-related investments have helped sustain programs like the Helping Hands meal delivery service and the Crockett County Senior Center.
These local contributions have become even more important as federal support for senior programs has declined.
As Texas Power Demand Surges, Solar, Wind and Storage Carry the Load
Electricity demand is surging in Texas, and solar, wind, and battery storage are meeting it.
According to new data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity demand across the Texas grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) hit record highs in the first nine months of 2025. ERCOT, which supplies power to about 90% of the state, saw demand jump 5% year-over-year to 372 terawatt hours (TWh) – a 23% increase since 2021. No other major US grid has grown faster over the past year.
According to new data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity demand across the Texas grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) hit record highs in the first nine months of 2025. ERCOT, which supplies power to about 90% of the state, saw demand jump 5% year-over-year to 372 terawatt hours (TWh) – a 23% increase since 2021. No other major US grid has grown faster over the past year.
Solar Farm Near Eddy Set to Provide Big Boost to Local Economy
The 2,000-acre solar farm, owned and operated by Geronimo Power, is set to pour around $33 million in taxes back into the community. On top of that, a majority of the land is leased out by the company, putting more money into the pockets of people in the community. Andy Cukurs is the COO at Geronimo and says that the company puts an emphasis on feeding back into the community.
Farm Lenders Confirm Renewable Energy Income is Keeping Operations Afloat
Agricultural lenders surveyed in the mid-year 2025 ABA/Farmer Mac Agricultural Lender Survey expect only about 52% of U.S. farm borrowers that report to turn a profit this year. That is the lowest level since 2016. This reflects tighter margins and the financial stress across major crop regions.
Nearly 93% of lenders anticipate an increase in farm debt, mirroring past downturns when producers relied on loans to manage operations. Supplemental income from sources like wind or solar leases, CRP payments and government support remains critical. Over half of lenders cite these revenues as key to maintaining cash flow.
Nearly 93% of lenders anticipate an increase in farm debt, mirroring past downturns when producers relied on loans to manage operations. Supplemental income from sources like wind or solar leases, CRP payments and government support remains critical. Over half of lenders cite these revenues as key to maintaining cash flow.