Rural America must lead the clean-tech energy revolution
Key takeaways
- In fact, croplands are the world s biggest man-made solar collectors.
- Farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to provide society with an equally crucial commodity: energy.
- The U.S. has a huge and growing appetite for electricity.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
Becker, opinion contributor - 05/18/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied by William S. Becker, opinion contributor - 05/18/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied Getty Images In America s farm country, springtime is carpeting croplands in green as far as the eye can see. These are challenging times for farmers, but nature is doing what it can. It is a partnership that has existed in North America for about 5,000 years.
In fact, croplands are the world s biggest man-made solar collectors. As the sun bathes fields in energy, plants use photosynthesis to make glucose, their food. The sun s heat creates wind, which circulates carbon dioxide, to promote plant growth. The result is food and fiber.
Now, another collaboration is possible. Farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to provide society with an equally crucial commodity: energy.