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MFB Young Farm Employee Award winner concerned about farmland fate

A young farmer says he’s concerned about how new renewable energy projects will impact the availability of farmland.

Andrew Braun grows corn, soybeans, and wheat in Clinton County with his family.

“We don’t want to tell anyone what they can and can’t do on their own land, but also we know that the government is really pushing for these green energies and subsidizing them to a point where it’s hard to say no when the utility companies come and make you that offer.”

He tells Brownfield he doesn’t see an easy solution to siting renewable energy in rural communities.

“With the solar panels in particular, those are easy for the utility companies to put up on good arable land because it’s nice and flat and clear,” he says. “They can just go in and install it. But it just seems like that is counterproductive and taking that good, good farmland out of production.”

Braun also works as Walther Farms’ General Manager of the mid-Michigan area.  Michigan Farm Bureau recently recognized Braun as the 2024 Young Farm Employee Award winner for his work there and ag leadership involvements.

AUDIO: Andrew Braun

Photo courtesy of MFB.