A 100-megawatt wind energy project by Nextera Energy has arrived at Millard Century Farms LLC at Osborn, MO. Gene Millard is the third generation custodian of the family farm started by his grandparents on the first 80-acre tract in 1905. Additional adjoining acreages were acquired over the next 100 years by Gene and his parents to make the current farm of 750 acres that compose Millard Century Farms LLC. A 240-acre tract of that land is being used for three 2-Megawatt wind turbines. That part of the farm has a history of contributing its resources for the public benefit dating back to the 1940s. From 1941 to 1944, the U.S. Army Air Corps had a grass air strip that was used for fighter pilot training during World War II. While corn for ethanol and food products, soybeans for livestock feed, and soy diesel along with beef cattle are the major crops at Millard Family Farms Inc., wind energy is now being added to the productivity to provide more than 6 megawatts annually from the three 500-foot wind generator turbines that will be operational before January 2017.
Gene and his son, Brian, are the operators of Millard Family Farms Inc. that manages a total of more than 1,400 acres near Osborn, MO, 25 miles east of St. Joseph, MO. Gene is a 52-year broadcaster and NAFB member. He currently broadcasts Agri-Shop, a weekly hour-long, live radio show every Saturday morning on KFEQ (St. Joseph, MO). The show is carried also by a network of 10 other stations in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. “There continues to be some strong local opposition to building this wind farm with neighbors harassing neighbors and making personal attacks,“ Gene said. “My personal feelings are mixed. First, I have a very strong personal appreciation for the many years of intense work, worry and commitment (we refer to it as blood, sweat and tears) that was required to build and sustain this little portion of farmland.” He continued, “When the construction began, I had a feeling of being invaded and violated as there are some special places with special memories that I almost held sacred being graded for roads and huge holes being dug in the middle of some beautiful soybean fields. The size and extraordinary cost of these projects is somewhat beyond the ordinary person’s comprehension.” Gene said, “One question might be: Is this green energy policy driven by political forces that have no real concern for the impact on those being used to fulfill their campaign.” Further, he observes, “Is this progress making the world a better and more exciting place to continue to build upon our heritage and passion for our Family Century Farm?”
Below: Large wind turbine blades are being installed on the Millard Farm. A wind turbine base is readied to support the large windmill. Turbine blades are mounted on the energy-generating windmill.
