Small Wind Turbines Offered for Iowa Farmers

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Mar 18, 2010 at 12:23 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 18, 2010 at 12:23 PM CST

MEYER (AP) - Klapperich Farm Systems Inc. of Meyer is installing smaller-scale wind turbines to generate electricity at several hog confinements in the Meyer and McIntire areas. It is a service that not only benefits local farmers and livestock producers, but also helps the environment.

Klapperich's turbines are smaller than the giant wind turbines surrounding the area, and generate about 10,000 kilowatts of electricity.

The turbines, which are about 63 feet tall with a blade width of 13 feet, are made by Ventera Energy, which has factories in Oklahoma and Duluth, Minn.

Keith Heimer of Klapperich Farm Systems says the company purchases the turbines on behalf of the farmer and installs them only after determining how much power the customer uses.

Heimer says it usually costs about $40,000 to get a small wind turbine up and running.

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