LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Wind energy projects across rural America are entering a new phase as thousands of turbines installed in the early 2000s reach the end of their original design life. Rather than retiring those sites, developers are repowering projects with taller towers, longer blades, and more efficient technology, creating unexpected leverage for landowners, according to a report from Peoples Company by Jake Costanzo.
Repowering is attractive to developers because existing sites are already permitted and connected to transmission, making upgrades faster and cheaper than new construction. For landowners, however, repowering is not a simple equipment swap. It typically requires new infrastructure, expanded access, and updated easements.
Those changes often reopen lease terms that were negotiated decades ago under very different market conditions. Landowners may have opportunities to secure higher annual payments, updated production-based compensation, construction impact payments, and compensation for new roads or electrical work.
Construction impacts are significant and should be addressed upfront. Heavy equipment, trenching, soil disturbance, drainage changes, and crop loss are common during repowering. Updated agreements can include restoration standards, crop-damage payments, and bonding requirements.
The strongest leverage comes with easement renegotiation. Because developers must secure new rights before construction begins, landowners who act early are better positioned to correct outdated terms and protect long-term property value.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Wind repowering offers a rare opportunity to renegotiate outdated leases and improve long-term land income for landowners who act early.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rollins will also tour a small soybean operation in Iowa before her appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
October 29, 2025 05:03 PM
·
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
October 29, 2025 03:35 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss how seasonal stress and mental health concerns can make it more challenging to get a restful night’s sleep
October 29, 2025 03:22 PM
·
Among many longstanding traditions at the FFA Convention & Expo is the National FFA Band.
October 29, 2025 01:39 PM
·
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
October 28, 2025 02:03 PM
·
As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.
October 28, 2025 12:14 PM
·
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
October 28, 2025 11:01 AM
·
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
October 27, 2025 01:00 PM
·
