The team looks to evaluate and scale a variety of electric agricultural technologies as part of a broader electrification effort that supports Oregon’s natural resource sectors and communities outside of urban areas. This includes expanding electric charging infrastructure at businesses, farm stands, and publicly available charging stations across Oregon. “Farmers and ranchers have to make a lot of decisions based on unknown variables, and profit margins can be thin,” says Robert Wallace with Wy’East RC&D. “This effort will demonstrate many anticipated benefits of electric agricultural equipment, from fuel savings, reduced maintenance and downtime,
Jon Horrocks of Rusted Gate Farm sits in the driver’s seat of the electric tractor while Robert Wallace of Wy’East RC&D explains the operation and controls. In the background, Will McCabe, left, and Dave Picanso, right, of Rusted Gate Farm.
work directly with individual agricultural producers, school districts, county fairgrounds, and demonstration farms. “Conversations with farmers and ranchers in rural and tribal communities, from orchards and livestock operations to vegetable farms and indoor riding arenas, have resulted in growing interest and excitement about this new technology,” notes Bridget Callahan of Sustainable Northwest. n
reductions in diesel emissions, to increased health and safety. We hope to prove this technology is a win-win for Oregon’s farming community.” Connecting people to the technology is a critical component of this project, and these tractors will be available for demonstration field tours, county fairs, and other public events starting Summer 2021. The team will
About Forth Forth is a non-profit organization advancing electric, shared and smart transportation through innovation, demonstration, advocacy, and engagement. Learn more at www. forthmobility.org. Media Contact: Kevin Friedman – kevinf@forthmobility.org, 503-381-4085 About Sustainable Northwest Founded in 1994, Sustainable Northwest brings entrepreneurial solutions to natural resources challenges to keep lands healthy and provide economic and community benefits. We believe a healthy economy, environment, and community are indivisible, and that all are strengthened by wise partnerships, policies, and investments. For more information visit SustainableNorthwest.org or contact Bridget Callahan, Sustainable Northwest, 503-756-0494, bcallahan@sustainablenorthwest.org About Rusted Gate Farm Rusted Gate Farm is a non-profit farm located in the Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon dedicated to supporting small farms through demonstration, trials and innovation. Visit RustedGateFarm.org. Media contact Dave Picanso, 541-630-3418, contact@ rustedgatefarm.org .
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July 2021 | The Business Review
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