On National Ag Day on March 23, electric cooperatives across North Carolina are celebrating our state’s largest industry and the many ways that co-ops and the ag industry are working together.
Electric cooperatives were founded by farmers, and our rural roots and local focus drive electric cooperatives in not only celebrating the important contributions of the ag industry, but also in partnering with agricultural members to help them work safely, save money, improve efficiency and achieve sustainability goals.
Leading up to Ag Day, Tri-County EMC, based in Dudley, hosted an ag photo contest. Members voted to select the top four photos from all entries, with the winners receiving a prize.
Lynn Grantham’s photo earned 2nd place in Tri-County EMC’s Ag Day photo contest.
Lumbee River EMC highlighted an expanding program at UNC-Pembroke, which is building an entrepreneurial hub for students based in the rural, agricultural region. The initiative will train the next crop of farmers to take over family farms, grow their network, and implement new technologies for sustainability and efficiency, supporting the regional economy.
Statewide, electric cooperatives are offering their members BEST Solutions – a wide range of customized electric tools and technologies related to Beneficial Electrification (BE) and Sustainable Technologies (ST) that can meet the needs of agricultural, commercial and industrial businesses.
New electric technologies are emerging rapidly and are making processes, devices and equipment cheaper, smarter and cleaner than ever. Using electricity instead of fossil fuels—known as beneficial electrification—can yield benefits that include cost savings, higher productivity and reduced emissions. Examples include electric irrigation, electric equipment like forklifts and transportation refrigeration units and indoor agriculture. Contact your local electric cooperative for more information.
As cooperatives continue to pursue innovation to build a brighter future for our members and communities, we thank our farmers for the vital ways you support our lives and communities. It’s our honor to serve you, now and into the future.