Wellington Federation of Agriculture opposes battery energy storage on prime ag land

Dec 05, 2023

The Wellington Federation of Agriculture believes battery energy storage systems should not be placed on prime agricultural land.

In a new letter, the Wellington Federation of Agriculture (WFA) is requesting Wellington County implement eight policy and contractual obligations to protect prime ag as some local municipalities begin to debate whether to provide municipal support for several new proposals for local battery energy storage systems (BESS).

This follows Centre Wellington's decision to support two BESS facilities on prime ag in Belwood and Fergus earlier this week.

Storing electrical energy in batteries for later use, BESS act as a form of both supply and demand by storing low-cost power during off-peak periods and feeding it back into the grid when the demand for electricity is highest and can be "particularly useful" when integrating renewable resources like wind and solar.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.