Renewable energy projects spark a polarizing divide in rural America between financial stability and concerns over farmland preservation. The company promised to minimize soil disruption, while grazing, making hay, and other farm operations could continue in conjunction with the solar farm. Jeff Risley, executive director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America, describes the organization as a commodity association for farmers and ranchers who host or are interested in solar and wind projects. When Ferrell’s project was installed, it became only the second wind farm in the state. SunEdison in 2016, for example, had $16.1 billion in liabilities when it became the nation’s largest renewable energy bankruptcy.