Harvesting the Sun with Walnut and Willow Farm скачать в хорошем качестве

Harvesting the Sun with Walnut and Willow Farm

Walnut & Willow Farm in Lincoln, Rhode Island, blends family heritage with a modern commitment to sustainability. Owned and operated part-time by Jeff and Sara Crompton, the farm continues a legacy that began in 1964, when Jeff’s grandfather cultivated corn and tomatoes on the land. Today, Jeff and his family focus on pastured poultry and producing market garden goods including jams, jellies, and salsas. Their land also features a woodlot, providing cordwood, camp wood, and even a small sugar bush for winter syrup production. Upon moving into the property in 2021, the family performed an energy audit and discovered they needed to replace an aging barn. For the couple, the addition of solar panels felt like a natural next step and the right financial decision. With support from the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Grant Program, Walnut & Willow installed a solar energy system that has dramatically reduced their utility costs. The 6.48 kW system now covers nearly 100% of the farm's energy needs and saves them around $2,000 every year. But they’re not stopping there! The family plans to replace propane in their commercial kitchen by installing heat pumps and induction cooktops, fully transitioning to electricity. By embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices, Walnut & Willow Farm honors its heritage while building a resilient future. Jeff, Sara, and their family are dedicated to preserving the land and passing down a farm that thrives for generations to come, echoing a legacy symbolized by their property’s champion willow tree. For info about how to lower your energy bills, apply for grants and save money at your farm or business visit: energy.ri.gov CREDITS: Produced by: The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Director, Cinematographer, Drone Pilot & Editor: Robert Beadle Production Assistants: Natalie Bishop, Serena Russell, Abigail Elias, Michael Downing Music: "Looking Forward" by BallonPlanet Harvesting the Sun with Walnut and Willow Farm Copyright © 2024 Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources