Electric Tractor Lending Library Provides Equipment to Northwest Farmers

Pacific Northwest farmers are pushing for electrification in their industry, with one organization bringing “ridershare” service to tractors.

As Claire Carlson reports in the Daily Yonder, “Sustainable Northwest, in partnership with Forth, Wy’East RC&D, and Bonneville Environment Foundation, is leading a ‘rideshare’ program in Oregon that allows farmers to test out electric tractors on their farms.”

The organization hopes the program will help farmers access the benefits of electric equipment. “Rural Oregonians put nearly twice as many daily miles on their vehicles than the statewide average, according to 2019 research prepared for the Oregon Department of Transportation. For farmers, this mileage can be a lot higher, equaling a much steeper price tag on diesel.”

In addition to saving money and fuel, electric farm equipment can bring health benefits. “The minimal sound the machinery creates – a low hum accompanied by the noise of the bearings turning while driving and no noise while idling – is a stark difference from the rumble of diesel-powered tractors.”

“Currently, there are no incentives for electric tractor purchases in Oregon. Sustainable Northwest hopes to change that, and providing a tractor rideshare program free of charge to farmers is just one way they’re doing this.” Advocates hope electric farm equipment will be included in future bills like the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes incentives for some electric vehicles but fails to include equipment such as tractors.