Peer-to-Peer Learning is at the Heart of REFA Membership
Hosting wind turbines, solar panels or battery storage infrastructure on your land involves far more than signing a lease. It is a complex long-term land-use decision that can affect farming and ranching operations, family legacy and financial stability for decades. The Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) exists to ensure that farmers and ranchers have trusted support at every stage of renewable energy development.
REFA has made peer-to-peer networking a cornerstone of its membership services. Farmers want to connect with others who have firsthand experience with renewable energy development on agricultural land. Whether you are weighing your first developer offer or already have solar panels or wind turbines on your land, REFA creates ways for you to connect with others who have been in your boots.
The Digital Farmer Network
REFA offers a private, members-only online community designed to make REFA offers a private, members-only online community designed to make connections easy and secure. Through the Digital Farmer Network, members can:
- Browse verified farmer and rancher profiles to connect with others in their state or with similar interests.
- Learn what developers they have worked with and how those relationships have played out.
- Send direct messages or participate in forum-style chats to ask questions or get a perspective from someone who has navigated the same decisions.
This community is hosted on a secure platform that was built with convenience and trust in mind. Every profile is verified, and every member is a landowner, just like you.
In-Person Networking
Online connection is powerful, but we know that face-to-face conversations still hold weight in our community. That’s why REFA plans to host informal meetups at major agricultural events, like the Farm Progress Show or the World Dairy Expo. REFA staff attend these events to help members meet others in their region or project stage and to foster meaningful conversations.
We are planning the first annual REFA gathering for 2026 to bring this community together and provide in-depth learning, peer panel discussions and open forums that reflect the real concerns of farmers and ranchers navigating energy projects.
Why Peer Support Matters
Hosting renewable energy on your land is not just a contractual decision. It is a multi-decade commitment that can reshape your land and business. REFA members face a range of complex issues, from lease terms and tax planning to construction impacts and long-term operations. While access to knowledgeable professionals is part of REFA’s member benefits, the association recognizes that some of the most valuable guidance comes from fellow landowners who have been through the same process. By talking directly to others with firsthand experience, members can avoid costly mistakes, set realistic expectations and feel more confident at the table with developers.
Join a Safe Place to Ask Questions
REFA’s network is a place where farmers and ranchers can talk openly, compare notes and get honest answers. This kind of transparency is rare, and it is something REFA protects carefully. REFA believes that no farmer or rancher should have to navigate renewable energy development alone, which is why we created this trusted space where landowners can connect, learn and lead together.
If you’re ready to be part of a community that puts landowner voices first, visit our membership page to join today.
