Powering an agricultural operation on alternative energy makes good economic and environmental sense. But conversion isn't easy. Resources and providers are far from comprehensive and less than easily accessible. Background research requires an intense amount of research, as does sourcing product. Then there's determining financing, tax credit and grant eligibility. Producers undertaking a do-it-yourself conversion must be prepared to invest a significant amount of time while experiencing a huge frustration.

In addition, power grids are often inaccessible from remote areas like grazing pastures. While extending the grid can be cost prohibitive, solar and wind energy applications for these situations are efficient and effective. Even if you understand when you need backup power, whether it be propane or biodiesel, you still have to figure out the maze of offerings and how to put them together to make one cohesive solution that runs your energy operation most efficiently, effectively and productively. That…is fragmentation.