Meet the Farmer Who Wants Every Farm to Try Electric Equipment
Jim Carlson runs a 120-acre diversified vegetable and berry operation outside of Hood River, Oregon, and he is on a mission to prove that electric farm equipment is not just feasible but better. Three years ago, he replaced his aging diesel tractor with an electric compact tractor and has not looked back. Lower fuel costs, virtually no maintenance, and a quieter ride have made him one of the most vocal advocates for farm electrification in the Pacific Northwest.
Carlson first connected with Sustainable Northwest through the organization’s E-Farms initiative, which helps Oregon farmers access electric equipment through demonstration events, cost-share programs, and technical assistance. After trying an electric utility vehicle at a field day hosted by Sustainable Northwest, he decided to make the switch for his primary tractor. He now estimates he saves more than $4,000 per year in fuel and maintenance costs compared to the diesel equipment he replaced.
But for Carlson, the benefits go beyond his bottom line. “My workers tell me they feel better at the end of the day,” he says. “No diesel exhaust, no vibration, no noise. I didn’t expect that to matter so much, but it does.” He has also noticed that the electric tractor performs better on wet ground, with more precise torque control and less soil compaction than its diesel predecessor.
Carlson has since become an informal ambassador for electric farming, hosting visits from other growers and speaking at Sustainable Northwest events. He acknowledges that the upfront cost of electric equipment remains a barrier for many farmers, especially smaller operations without access to capital. That is why he is a strong advocate for the grant and incentive programs that Sustainable Northwest helps administer, which can offset as much as 50 percent of the purchase price for qualifying equipment.
“Every farmer should at least try it,” Carlson says. “You do not have to convert your whole operation overnight. Start with one piece of equipment and see for yourself. I think most people will be surprised.”