The Sumner County Economic Development Commission and the Sumner County Farm Bureau co-sponsored a seminar on Wind Leasing.  The featured speaker for this event was Mike Irvin, Attorney for Kansas Farm Bureau.  Mike directs the Legal Foundation, which supports public and educational awareness programs, legal and public policy research and litigation aligned with the mission and public policy positions adopted by the nearly 43,000 voting members of the Kansas Farm Bureau.  Currently he serves on the Kansas Wind Working Group formed by Governor Sebelius.  Mike made a very informative presentation which stressed some key points land owners should consider before signing agreements with wind developers.  Among those points were - obtain legal counsel from someone who is familiar with these types of agreements, understand the difference in a lease and an easement and what that means to you as the property owner, understand that there are many different options and conditions that need to be covered in these agreements, don't be pressured into signing anything, be sure the compensation is equitable to the rights being granted and understand the liabilities of the agreement and the project.  Also presenting was Terry Miller from Harper County Farm Bureau.  He shared some of the experiences their coalition encountered in putting together their project.  Approximately 75 people attended the meeting. 

If you would like additional information, click on the following links:
Leasing Considerations
Negotiating Wind and Land Agreements
Compensation