The Power Behind the Plow

September 2, 2025

Long before the hum of electric lines stretched across the fertile fields of North Carolina, before tractor cabs had air-conditioning and irrigation could be triggered with the tap of a finger, there was the farmer: sunkissed, calloused, and relentless in purpose.

Within our five-county service area—Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties—farmers didn’t just plant seeds, they planted the very roots of the cooperative that powers our communities today.

Back in the 1930s, when investor-owned utilities deemed it unprofitable to bring electricity to rural homes and farms, local farmers didn’t take no for an answer. They came together and brought light to the countryside, and nearly a century later, that same cooperative spirit still thrives.

Across the country, electric cooperatives like Union Power serve 56% of the U.S. landmass, delivering power to areas that other utilities wouldn’t reach. From North Carolina to the Midwest, co-ops are the backbone of rural America, providing the reliable electricity to fuel the homes, businesses, and farms that keep the country moving.

According to the 2022 Census, Union County alone ranks sixth in the state for agricultural production, generating more than $586 million annually. The county is home to more than 42 million chickens, 3 million turkeys, and nearly 3 million bushels of wheat. The surrounding counties of Stanly, Rowan, and Cabarrus also contribute to agriculture with dairy farms, beef cattle, grains, eggs, and family gardens that have fed generations.

One example of how power impacts farming is Talley Farms, a local farm in Stanly County that produces row crops and livestock. John Hoffner manages row crop operations and oversees the multi-generational family farming operation.

Reliable electricity allows Talley Farms to provide a healthy, stressfree environment for their crops and livestock, playing a critical role in the success of their business.

Fortunately, Union Power’s 99.9% system reliability rating means farmers can stay focused on their work instead of worrying about outages.

Electricity doesn’t just make farming possible; it makes it more efficient and smarter. With advancements in agri-tech, such as smart irrigation systems and automated feeding systems, farmers can produce more while conserving resources and reducing waste. However, all of these innovations depend on consistent and reliable power, and that’s where Union Power steps in to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable power.

So, the next time you enjoy a fresh tomato from the farmers market, or carve into a Thanksgiving turkey, think about the families behind the food and the electrical current that fuels their calling. Here’s to the farmers who feed us, and to the power that keeps them growing.