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Mia Ruchie,
Marketing & Communications Associate
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At Geronimo Power, supporting rural communities and agricultural education is an important part of how we show up in the areas where we operate. That’s why, as a proud community partner through the Green River Wind Farm, we were honored to participate in this year’s Farmapalooza event hosted by the Sterling Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter.
Last month, more than 2,000 students, educators, loved ones, and community members gathered at Sterling High School for the chapter’s annual hands-on agriculture education event focused on local industry, agriculture, and the many career paths that help rural communities thrive. Entirely organized and operated by students, Farmapalooza gives younger students the opportunity to explore agriculture in a fun, interactive environment while learning directly from local businesses and community partners. For months leading up to the event, members of the Sterling FFA Chapter brainstormed, planned, and built the experiences that brought the day to life, all with the goal of introducing the next generation to the world of agriculture and the industries connected to it.
Representing Geronimo Power, Brett Kreiser, Plant Manager III, spent the day speaking with students about wind energy, turbine technology, and the many careers that support renewable energy in rural communities.
“Events like Farmapalooza are a great reminder that education starts with curiosity,” said Brett. “It was exciting to see students making connections between agriculture, renewable energy, and the wide variety of career opportunities that support both industries in our local communities.”
One of the highlights of the day, Brett shared, was seeing how students’ questions evolved across age groups. Younger students were fascinated by the movement of wind turbines, asking questions like why the turbines “blow air” and how spinning blades create electricity. Grade school students were eager to understand how electricity travels from a turbine to homes, schools, farms, and businesses in their communities.
Older students, particularly at the high school level, brought an even deeper level of curiosity, asking about turbine maintenance, component size, equipment lifespan, and the technical skills needed to build a career in renewable energy. Some students also asked how many homes a turbine can power, where electricity goes after it is generated, and what it takes to keep wind projects operating safely and efficiently for decades.
That excitement and curiosity were felt firsthand by students attending the event. For Landon Kukowski, a Sterling High School student and the nephew of Geronimo Power’s Brett Kreiser, the experience offered a new perspective on the industry.
“As both a student at Sterling High School and Brett Kreiser’s nephew, I was excited to stop by the Geronimo Power booth at Farmapalooza. Even though I’ve heard my uncle talk about the wind farm, seeing the technology up close and learning about the careers behind it gave me a whole new appreciation for renewable energy. It showed me there are a lot of opportunities in this field that I never really thought about before.”
— Landon Kukowski, Sterling High School Student
For Geronimo Power, supporting events like Farmapalooza is about more than showing up. It’s about investing in the communities where we operate, supporting student leadership, and helping inspire the next generation of innovators, skilled workers, and community leaders who will help shape the future of rural America.
