Electric and Autonomous Farm Equipment Takes the Field
By: Sarah Gledhill, Clean Energy Markets & Finance Manager
On a chilly December afternoon in Lynden, Washington, farmers explored the grounds of the Lynden Ag Show: an annual, farmer-focused event showcasing equipment, new technologies, and resources for berry and potato growers across the region. The event drew more than 500 attendees, many operating large-scale farms ranging from 500 to 5,000 acres. For many, this was their first time seeing electric tractors, utility vehicles, and other zero-emission agricultural equipment.
E-Farms and Puget Sound Energy were on the scene, partnering on the experience to make sure farmers could do more than window shop. Our booth featured information on both E-Farms and Puget Sound Energy programs, upcoming hands-on opportunities in 2026 to test equipment, and a lineup of electric vehicles and equipment applicable to agricultural use. On December 3rd, from noon to 1:30 p.m., attendees joined us in the outdoor demo area. Manufacturers joined E-Farms to demonstrate a wide range of electric equipment. Attendees could see firsthand the Monarch MK-V tractor, Polaris Kinetic Ultimate UTV, Fusion utility cart, Burro Grande autonomous materials-handling cart, BCS Tracmow remote-control mower, and BCS’s electric two-wheel tractor, all demonstrated outside on the show grounds.
One of the most memorable moments came from the Burro Grande autonomous materials-handling cart. As E-Farms’ David Skakel walked across the grassy field, the Burro followed closely behind him. The unit followed hands-free and without a remote while navigating the uneven terrain. The simple, practical demonstration made the technology immediately tangible, showing how autonomous electric equipment could affect labor and strain during everyday farm tasks.
The Burro Grande autonomous materials-handling cart.
Another standout moment was BCS’s unveiling of its electric two-wheel tractor. This was the first time this type of equipment has been introduced in the United States. The announcement drew strong interest from attendees eager to see how smaller, highly versatile electric tools could fit into farm operations.
The BCS electric, two-wheel tractor.
By the end of the event, the E-Farms team logged dozens of meaningful interactions ranging from short conversations to deeper technical discussions and hands-on demos with farmers. These outdoor demonstrations and candid conversations are central to the PSE and E-Farms collaboration to serve as a neutral, trusted space for farmers to explore both the opportunities and challenges of electric equipment.
This demonstration was supported by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), whose partnership with E-Farms helps bring electric and autonomous equipment directly to farmers through hands-on, field-based demonstrations.
E-Farms is a collaborative program coordinated by Sustainable Northwest, Forth, Wy’East RC&D, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Together, we work to evaluate, demonstrate, and expand access to electric farming equipment across farms, forests, and rural operations in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. All photos courtesy of E-Farms.
