A farmer explains why a data center is right for his Conewago Twp. land

The video features Jim Rexroth, a farmer in Conewago Township, York County, Pennsylvania, explaining his support for developing 541 acres of his farmland on Bowers Bridge Road into a data center. Rexroth, who also serves as vice chair of the York County Conservation District, highlighted that the property is not prime farmland and struggles to be profitable for growing corn, wheat, and soybeans. He emphasized the existing infrastructure, including large high-capacity electrical lines, five fiber optic lines, and a natural gas line, making the site suitable for such development. The discussion arose during an October 27, 2025, meeting of the Conewago Township Planning Commission, where over 100 residents gathered at Bible Baptist Church. While Rexroth presented his rationale, many attendees were there to express strong opposition to the proposed data center. Opponents voiced concerns about potential noise pollution, environmental degradation, and a significant increase in local electricity rates due to the facility's substantial power consumption. Rexroth countered, noting that he has never sold land for development in his 55 years and is aligned with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding's philosophy of farming the best land and rezoning the rest for development.