Recipients in the area will receive funding from the United States Department of Agriculture for clean energy projects, as part of an initiative to promote the use of renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency in agricultural settings.
The funding is channeled through two main programs. Under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, the Eagleville Travel Center LLC will receive $40,114 to retrofit a biodiesel storage tank at one of their fueling stations in Eagleville, Missouri. This initiative aims to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels at stations that have 10 or fewer fueling locations.
Additionally, several beneficiaries have been selected for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Efficiency Grants. Among them, MAK Family Farm LLC in Green City will utilize $39,660 to install a 32-kilowatt solar array system at their swine farm. This system is projected to save $4,757 annually by replacing 47,569 kilowatt hours per year, accounting for 100% of the farm’s energy consumption.
Chad Woodworth in Chillicothe has been granted $21,693 to install a new grain dryer, aiding his grain production with anticipated annual savings of $10,750. This improvement will substitute 126,980 kilowatts per year or 76.16% of the farm’s energy usage.
In Brunswick, JR’s Body Incorporated will receive $39,995 to support the installation of a 33.6-kilowatt solar array system at their automobile repair business. This upgrade is expected to replace 47,643 kilowatt hours per year, which is 84% of the company’s energy use, and save $6,432 annually.
Henke Farms LLC, located in Salisbury, will benefit from a $20,140 grant to install a 14.4-kilowatt solar array system. This installation is set to replace 20,406-kilowatt hours annually, fully meeting the energy needs of their beef cattle and row crop farming operation, with expected savings of $2,102 each year.
Lake Branch LLC, also based in Salisbury, has been allocated $59,975 to assist with the purchase and installation of a 48-kilowatt solar array for their hog production. This project will replace 8,255 kilowatt hours per year, which represents 93.6% of the farm’s energy use, and is expected to save $7,372 annually.
The USDA announced on April 23 that it is supporting over 700 clean energy projects nationwide. These efforts are part of the broader objectives of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at reducing energy costs, expanding access to domestic biofuels, and creating new job and market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.
