United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Invests 969,000 through the Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Wisconsin

https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/trump-administration-invests-969000-through-rural-energy-america-program

STEVENS POINT, Wis., August 26, 2020 – Wisconsin State Director Frank Frassetto announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $969,000 in Wisconsin to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs.

"Embracing innovative technologies allows rural businesses to become more efficient, which ultimately improves their bottom lines by keeping costs low and productivity high," said Frassetto "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Wisconsin in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives."

USDA is awarding the grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The following are examples of projects being funding in Northwestern Wisconsin.

Green Leaf Farms of Chetek LLC, an aquaponics farm, was awarded a $33,000 grant to purchase and install a 34-kW solar array and LED lighting throughout the greenhouse. The array will produce enough electricity to power the new lighting. This project will generate 88,614 kWh per year.

Huntsinger Farms Inc, a horseradish farm and the 2021 host farm of Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire, was awarded a $45,000 grant to purchase and install a 103-kW solar array. This project will generate 136,421 kWh per year.

Bill's Distributing LTD, a veteran owned beverage distribution company in Menomonie, was awarded a $22,000 grant to purchase and install a 7-kW solar array and LED lighting. The array will produce enough electricity to power the new lighting. This project will generate 105,005 kWh per year.

Bruce Telephone Company Inc, a telephone service provider who has also participated in USDA’s Rural Utility Service Programs, was awarded a $15,000 grant to purchase and install a 22-kW solar array. This project will generate 26,621 kWh per year.

Larry Jorstad, owner of a fruit, vegetable, and flower farm in Bayfield, was awarded a $4,000 grant to purchase and install a 12.32-kW solar array. This project will generate 16,454 kWh per year.

Jessica Dermody, owner of a small dairy production operation in Arcadia, was awarded a $8,000 grant to purchase and install a 25-kW solar array. This project will generate 28,597 kWh per year.

Terry Duellman, an electrical contractor in Fountain City, was awarded a $10,000 grant to purchase and install a 35-kW solar array. This project will generate 43,017 kWh per year.

Daniel Schindler, a crop farmer in Colfax, was awarded a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $14,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 26 residential home equivalents.

Brian Berg, a farm owner in Ellsworth, was awarded a $9,000 grant to purchase and install a 21-kW solar array. This project will generate 28,803 kWh per year.

Jason Boles, a family grain farm owner in Prescott, was awarded a $30,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $17,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 43 residential home equivalents.

Hine’s Ranch Inc, a dairy farm in Ellsworth, was awarded a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $10,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 46 residential home equivalents.

Bruce Mahle, a grain farmer in Plum City, was awarded a $19,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $10,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 17 residential home equivalents.

Jeff Von Holtum, a grain farmer in Plum City, was awarded a $29,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $15,000 per year in energy costs reduce energy consumption by 48 residential home equivalents.

Fred Thomas Resort, a seasonal fishing and family resort in Birchwood, was awarded a $6,000 grant to purchase and install a 7.8-kW solar array. This project will generate 11,180 kWh per year.

Treeland Cottages, Inc., a family owned resort in Hayward, was awarded a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 39-kW solar array. This project will generate 50,279 kWh per year.

Ter-Rae Farms Inc, a family owned grain farm in New Richmond, was awarded a $38,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $19,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 95 residential home equivalents.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, www.rd.usda.gov/wi, call us at 715-345-7600 or email wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov.