Investment will Save and Generate $359,000 for Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers
STEVENS POINT, Wis., August 28, 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.
In Central Wisconsin, Liquid Coin Dairy LLC, a family run dairy farm in Milladore, was awarded a $35,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the dairy $22,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 31 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.
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