North and northeast Iowa are embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements thanks to approximately $75,000 in federal grants. These grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and overseen by Theresa Greenfield, State Director for Iowa, have a triple goal: reduce energy costs, generate new income streams, and bolster the resilience of agricultural operations in the region.
Here's a glimpse of the grants awarded to these forward-thinking ag-related businesses:
• Rory Reicks: A grant of $20,000 will support Rory Reicks in installing a new grain dryer at his grain production farm near Lawler. This upgrade is expected to yield annual savings of $8,955 and replace 125,744 kilowatt hours per year, equivalent to powering 11 homes.
• Gerald Keune: A $10,000 grant enables Gerald Keune, a grain and livestock operator in rural Cresco, to install an 18-kilowatt solar array. This initiative anticipates annual savings of $1,608 and will replace 15,668 kilowatt hours, sufficient to power two homes.
• Dale T. McCarthy: Owner of a swine farming operation in McIntire, Dale T. McCarthy will receive $14,000 to install a 15-kilowatt solar array. This upgrade is set to save $2,686.73 annually and replace 24,663 kilowatt hours, equivalent to powering two homes.
• LDB Properties LLC: A commercial real estate business in Waukon, LDB Properties LLC, will benefit from a $9,000 grant to install an 8-kilowatt solar array. This project is projected to save $1,454 per year, replacing 7,407 kilowatt hours, equivalent to powering one home.
• Cooper’s Cedar Crest Inc.: This beef cattle farm in Clear Lake secures a $20,000 grant to install a 20-kilowatt solar array, expected to save $3,445 annually. The project will replace 20,269 kilowatt hours per year, which can power two homes.
These grants represent a total investment of over $400,000 in the state, advancing Iowa's commitment to sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency. They not only benefit the recipients but also contribute to a greener and more resilient agricultural sector in the region.
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Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy