13 Wisconsin Farms Receive $24M in USDA Funding

Thirteen Wisconsin farms and small businesses are receiving over $24 million in USDA funding to improve energy efficiency. These investments will help farmers reduce energy costs, enhance resiliency, and increase efficiency, benefiting their operations.

The funding is part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps agriculture producers and rural businesses expand clean energy use and improve energy efficiency. REAP is funded by a $2 billion boost through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Farms & Businesses Receiving Funding

For example, Spring Lake Farms in Marquette County will receive an $84,002 grant to install an energy-efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save the farm $15,086 annually.

Knutson Family Farms in Pierce County will receive a $203,096 grant to install a more energy-efficient grain dryer. The project will save $22,670 per year and reduce energy consumption by 69%, enough to power 46 homes annually.

Fairway To Heaven in Calumet County will receive a $91,553 grant to install a small solar array. The project is expected to save $3,105 annually.

In Brown County, Tinedale Project LLC will receive a $22.6 million loan to develop a dairy manure anaerobic digester. The digester will capture bio-methane, convert it to renewable natural gas, and transport it through a local utility pipeline, creating three jobs in the process.

These projects demonstrate how farmers and small businesses in Wisconsin can save money, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen their operations with the help of USDA REAP funding.

A full list of Wisconsin businesses receiving USDA REAP funding today is available here.