Wisconsin Projects Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Costs and Create Revenue for Rural Business Owners and Farms

Julie Lassa, Wisconsin State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, announced today that USDA will be investing $710,877 in renewable energy projects across the state. The projects will include the installation of energy-efficient grain dryers, solar arrays, and irrigation pumps. Out of the seven projects announced in Wisconsin, six of them will be funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants announced today in Wisconsin:

• Progress Auto LLC in New Lisbon will use a $243,735 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save $21,009 per year and replace 313,565 kilowatt hours (kWh) (97 percent of the business’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 28 homes.
• Moneypenny Farms in Mineral Point will use a $125,000 grant to install a more energy efficient grain dryer. The project is expected to save $12,493 per year and save 269,546 kilowatt hours (kWh) (35 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 24 homes. 
• David Hoffman in Glenwood City will use a $122,117 grant to install a more energy efficient grain dryer. The project is expected to save $4,372 per year and save 83,252 kilowatt hours (kWh) (23 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power seven homes. 
• Manitowish Cranberry Company, Inc., in Manitowish Waters will use a $77,582 grant to install more energy-efficient electric irrigation pumps. This new system is expected to save the company $4,636 per year and save 120,892 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (72 percent of the business’s energy use) per year, which is enough to power 11 homes.
• Carlson Farm Partnership in New Richmond will use a $75,219 grant to install a 52.8-kilowatt (kW) ground mount solar array. The project is expected to save $7,397 per year and replace 73,970 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (82 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.
• Allan Hass’ farming operation in Westby will use a $35,289 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save $5,751 per year and replace 50,006 kilowatt hours (kWh) (76 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power four homes.
• Bashaw Valley Enterprises, Inc. in Shell Lake will use a $31,935 grant to install a 29-kilowatt (kW) ground mount solar array. The project is expected to save $4,005 per year and replace 38,517 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (75 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.

“Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $17.7 million through REAP in 178 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects throughout rural Wisconsin,” said Lassa. “This helps farmers and rural business owner’s lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their business’s bottom line. Saving farmers and business owners money on their energy costs allows them to invest back into their businesses and rural communities.” [Audio: Mp3, 27 seconds, 656 KB]

Today’s announcement was made by USDA Secretary Vilsack at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Department is awarding $157 million in REAP awards for 675 projects in 42 states, including more than $94 million from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Background: Rural Energy for America Program

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families. 

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.