Investment to Benefit 75 Farmers, Small Businesses, and Ag Producers
COLUMBIA, MO, Sept. 23, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Missouri Jeff Case, today announced that the USDA is awarding a total of $1,691,109 in grants to rural Missouri farmers, ag producers, businesses and institutions. (PDF, 180 KB)
“USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting rural small businesses and ag producers. Through REAP program investments, businesses can outfit their operations with renewable energy and improve energy efficiency while boosting their bottom line,” said Trump Administration Official State Director Case. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Missouri in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA is investing in 75 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Missouri through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Recipients can use REAP funding for a variety of needs, such as conducting energy audits, installing renewable energy systems, and to make energy efficiency improvements. Listed below are examples of how Missouri farmers, ag producers, and rural business owners are making investments in their operations through REAP:
- K and R Riegel Farms, LLC, a dairy farm business in Washington, was awarded a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a solar array.
- Meadows Grains, Inc., a family-owned farming corporation raising row crops, will use a $19,708 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer at its Mound City farm.
- Nelson Wenger owns and operates a poultry production facility. He will use a $94,644 grant to install a solar array at his facility in Otterville.
- Niemeyer Family Farms, a family-owned farming corporation producing grain, was awarded a $20,000 grant. The funds will be used to purchase and install a grain dryer at its facility in Bowling Green.
- Patterson Farms, LLC, a diversified farm in Oran, will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a solar array.
- Rodney Newland is an agricultural producer operating a swine production facility in Downing. He was awarded a $32,921 grant to purchase and install a solar array.
- Reyco Granning LLC, an automobile suspension manufacturer located in Mount Vernon, will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install an LED lighting system that is estimated to save the business over $50,000 annually.
- Shawneetown Feed and Seed Company is a grain wholesaler and will use a $19,900 grant to purchase and install a solar array at its facility in Jackson.
- The University of Missouri, located in Columbia, is the recipient of a $98,195 grant. The funds will be used to conduct energy audits to agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout rural Missouri.
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.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo, by calling (573) 876-0976, or by emailing RDMissouri@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.
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