Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced more than $170,000 in grants to local farmers and rural small businesses through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The grants are a piece of a larger effort by USDA to combat climate impacts on family farmers and make rural communities more resilient.
“The 21st century brings challenges and new opportunities to our ag economy – and support for family farmers is essential as we prepare for the future,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “I’m so pleased that eleven agribusinesses and family farms in Northwest and Central Illinois will be receiving more than $170,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve energy efficiency. This federal funding will bring cost savings and modernize these important operations.”
The Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
- Ballegeer Excavating, Inc.: $11,425 – Henry County
- Cain Family Farms, LLC: $17,693 – Knox County
- Dale R. Kruse: $20,000 – Warren County
- Halcomb Oil Company: $7,541 – Warren County
- Kimberly Gehling: $6,093 – Henry County
- Koester Dairy, Inc.: $17,000 – Stephenson County
- Mahr Hog Farm, LLC: $19,869 – Fulton County
- Michele Olson: $20,000 – Henry County
- Smith Farming Corporation: $25,915 – Carroll County
- Century Enterprises, Inc.: $20,000 – Fulton County
- Glynis Port: $5,060 – Whiteside County
***Report Courtesy of Congresswoman Bustos***
