By U.S. Department of Agriculture
KANSAS — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is awarding $4.21 million in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income and strengthen the resiliency of their operations.
Among the multiple Rural Kansas business owners receiving grants are some local areas including Hays, Ellsworth, Hesston, Hillsboro, Haven, Hutchinson, Lyons, Salina, La Crosse and Sterling.
- A $448,440 grant will help purchase and install 149-kilowatt total in solar arrays for Carrico Implement Company Inc. in Beloit, Hays, and Ellsworth. The project is estimated to annually replace 862,996 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power 81 homes. Carrico Implement has 90 employees.
- A $269,120 grant will help purchase and install a 278-kilowatt solar array for BMG of Kansas Inc. in Hesston. The project is estimated to replace 362,700 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 34 homes. BMG of Kansas currently has 52 employees.
- A $79,995 grant will help purchase and install a 62.72-kilowatt solar array for Barkman Honey LLC of Hillsboro. The project is estimated to replace 98,633 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power nine homes. Barkman Honey currently has 185 employees.
- A $46,898 grant will help purchase and install a 50-kilowatt solar array for Yoder Metal & Post Frame Building Supplies LLC of Haven. The project is estimated to replace 79,073 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power seven homes. Yoder Metal currently has 10 employees.
- A $60,704 grant will help to purchase and install a 37.8-kilowatt solar array for Reno Fabricating & Sales Co. Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 54,179 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power five homes. Reno Fabricating & Sales currently has 14 employees.
- A $72,480 grant will help purchase and install a 46.2-kilowatt solar array for First Bank of Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 73.122 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power six homes. First Bank currently has ten employees.
- A $233,856 grant will help purchase and install a 201.6-kilowatt solar array for Pestinger Distribution Company Inc. of Salina. The project is estimated to replace 284,835 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power 26 homes. Pestinger Distribution currently has 38 employees.
- A $119,587 grant will help B’s Hometown Market LLC, of La Crosse, make energy efficiency improvements with refrigeration equipment and LED lighting. This project will realize $8,508 savings per year and will replace 80,401 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power seven homes.
- A $106,211 grant will help purchase and install a 90.1-kilowatt solar array for Phil’s Farm LLC of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 165,4041 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power 15 homes. Phil’s Farm currently has 10 employees.
- A $99,299 grant will help purchase and install a 180-kilowatt solar array for Sterling Heritage Hogs LLC of Sterling. The project is estimated to replace 95,140 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power eight homes. Sterling Heritage Hogs currently has one employee.
