The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Gov. Andy Beshear, approved $92,714 in 10 on-farm energy efficiency projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting. Application and guidelines for the KADB’s On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs are available online at ag-energy.ky.gov.
Gov. Andy Beshear said, “These energy grants are the next step in funding agritech to improve efficiency and sustainability on Kentucky farms. With the latest innovations and technology, cost savings for our farmers and producers will result in economic growth in our rural communities.”
The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities. The program will provide 50 percent reimbursement of the actual cost of a qualified energy project, up to $10,000 plus the $150 third-party energy audit. Permissible items include, but are not limited to, energy audits, energy efficient farm building components, and on-farm energy upgrades.
Barren County
Charles Peden, a dairy farmer, was approved for $7,350 in State funds to replace an existing vacuum pump.
Daviess County
Shady-Green, Inc., a horticultural operation, was approved for $10,150 in State funds to install a 7.7 kW solar array.
Grayson County
Michael Geary, a poultry producer, was approved for $10,150 in State funds to replace plastic curtains and install sidewalls in his barns.
Metcalfe County
Two poultry producers were approved. Daniel Bilbrey was approved for $10,150 in State funds to replace plastic curtains and install sidewalls and a radiant heater in his barns. Michael Harmon was approved for $4,362 in State funds to install insulation on the exterior side of the wall framing in his barns.
Muhlenberg County
Foxy Farm, LLC, a poultry operation, was approved for $10,150 in State funds to install LEDs, security lights and add ceiling insulation in his barns.
Russell County
Timothy McGowan, a dairy farmer, was approved for $10,150 in State funds to replace lights, pumps and an automatic takeoff milker in his barn.
Taylor County
James Cowherd, a dairy farmer, was approved for $10,150 in State funds to replace two existing refrigeration units.
Warren County
Sumner Dairy, LLC was approved for $10,084 in State funds to install variable speed milk pumps, milk plate coolers and circulating fans.
The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program is a competitive program. All applications are reviewed on a triannual basis and scored by a committee comprised of representatives from the KADB, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, USDA Rural Development and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Upcoming 2020 deadlines to apply for energy grants are April 24, August 28 and December 18.
For more information, contact Stefanie Osterman, County Programs Manager, at (502) 782-1763 or Stefanie.Osterman@ky.gov.
