TCD Highlights USDA REAP Grant Opportunities for Western Nebraska Farmers

America eats because of Nebraska farmers. Nearly 90% of the state's total land is used for farming, with more than 44,300 farmers raising a variety of crops and livestock. Farming is such a strong part of the Nebraska economy that one in four jobs in the state is related to agriculture. March is agriculture month, which is an important time for reflecting on the great work our farmers do and how we can support them.

“Western Nebraska is made up of several farming communities,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of Twin Cities Development (TCD). “Even business owners who don’t work on farms support the agriculture industry through their work – whether they’re accountants for farmers or rural medical providers.”

TCD knows that every dollar counts when raising corn or cattle, which is why TCD supports USDA programs and grants that help support local farmers. One option is funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Learn more about the REAP grant here.  

REAP Can Help You Make Systems More Efficient

REAP is a program by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to support economic development by helping rural communities improve their systems. This program has two benefits: farmers who receive the grants can enjoy efficient energy production, while communities across the country consume fewer resources while getting the energy they need.

REAP funds are designed to improve existing equipment. For example, you can replace your furnace, HVAC system, or water heater with a REAP grant. You could also replace old windows and doors that lack proper insulation.

“The grant supports farmers who are wasting money with aging and poorly-running systems so they can save in the long run with more efficient models,” says Diedrich. “If your farm needs a new HVAC system to get through summer but can’t afford one, you might qualify for a REAP grant.”

The project must cost at least $6,000, and there must be a measurable improvement after the upgrade is completed. You can also use REAP funds to invest in renewable energy systems like solar panels and geothermal systems. 

Grant Money Does Not Need to be Repaid

One of the benefits of applying for a REAP grant is that you do not need to pay back the funds. The money is yours to keep, making energy improvement projects more affordable. Your farm can also benefit in the long run through lower energy costs. REAP allows farmers to maximize their return on investment (ROI) by lowering operating costs.

Considering farmers across Nebraska are experiencing tighter margins due to inflation, it’s important to take advantage of as many opportunities to grow your profits as possible. 

TCD Can Help With the REAP Application Process

The easiest way to apply for REAP grant funds is to contact TCD. Our team can help with the application process by assisting you with the SAM.gov registration process, and with processing the energy audit. The REAP application with the USDA would be the next step, and it requires an energy audit to prove the value the project will have to your farm.

“Our job is to make things easier for Western Nebraska farmers,” says Diedrich. “Not only do we want you to have access to energy-efficient systems, but we want to make accessing them simpler.”

Book an appointment with our Community Development Specialist and take the first steps to improving your farm's energy usage. 

Today’s Upgrades Support the Farmers of Tomorrow

American farms are multi-generational operations. An astonishing 96% of farms are family farms, which get passed from parent to child. The investments you make in sustainable operations today can have an immediate impact on your farm while also making it more efficient for whoever runs it after you.

Take steps to protect your farm and the planet. Talk with a TCD staff member about REAP funding today.