$7.3 Billion rural clean energy plan unveiled

Sep 06, 2024
By Farms.com

President announces historic funding for rural America's green future

President alongside USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has launched a sweeping $7.3 billion investment in rural America's clean energy future. This funding, derived from the New ERA program, represents the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal.

This initiative will empower 16 rural electric cooperatives to harness over 10 gigawatts of renewable energy across 23 states, directly benefiting one in five rural Americans. These efforts aim to dramatically cut energy costs and environmental impact, projecting to eliminate over 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gases annually.

The extensive plan includes diverse energy sources, ranging from wind and solar to nuclear and hydropower, and is set to create thousands of jobs.

Dairyland Power Cooperative, a key recipient, anticipates significant rate reductions, leveraging nearly $573 million in funding for various renewable projects.

Integral to this plan is the Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that disadvantaged communities receive a substantial share of the benefits. The USDA's involvement extends beyond funding, focusing on comprehensive community and economic development.

This bold step by the administration not only aims to revitalize rural America's infrastructure but also positions the country at the forefront of the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions, ensuring a brighter, cleaner future for all rural Americans.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.