Montana boosts clean energy with USDA grants

May 27, 2024

By Farms.com

The USDA is helping Montana fight climate change and reduce energy costs for rural businesses and farms. Through the Rural Energy America Program (REAP), the USDA awarded grants to six Montana projects.

These projects include solar panel installations and energy efficiency upgrades. Recipients include a car dealership, film studio, dog toy manufacturer, assisted living facility, and agricultural producers.

The projects are expected to save a combined total of over $18,000 annually in energy costs. Additionally, some projects will replace a significant portion of their energy use with renewable solar power.

USDA Rural Development Montana State Director Kathleen Williams highlighted the program's benefits. She stated it helps rural communities transition to clean energy, saving money and addressing climate change.

This initiative is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in combating climate change in US history.

Video: How Swine Nutrition Can Revolutionize Biogas Production - Dr. Felipe Hickmann

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Felipe Hickmann from Laval University explores how nutritional strategies and manure management impact biogas production in pig farming. He breaks down the science behind anaerobic digestion at low temperatures and explains how dietary adjustments affect methane production and environmental sustainability. Learn how producers can reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Lowering crude protein can reduce nitrogen in manure, but only if animal intake doesn’t compensate by increasing feed consumption."

Meet the guest: Dr. Felipe Hickmann / felipe-hickmann-963853a6 is a PhD research assistant at Laval University, specializing in swine and poultry sustainability. With extensive experience in manure management, nutritional strategies, and precision livestock technologies, he contributes to improving environmental outcomes in animal agriculture.