By Scout Nelson
Recently, in the Eye on Ag & Energy segment, a promising initiative was highlighted that aims to usher North Dakota farms and ranches into the modern era. This program, driven by Realizing Rural LLC in collaboration with the USDA, offers both agricultural producers and rural small businesses the opportunity to receive specialized technical assistance.
With over 26,000 farms and ranches in North Dakota, this initiative comes as a welcome development. Realizing Rural LLC is set to dispense more than $400,000 in grant money to enhance operational efficiencies of these agricultural entities.
The grants, funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, prioritize clean energy alternatives. Half of these funds are allocated for energy-efficient upgrades and the installation of renewable energy systems. This approach not only introduces new technology to the farms but also aims to reduce operational costs.
Erin Oban, the State Director for USDA’s Rural Development in North Dakota, emphasizes the significance of this program. It specifically targets grain dryer upgrades, a notable expense in farming operations. By cutting down these costs, the program aims to increase profitability for farmers.
A minimum of 15 applicants from North Dakota will receive assistance through this program. This initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing agricultural practices in the state, focusing on sustainability and economic efficiency. This move is expected to pave the way for a more prosperous and environmentally friendly agricultural sector in North Dakota.
Photo Credit - pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: North Dakota, Business