SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Oct. 30, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is providing loans and grants for 18 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in South Dakota under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

"These loans and grants will generate and save energy for South Dakota farmers and business for many years to come as they replace outdated equipment such as grain dryers so they can become more competitive and profitable," Vilsack said.

The funding also includes support to help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. Secretary Vilsack announced more than $1.4 million in loans and grants for the 18 recipients.

For example, Thompson Farms, Inc. in Groton has been selected for a $47,688 loan and a $23,840 grant to replace a grain dryer with a more efficient unit. East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. in Madison was selected to receive a $100,000 grant to perform energy audits and provide renewable energy development technical assistance to farmers and small businesses.

Many rural businesses and farmers in South Dakota have benefited from the REAP program during the past few years. For example, E. Werts, Inc. received a $206,000 guaranteed loan and a $103,050 grant earlier this year to purchase a new grain dryer and make energy efficiency improvements to a farm in Bancroft. The new dryer is expected to use 35 percent less energy per bushel in the drying process.

REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html .

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. Listed below is a complete list of South Dakota REAP recipients announced today.

• Mark E. Jensen, Badger - $25,740 loan; $25,740 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Doug Sorenson, Madison-$20,000 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Matthew Johnson, Webster - $208,000 loan; $202, 480 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Gordie Hofer, Frankfort -$19,980 grant for grain dryer replacement
• John Mousel, Colman - $20,000 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Craig Rau, Java - $17,340 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Plankinton Elevator Co., LLC, Plankinton - $209, 200 loan; $104,600 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Wayne Smith, Flandreau - $9,739 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Matthew Abraham, Hazel - $13,480 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Jim Dick, Marion - $17, 954 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Bruce Haase, Parker -$19,923 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Thompson Farms, Inc., Groton -$47,688 loan and $23,840 grant for grain dryer replacement
• East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Madison -$100,000 grant to perform energy audits and provide renewable energy development technical assistance
• Minor Enterprises, Inc., Rutland - $37,728 grant for grain dryer replacement
• David Terveen, Emery-$75,679 loan; $37,838 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Dale Zweep, Garretson -$20,000 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Scott Hyronimus, Worthing-$20,000 grant for grain dryer replacement
• Shawn Gengerke, Groton -$210,020 grant for grain dryer replacement

Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and nearly 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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