Farmers urged to seek energy grants

Utah farmers and rancher are missing out on millions in federal grants that could help them become more energy efficient.

About 90 percent of Utah farms seeking grants are rejected for paperwork problems, including incomplete applications or faulty technical details of projects.

"Sometimes it seems like farmers and ranchers totally ignore what the application asks for," said Roger Koon, a specialist with the Rural Development Office in Salt Lake City. "It can be (daunting), but if they'll go step by step and take their time, they can do what's required."

The state also lags in overall number of applications, said Misty Conrad, technical assistance program manager for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., which does grant technical reviews.

"These grants are for tried-and-true technology that cuts energy costs," she said. "Utah has a number of fantastic opportunities to get help. We'd love to see more applications coming out of the state."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides grants and loans to farms for renewable-energy or energy-efficient projects. The grants can cover up to 75 percent of costs for projects like wind towers, refurbishing hydroelectric equipment or installing solar panels.

The grants could help Utah farmers struggling to make ends meet.

"I got the message more than 30 years ago that I needed to do everything I could to make my farm energy efficient," said Sevier County alfalfa grower Eric Tuft.

Tuft started changing his operations in 1973 in the midst of the Arab oil embargo. Tuft now has a gravity-based irrigation system and low-pressure sprinklers. He's also using no-till farming methods and recycled crankcase oil to heat his barn.

Today Tuft's farm power bills run about $200 each month.

— Associated Press