With expertise from PennTAP, family-owned Powell Grain Farms in Mercer County secured funding for a high-capital project that helped the farm realize major energy savings and greater operational efficiency and laid the foundation for a sustainable future.
Jess and Danielle Powell, owners of Powell Grain Farms, knew that upgrading their grain-drying equipment could yield big benefits. They also knew they’d need funding support to make their vision for this major project a reality.
When they inquired about a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, their grant manager connected them to expertise that would help them improve their chances of receiving funding: PennTAP’s Technical Advisor Heidi Shadeck, who serves the northwest region of Pennsylvania from Penn State Behrend’s campus. Shadeck conducted a comprehensive energy assessment of both the farm’s existing and proposed grain-drying systems. This analysis provided critical data needed to quantify energy savings and emissions reductions—key components of the REAP grant application.
Cost-savings and Environmental Impact
Shadeck’s expertise didn’t just deliver numbers; it delivered results. Powell Grain Farms secured a $499,690 USDA REAP grant for their new grain-drying system, which is projected to yield:
- A 48% reduction in energy use for grain drying
- $37,427 annual savings in energy costs
- 198.7 metric tons fewer greenhouse gas emissions each year
Shadeck highlighted the impact that funding available through the REAP program can have on small, family-owned farms who want to invest in the future. “Their project clearly demonstrates the importance of funding programs like REAP to incentivize business owners to implement high-capital projects that lower carbon footprints, improve operational efficiency, and set the stage for future growth,” she explained.
Committed to fostering economic growth in Pennsylvania’s core industry sectors, including agriculture, PennTAP leverages its deep understanding of funding solutions to deliver customized expertise that meets the unique needs of each client. For Powell Grain Farms, the commitment means more than new equipment—it’s a foundation for a greener, more resilient tomorrow.
Powell Grain Farms, Inc.
Jess and Danielle Powell, Owners
Mercer County, PA
724-456-3005