Akron, IN—Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly visited Sroufe Farms to announce that Mr. Scott Sroufe, the fifth generation owner of the farm, received a Rural Energy for America Program Grant for $19,498 from the United States Department of Agriculture.  The Rural Energy for America Program assists farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. Mr. Sroufe used the grant money to replace a grain dryer.

“Investing in our rural infrastructure will not only allow us to become more energy efficient, but it will also help save our farmers money on their energy bills,” Donnelly said. “I am pleased that, as a result of this grant money, Mr. Sroufe was able to purchase a new, energy-efficient grain dryer.”

“Last year, we had a problem drying our corn, which was coming out very wet,” said Mr. Sroufe. “Our existing dryer was getting old and was not very efficient, so we decided to invest in a new dryer with the help of this grant money. This year, my corn is coming out the wettest I’ve ever seen it, but, hopefully, this new dryer will speed things up and save me money on the LP gas we use.”

###