(File Photo of Congressman Deluzio)

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio celebrates a $8,303 federal grant to support operations at Breeze Ridge Farm, a family-owned dairy farm in Marion Township, PA. This U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant will go toward the purchase of a new energy-efficient ventilation system to keep the barn cool for the Beaver County farm’s 125 dairy cows. 

“Family farms face major challenges today, but we know they play a critical role in our communities, economy, and culture,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Our federal government should step up to support our family farms and farmers, and I’m thrilled that Breeze Ridge Farm is receiving this grant to help meet their needs, protect their livestock, and lower their energy bills.” 

The Guidice family has owned and operated Breeze Ridge Farm since 1962. The 300-acre farm is dedicated to dairy production. The farm is home to two different breeds of cows, and all crops grown on the property support the dairy production. The barn requires quality ventilation to keep the interior cool year-round, because proper temperatures are critical for the cows’ health and the quality of milk production. The new fans purchased with this USDA grant money will monitor the air temperature and turn on or off as needed, which saves energy and lowers costs for the farm.

Breeze Ridge Farm proudly participates in the USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program, and Bob Guidice sits on the Board of Directors for the Beaver County Conservation District. This is the first grant the farm has received from the USDA. The grant covers half of the cost of the new ventilation system, which they would not have been able to purchase without this federal investment.

These federal funds come through USDA’s Renewable and Energy Efficiency Program, a program within the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides both guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to farms, agricultural producers, and rural small businesses that either purchase or improve their renewable energy systems. This program seeks to boost American energy independence and increase the overall energy supply. Over time, these investments can also lower the cost of energy for small businesses and farms.