Farmers in the US are to get $14 million (£8.8m) in funding to help them cut their energy bills and make better use of renewable energy.

The grants have been awarded by the Department of Agriculture to 424 farms and rural businesses across 22 states as part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Under the scheme farmers can get a grant for up to 25% of the costs of installing energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. They can also get loan guarantees for extra help.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “Today’s Rural Energy for America Program announcements will provide further assistance for agricultural producers and rural small business owners to save energy, promote renewable energy creation and boost the bottom line for their operation.”

Among those reaping the benefits is Minnesota-based Derwood Technologies, which will get just shy of $15,000 (£9,400) to install a 9.95 kW solar project.

Another is DeChant Notley Farms in Ohio. It will receive nearly $30,000 (£18,800) to replace an old, inefficient grain dryer – saving a whopping 635,000 kWh of energy each year.