Missouri gets $5 million to help farmers save energy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri is getting money to help small farmers become more energy-efficient.

The state plans to offer low-interest loans and rebates to help farmers make their operations more energy efficient. The program is aimed particularly at livestock operations. Officials expect to assist 300 farms and 100 farm homes through May 2013.

The program will cover part of the costs for energy audits and help with the interest on loans to make the changes identified in the audits. Lenders could receive a 75 percent loan guarantee for loans up to $50,000.

Gov. Jay Nixon said Friday it would help farms be more productive by cutting down on their energy costs.

Money for the program is coming a $5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy.