First-Ever Agricultural Drone Grant Awarded in WA State
The REAP grant, written and submitted on behalf of the farm by Zero Emissions Northwest, is the first known successfully awarded energy grant for an agricultural spray drone.
5/16/20243 min read
SPOKANE, WA - Agricultural history was made in February of this year as the first-ever USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) grant for an agricultural spray drone was awarded to a farm in Washington State.
The REAP grant, written and submitted on behalf of the farm by Zero Emissions Northwest, is the first known successfully awarded energy grant for an agricultural spray drone. 4 I Ranch LLC, the farm that was awarded the grant, will use the USDA REAP funds to help purchase an Agra T40 spray drone (pictured above).
“We are really excited to be awarded this grant,” said Boyd and Betsy Irmer of 4 I Ranch. The drone will be a great way to save time, reduce fuel expenses and help with soil compaction. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to farm for better soil health and to reduce outputs. This drone will help us achieve both.”
Typically, 4 I Ranch spends a few dozen days of the year using a tractor with a pull-behind sprayer. This necessary farming practice uses significant fossil fuels. While a few dozen days out of the year might not seem like much, the ability to reduce the farm’s current tractor use and replace it with an agricultural spray drone scored exceptionally well in the grant review process – mainly due to the efficiency gains from a lighter piece of equipment requiring less fuel. With the help of the REAP grant and through the purchase and use of the new spray drone, 4 I Ranch will use less energy to accomplish the same operation.
Pictured, above: 4 I Ranch’s current method of spraying fields involves a heavy fuel-consuming tractor and pull-behind sprayer.
“The grant project plans to convert 4 I Ranch’s spray operations to battery-powered drones that are charged by a gasoline-powered portable generator,” said David Funk, president of Zero Emissions Northwest.
“With the grant, the payback period comes in at under five years. In the future, since the drone uses electricity, the farm could consider other charging solutions like the grid, solar, or an EV truck. This grant gives 4 I Ranch the ability to be a leader within the farming community and consider how to further optimize the use of this new technology. Here at ZEN, we are excited to be on the forefront of making meaningful change within our rural communities when it comes to smart energy choices – this is exactly why we do what we do.”
ZEN, an energy consultant services provider for the Inland Northwest, provides no upfront cost grant writing and submission assistance for rural businesses and farmers. ZEN is officially contracted with the USDA as a Technical Assistance Contractor to assist with REAP grants in Washington and Idaho.
Currently, the Q2 application window for USDA REAP grants is open through June 30, 2024.
For more information about ZEN or to inquire about applying for a grant, visit www.zeroemissionsnorthwest.com.
About Zero Emissions Northwest
Zero Emissions Northwest is an energy consulting firm dedicated to developing and deploying practical technologies to reduce emissions in the rural Pacific Northwest. Through partnerships, education, and advocacy, we strive to promote sustainability for a better future in the communities we proudly serve.
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