Farming is an energy intensive industry. Over the years, farmers have reduced their energy costs by utilizing alternative energy sources to supplement their energy inputs or by increasing energy efficiency on their operations.
There are several programs that provide technical or financial assistance to farmers to help them meet their energy needs. Two of these programs that are highly utilized by the agricultural community can be found below.
EIRLP - Funding a Renewable Future
The Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program (EIRLP) which replaced the Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program (AELRP) in 2021, was created by the Iowa Legislature to promote the development of energy infrastructure, modernize the state’s electric grid, and facilitate local electricity generation, storage and distribution. The EIRLP may approve up to $10 million in loans each quarter and offers a 2% interest rate to most applicants seeking funding for renewable energy projects. The EIRLP is administered by the Iowa Energy Center (IEC) and issues loans as little as $50,000 and as high as $2.5 million. The EIRLP provides loans for the development of energy infrastructure and can be used to cover costs associated with purchasing real property, equipment, labor and construction of approved EIRLP loan projects.
EIRLP funds serve a balanced mix of technologies including solar, biomass, small hydro and small and large wind turbine facilities.
To apply and learn more about the Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program and other assistance from the Iowa Energy Center, click here.
Click here to visit the Iowa Energy Center website.
ISU Energy Initiative
Through the Farm Energy Initiative, ISU Extension is creating educational energy related materials for livestock and crop producers. This information helps farmers build awareness about all aspects of energy use on the farm and will boost farmers' energy literacy. The goal is to help Iowa's farmers make better decisions about managing energy inputs, which will improve the farm's bottom line.
You can download these publications at the ISU Farm Energy Initiative website. Many of new resources at this site can help you save energy and dollars on your farming operation. This site is a simple, user-friendly resource for farmers, educators and energy providers. You'll have free access to the entire Farm Energy publication series, including new topics as they are published. Additional information is available from Extension, which is a network of a number of land grant universities in the United States.
The ISU Farm Energy Initiative is sponsored by a grant from the Iowa Energy Center. In addition to the Iowa Farm Bureau, partners include the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, USDA Rural Development, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Central Iowa Power Cooperative as well as Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy.
This page was last updated March 24, 2025.
