National Grid’s Agribiz Program is giving Upstate New York farmers a much-needed boost, helping them offset costs on essential equipment upgrades. Since 2020, nearly 150 farms have collectively received more than $1.5 million in incentives, significantly cutting energy and maintenance expenses while improving farm operations and sustainability.
Farmers Dakota and Sam Wilson of Ames, N.Y., are among the program’s success stories. The couple recently installed six high-speed circulating fans on their dairy farm, which improved air circulation and animal well-being. Thanks to National Grid’s Prescriptive Energy Efficiency Program, the Wilsons were able to cover about 70% of the project’s costs. “Before winter set in, we were able to use the new fans, which keep the cows cool and moved the air throughout the barn just as we had hoped,” Dakota Wilson shared.
The Agribiz Program offers incentives on upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, ventilation systems, and water pumps—changes that boost productivity and help farms meet sustainability goals. Kim Ireland, National Grid’s Eastern Regional Director, underscored the importance of these enhancements. “A few energy upgrades can improve harvest yields and overall livestock health. We’re proud to help farmers…lowering their initial investments in equipment and systems,” she said.
Apple Acres, an apple farm in Lafayette, N.Y., utilized the program to install automatic high-speed refrigerator doors, cutting a third of their project’s expenses. Catie Blackler, owner of Apple Acres, emphasized how the partnership enabled her to innovate. “We’ve installed equipment that delivers direct energy savings and have been able to invest in production efficiency. National Grid’s Agribiz Program is a valuable partner that ensures our locally grown apples are competitive nationally,” she remarked.
Farmers looking for more information about the Agribiz Program can meet with National Grid representatives at the New York Farm Show from February 20 to 22 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse or contact program lead John Snyder directly.
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