Accelerating energy costs and a desire to further sustainable farming practices fueled The Maschhoffs’ decision to break ground on a new 3.06-megawatt solar array at its Griggsville Feed Mill. One of the nation’s pork producers, The Maschhoffs anticipate first-year energy savings of $320,000 and 25-year accumulated savings of more than $11.3 million.
Dignitaries gathered on Tuesday at the 11-acre site of the solar field, according to a release. Solential Energy is beginning construction immediately of the Griggsville Feed Mill array which encompasses 6,800 ground-mounted, fixed-tilt solar panels that will be fully installed and generating power by October 2022.
A Strategic Move Forward
The decision to use solar energy at the mill satisfies business and sustainability goals, explained Ken Maschhoff, chairman.
“In 2022 alone, we’ve seen our energy costs increase significantly severely impacting our operating costs and threatening our competitiveness as well as the State of Illinois’ $1.1 billion pork producing industry. Adopting renewable solar energy to offset rising energy costs is strategically necessary. The Maschhoffs have always been innovators, and we embrace the opportunity to transform our operation through more sustainable practices, take control of our energy production and costs, and do our part in reducing the carbon footprint of our operations,” Maschhoff said in a release.
The Griggsville Feed Mill serves as the main feed facility for the pig farming operation that processes 300,000 tons of feed that accounts for roughly 25% of the 3.4 million market hogs and feeder pigs the company raises each year, the release said.
The feed mill is one of the company’s most energy intensive operations, Vice President of Support Operations Gerry Daignault said in a release.
“Our grain operations are critical to animal care, overall health and pork production. Energy availability and resilience are critical. Any interruption in power or loss of heat can alter the chemistry of our feed, which in turn impacts the growth of our animals and profitability of the business. Adding solar to our energy equation allows us to continue to optimize our grain processing and get the best feed to our animals without the stress of higher energy costs,” Daignault said.
Why Solar Energy?
Jeff Haarmann, managing partner of Affordable Gas and Electric (AGE) and energy management consultant to The Maschhoffs, spent time researching other energy solutions before recommending solar energy.
“The agriculture industry is turning to solar in greater numbers than ever before, some as a new revenue stream and others, like The Maschhoffs, to power their operations. The infrastructure is increasingly reliable, and in the current environment of skyrocketing energy costs, why not include solar? It will be exciting to see the Griggsville Feed Mill solar project come online and have a positive impact on energy costs,” Haarmann said.
Solential Energy, based in Indiana, was selected to design, build and commission the solar project. Jim Shaw, president of Solential Energy, believes more farmers will turn to solar energy to ensure economic and social sustainability of their farms.
“In the past, there was skepticism. As solar has become mainstream and upfront financing through government programs and private investors has become more available, adoption continues to grow. Hopefully, Griggsville is just one of many solar projects for The Maschhoffs.”
Ken Maschhoff noted his appreciation to the State of Illinois Shines Program for making funds for renewable energy projects available to job-creating businesses.
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