Wind, biofuel projects funded.(INSIDE RURAL DEVELOPMENT)

Energy is a key part of President Bush's domestic agenda, and one of the newer loan guarantee programs available through USDA Rural Development is the Renewable Energy and Efficiency loan program. These loans are designed to encourage agricultural producers and small rural businesses to create renewable and energy-efficient systems.

Two generations of the Neppel family operate Neppel Farms Inc., in Armstrong, Iowa, a 2,000-acre, grain and livestock farm, which includes a 3,400-head sow confinement operation and 16,000 hogs. It also markets 200 cattle annually.