By Scout Nelson
Minnesota farmers looking to enhance safety at their on-farm grain storage facilities can now apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant program.
This program aims to reimburse up to 75% of the cost to purchase and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos.
Farmers can receive up to $400 per bin or silo, with a maximum of $2,400 per farm per year. The funding for this grant program comes from a legislative appropriation, which also supports the Rollover Protective Structure rebate programs.
Eligible safety equipment includes, but is not limited to:
Fall protection systems
Engineering controls that prevent contact with an auger or other moving parts
Dust collection systems that minimize explosion hazards
Personal protective equipment to increase survival chances in grain-bin-related emergencies
Grain silo air quality monitoring equipment
Other grain storage facility safety equipment approved by the MDA
The MDA is accepting grant applications through May 15, 2025, or until all funds are exhausted. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to apply, visit mda.state.mn.us/grainstoragesafetycostshare.
Minnesota farmers have a valuable opportunity to improve safety at their grain storage facilities through the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant program.
By covering a significant portion of the costs for essential safety equipment, this program aims to enhance farm safety and protect farmers and their workers from potential hazards. Interested farmers should act quickly to apply, as funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sveta
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety