Grants Available to Improve Safety on Minnesota Farms

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces new funding to help farmers improve on-farm safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21–27. Through two key programs, the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Program, farmers can apply for financial assistance to add critical safety equipment.

“The risks grain farmers face every day are very real,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “The Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant helps farmers make critical upgrades that protect themselves, their families, and their employees.

Taking steps now to improve the safety of corn, soybean, and small grain storage facilities is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and save lives.”

Eligible grain storage safety equipment includes fall protection systems, engineering controls to prevent contact with augers or moving parts, dust collection systems to reduce explosion hazards, personal protective equipment for grain-bin emergencies, and grain silo air quality monitoring devices. Other approved equipment may also qualify.

The Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost for approved equipment. Farmers can receive up to $400 per bin or silo, with a yearly limit of $2,400 per farm. Funding for this program and the ROPS Rebate Program comes from a legislative appropriation of $75,000.

The ROPS program supports farmers who retrofit older tractors with rollover protection. Tractor rollovers remain a leading cause of preventable farm fatalities, but rollover protective structures combined with a seatbelt are 99 percent effective in preventing serious injury or death.

The MDA is accepting applications for both programs until June 30, 2027, and until all funds are awarded. Grants will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. More details and application forms are available on the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and ROPS Rebate Program webpages.

These safety grants help protect lives, reduce farm accidents, and ensure safer workplaces for those who keep Minnesota agriculture strong.

Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture