By Scout Nelson
In response to the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched a new initiative aimed at bolstering the resilience of agricultural operations. The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant is designed to assist livestock and specialty crop producers in preparing for adverse weather conditions such as droughts, floods, and severe storms.
This grant program offers up to $10,000 to eligible Minnesota farmers, requiring them to match 50% of the grant amount. The funding can be used to purchase and install various supplies and equipment that mitigate the impact of extreme weather.
Eligible items include water tanks, pipelines, wagons or trailers, well improvements, irrigation systems, fans, misters, livestock shade systems, and windbreaks.
The range of livestock covered under this grant extends broadly from traditional farm animals like beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, and sheep to more specialized categories such as bees, and farmed cervids. Similarly, specialty crops eligible for funding span fruits and vegetables to tree nuts, dried fruits, and floricultural items.
MDA plans to distribute between 50 to 75 grants through a competitive review process, with a total of $500,000 allocated for this program. The application window is open until 4 p.m. on February 12, with the department committed to notifying all applicants of their funding status by no later than March 26.
This proactive grant program underscores Minnesota’s commitment to supporting its agricultural community by providing the necessary resources to adapt to and mitigate the risks associated with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. By equipping farmers with the tools to manage these risks, the MDA aims to ensure the sustainability and productivity of Minnesota’s agricultural sector in the face of climate-related challenges.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-d-keine
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Poultry, Weather