By Scout Nelson
Minnesota livestock producers have access to new financial support to help protect their animals from wolf attacks. The funding is designed to help farmers reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while protecting animals that are important to their farm operations.
Rep. Knudsen highlights the new funding available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grant program. The program provides $25,000 in federal funding for livestock producers who need help taking steps to prevent wolf attacks.
The funding helps producers pay for several types of protection measures. Eligible expenses include guarding animals and veterinary care, fencing and other barriers, wolf-deterring lights and alarms, and shelters used during calving or lambing.
Under the program, eligible producers can receive reimbursement for 80% of approved costs. This support can help reduce the amount farmers need to pay when they install new protection systems or use other approved methods to keep livestock safe.
Wolf attacks can create serious problems for livestock producers. Losing animals can reduce farm income and create additional costs for replacing or caring for livestock. Producers may also spend more time protecting animals and responding to wolf activity.
The new grant program gives farmers another option to reduce these risks. By using fencing, barriers, guard animals, lights, alarms and shelters, producers can take steps to make livestock areas less likely to attract or be reached by wolves.
“Wolf depredation can have a real and significant impact on Minnesota livestock producers, particularly when a farmer loses valuable animals that represent years of work,” said Rep. Knudsen. “These grants provide producers with another tool to protect their livestock and reduce conflicts with wolves. I encourage eligible producers to take advantage of this funding.”
Producers must meet certain requirements to apply for the program. They must be located within Minnesota’s wolf range or have property that the Commissioner of Agriculture determines is affected by wolf-livestock conflicts.
Applications for the new prevention funding are due by 4 p.m. on December 18, 2026. Producers who meet the requirements are encouraged to review the programs information and submit their applications before the deadline.
The new prevention funding is in addition to $55,000 in federal funds provided to Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2026 to compensate farmers for documented livestock losses caused by wolves.
The new $25,000 program focuses on preventing future wolf attacks and helping producers protect their animals.
Together, these programs provide support for both prevention and recovery. Prevention funding can help farmers invest in equipment and practices that reduce the risk of livestock attacks, while compensation can help producers manage the financial effect of documented losses.
Livestock protection is an important part of farm management. Farmers work to keep animals healthy and safe while also managing feed, land, equipment, labor and other farm costs. Unexpected livestock losses can make these challenges more difficult.
Programs that help farmers prevent losses can provide useful support during these situations. Producers can use approved grant funds to make changes around livestock areas and improve protection based on their individual farm needs.
Knudsen also emphasizes the importance of providing resources to farmers and giving livestock producers a voice in state government.
“Supporting our farmers means recognizing the challenges they face and making sure they have the resources to protect their livelihoods,” Knudsen said. “I will continue working to ensure Minnesota’s livestock producers have a voice at the Capitol.”
The Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grant program gives eligible producers a way to take action before livestock losses occur. The support can help farmers use practical tools to limit wolf conflicts and protect their animals.
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Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Livestock