By Scout Nelson
Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers can now apply for more than $1 million in available funding through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agriculture Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant program.
The grants aim to help farmers enhance or expand their livestock operations through improvements and equipment acquisitions.
Farmers can apply for grants ranging from $400 to $25,000, with the award covering up to 10% of a project’s total cost. Eligible projects include building facilities for livestock, installing watering and feeding systems, waste management equipment, and more.
Priority for funding will be given to projects involving beginning farmers (those with 10 or fewer years of farming experience), generational farm transitions, and the production of livestock for kosher or halal markets. Projects implementing robotic milking equipment will also be prioritized.
To qualify, applicants must be the principal operators of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 worth of livestock products annually. Only expenses incurred after the signing of the grant contract will be eligible for reimbursement, with contracts expected by March 1, 2025.
Applications are being accepted online until 4 p.m. on November 14, 2024. Complete details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage.
The MDA’s AGRI program supports Minnesota’s agriculture and renewable energy sectors by providing grants to farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders across the state.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Livestock