By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that livestock producers can apply for funding through the Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grant. Applications are open until January 3, 2025. This grant aims to support producers in mitigating the risks of wolf attacks on livestock.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $45,000 to reimburse costs for approved practices that help prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. To qualify, producers must reside within Minnesota's declared wolf range, located in the northern half of the state, or on property deemed affected by such conflicts. MDA expects to award approximately 10 grants during this funding cycle.
The projects funded by this grant can include a variety of preventative measures, such as:
- Purchase of guard animals
- Veterinary costs for guard animals
- Construction of wolf barriers, including pens
- Installation of fladry and fencing
- Wolf-deterring lights and alarms
- Calving or lambing shelters
- Shelters for chickens and other livestock
Additional projects aimed at reducing wolf-livestock conflicts
The grant money may also be used to fund various types of livestock shelters, including fencing for chickens, which can further protect vulnerable animals from wolf attacks.
Interested parties can send inquiries about the grant until December 27, 2024. All applications must be postmarked or submitted via email by 5 p.m. CT on January 3, 2025. Following the application process, MDA plans to announce the selected grant recipients in March 2025, with project approvals occurring in April. MDA estimates that projects funded by these grants will be completed by October 2025.
This initiative is an essential step in supporting livestock producers in Minnesota, helping them implement effective measures to safeguard their animals against wolf predation.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General, Livestock