Grant can fund livestock upgrades

Livestock producers can apply for a portion of $2 million in grants available for on-farm improvements as part of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) program.

With funds awarded during the Fiscal Year 2015 Livestock Investment Grant, Jared Franke of Hayfield constructed a new beef barn to increase efficiency and allow the next generation to enter into the family farming peration.

In Fairmont, Mickael Laue constructed a 2,400 head swine facility to increase profitability and allow a young farmer to start farming full time.

Matthew and David Hanson of Goodridge used grant funding to expand and improve their existing  dairy facilities by adding a robotic miling unit and installing equipment to improve profitability.

Qualifying producers are reimbursed ten percent of the first $500,000 of investment, with a minimum investment of $4,000. Qualifying expenditures include the purchase, construction or improvement of livestock buildings or facilities. Fencing, feeding and waste management equipment are also covered. Producers who suffered a loss due to a natural disaster may also apply. The grant will not pay for livestock, land purchases or debt refinancing.

Past applicants who didn’t receive an award need to re-apply for the 2017 program. The grants are incentives to start projects, which must begin after Jan. 1, 2017. Applications for operations with farmers transitioning into livestock, beginning farmers and those with a positive environmental impact receive priority. Details and grant guidelines are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/livestockinvestmentgrant.

The application deadline is Dec. 16. Apply online.