Minnesota AGRI Livestock Investment Grant (AGRI)

The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.

Applicant eligibility

Minnesota livestock farmers may apply. Applicants must:

• Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota.

• Be a resident of the state of Minnesota or be a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota.

• Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable.

• Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota:

  • No back taxes owed.

  • No defaults on Minnesota state-backed financing for the last seven years.

  • Acceptable performance on past MDA grants.

  • Compliant with current state regulations or this project will support the organization becoming compliant.

NOTE: For this program, we define "livestock" as beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), and llamas.

Project eligibility

This grant program reimburses investments in:

• Buildings or facilities to produce livestock or livestock products.

• Development of pasture for use by livestock, including but not limited to lanes, watering systems, and fences.

• Equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding, and waste management.

All project materials and services must be purchased and paid for after a grant contract agreement has been signed by all parties and has reached its start date. Any expenses incurred prior to that date aren't eligible for reimbursement.

The grant will not pay for livestock, tractors, skid steer loaders, general purpose buildings, pasture or crop land, animal feed, crop seed, planters, combines, or debt refinancing.

Amount available

• We expect to award a total of $650,000 in the FY 2024 spring round.

• We will reimburse 10% of the first $250,000 of an eligible investment.

• For each project, the maximum grant amount available per fiscal year is $25,000.

• An individual or farm may only receive one grant in FY 2024.

• Only one grant per project.

Request for Proposals - Livestock Investment Grant 2024, Spring