Pennsylvania Dairy Productivity Grant

Are you considering a project that directly impacts milk production on your dairy operation? Leveraging funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PA Dairymen’s Association, the Dairy Productivity Grant program supports first-time investments in Milking Efficiency Technologies, Feeding Technologies or Activity Monitoring Systems.

With Pennsylvania’s milk production per cow continuing to be below the national average, this grant will focus specifically on non-cow comfort strategies that directly impact milk production.

Acceptable projects:

• Milking Efficiency Technologies (pipeline, automatic milking technology, robotic milking technology, and direct load milking)

• Feeding Technologies (TMR mixer, feed tracking, and inventory technology)

• Activity Monitoring Systems (Bolus, Collars or Tags)

• Pennsylvania dairy farms that have 35 or more lactating cows or dairy heifer raising operations with more than 100 dairy heifers are eligible to apply.

• Farms may not apply for this grant if they plan on utilizing the funding as a match for another state grant.

• The project must represent a first-time investment in that technology for the farm.

This is a reimbursable grant with a 25 percent match required to receive up to $10,000 for the project you described on your application. You must submit documentation of your expenses incurred for that project to receive payment. The total payment you receive will be based on the total cost of the project and will be adjusted to 75 percent of that total cost.

A $100 application fee is required upon submission but will be reimbursed if the application is not accepted.

• The Dairy Productivity Grant is for first time investment projects only.

• Invoices for each of the expenses sent to the Center for Dairy Excellence must be submitted with a completed CDE expense form before June 30, 2027.

• Invoices showing total expenses incurred for the project must accompany the submitted reimbursement form.

• Invoices must be dated between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

• No expense reimbursements will be made until a W9 is received.

Application period: The application period will be open from October 1 – November 1, 2026.

Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/productivity-grants to apply online or download a printed application to mail back.

Committee assigned to select and approve applications. The committee will base its selection on the following criteria:

• The impact the project would have on the farm’s milk production per cow.

• The detail in which the applicant describes what the project involves and how the project will benefit their operation.

• The willingness of the applicant to provide requested information or to seek help in providing requested information.

Notifications: This is a competitive grant, so winning grant award recipients will be notified by November 20, 2026, with expenses/invoices due by June 30, 2027. Those not accepted into the program will have the application fee refunded to them.

• 2026-27 Dairy Productivity Grant Details

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Testimonials

• Tips for Applying for Grants