Grant deadline nears for livestock farmers
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is urging Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers to apply now for the Livestock Investment Grant Program. The program has $1 million available to promote long-term development in the state’s livestock sector.
Qualifying producers would be reimbursed 10 percent of the first $500,000 of investment, with a minimum investment of $4,000. Qualifying expenditures include the purchase, construction, or improvement of buildings or facilities for the production of livestock, and the purchase of fencing as well as feeding and waste management equipment.
Producers who suffered a loss due to a natural disaster or unintended consequence may also apply.
The grant will not pay for livestock or land purchases or for the cost of debt refinancing.
Minnesota livestock producers who applied for but did not receive a grant in past years will need to reapply to be considered for the 2012 program.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 14. More information on the Minnesota Livestock Investment Grant Program can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/livestockinvestmentgrant.
