**Note: Grant funds are not available for 2010-2011.**

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson has announced the recipients of the state’s second round of Livestock Investment Grants.  Fifty producers were selected to share $1 million in grants aimed at boosting the state’s livestock sector.

“Livestock production and processing pumps $11.6 billion into our state economy and accounts for more than 38 percent of the state’s total agricultural income so it’s important to provide an incentive for livestock farmers to reinvest in their industry,” said Hugoson. “This grant program will help them stay competitive and ensure Minnesota remains one of the top ten states in livestock production.”

For this round of grants, 245 farmers applied for grants that would help offset their investments valued at $39 million.  Over 800 livestock producers have applied for the grants since the program was launched in 2008. 

The grantees include beginning farmers, as well as organic and traditional farmers.  They are located across Minnesota and represent a variety of livestock species.  Approved projects include renovation of milking facilities, barn upgrades, technology modernization, improved waste management systems and business transitions. 

A list of the Livestock Investment Grant recipients follows.