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.
Approximately $1.5 million is available for this program in fiscal year (FY) 2027. We expect to award 60 to 80 grants.
- This grant will reimburse 50% of the first $20,000 in eligible expenses, then 25% of eligible expenses up to the maximum grant of $25,000. The minimum grant award is $400.
- An individual or farm may only receive one grant in fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of the state of Minnesota, a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota, or a unit of Tribal government.
- Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota.
- Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable.
- Sell at least $1,000 of livestock products annually or normally would sell at least $1,000 of livestock products in a typical year.
- Meet the requirements of the Pre-award Risk Assessment.
NOTE: For this program, livestock means animals raised to produce fiber, meat, and animal by-products for sale or as breeding stock, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), bison, sheep, horses, aquaculture, and llamas. Contact us with questions regarding the eligibility of other species.
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.
Note: All project materials and services must be bought 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.
Applying
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Carefully read the full AGRI Livestock Investment Grant FY27 Request for Proposals (PDF) for eligibility, requirements, and priorities.
- Apply for the AGRI FY27 Livestock Investment Grant using our online application system.
- If you're a new user, you need to create an account first. Use the How to Fill Out Your Online Application (PDF) guide to help set up your account.
- Once logged in, select "AGRI FY27 Livestock Investment Grant."
- After you've submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don't, contact us.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format. If you need help using the online application system, call 651-201-6500 or email MDA.AGRIGrants@state.mn.us with “Livestock Investment Grant Online Application Help” in the subject line.
