The Dairy Profitability Enhancement Grant (also called the Dairy Profitability Grant) is available to regional or statewide organizations to administer and deliver the Dairy Profitability and Enhancement Program (DPEP). The DPEP provides information and technical assistance to dairy farms of all sizes to improve their success and long-term sustainability.
2026-2027 awardees
- Minnesota Dairy Initiative (MDI) received $375,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2027.
- Funding focuses on program coordinators and volunteer team leaders working with each farm to design a custom-fit plan to help the farm meet its goals. Coordinators help farmers choose their own diagnostic team members, identify and prioritize opportunities, and develop an action plan to help the farm thrive.
- MDI also conducts programming to benefit dairy farmers and their families, including educational workshops, farm couples' retreats, producer nights out, and Planning Your Dairy Farm Future classes.
- Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) received $125,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027.
- DHIA will add staff dedicated to educating and assisting dairy producers in using DHIA's lab services, software, web tools, and herd management reports. This position will serve as a resource for producers to interpret and apply their own herd data in ways that strengthen decision-making, reduce inefficiencies, and improve dairy herd performance.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include regional or statewide organizations able to provide information and technical assistance to Minnesota dairy farms.
- This assistance may be offered individually, as a team, or through other methods by farm business management instructors, dairy extension specialists, and other dairy partners.
- Topics may include:
- Improving milk quality
- Comprehensive financial analysis
- Risk management education
- Enhanced milk marketing tools and technologies
- Facilitating or improving production systems, including rotational grazing and other sustainable agriculture methods
- Value-added opportunities
- Activities may be targeted to a specific dairy producing region or be statewide.
Priority will be given to applicants that serve dairy producers throughout the state, beginning farmers, or farms owned or principally operated by beginning farmers.
Amount available
Funding is allocated through a competitive process. We anticipate awarding one to two contracts through this grant every other year.
Applying
Applications are reviewed by MDA staff and external reviewers.
The application period closed on Thursday, September 24, 2025. Details on this page and in the FY 2026-2027 Dairy Profitability Grant Request for Proposals (PDF) apply to the past round of funding. Eligibility and requirements may change in the future.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
