This program is currently closed. The next round is estimated to open in fall 2027.
The Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program helps new farmers in Minnesota buy equipment and develop infrastructure that will be crucial to the future of their farm businesses.
Amount available
In the fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027 program, we awarded approximately $723,000 through a competitive review process. Details on this page refer to the past round of funding.
Eligibility
Through this grant, beginning farmers can pay for:
- Agriculture-specific equipment needed to grow crops, raise livestock, or store farm products
- Farm infrastructure investments, including:
- Improving water access
- Irrigation
- Fencing
- Electricity
- Walk-in coolers
- Livestock handling
- Grain storage
- Production-related structures such as barns, livestock buildings, and greenhouses
- Other farm infrastructure – see the Request for Proposals (RFP) for more information
To apply, you must:
- Be a beginning farmer, defined as someone who:
- Began farming within the last 10 years,
- Is a principal operator on the farm, and
- Has some farming experience and knowledge.
- Farm within the borders of the State of Minnesota.
- Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota.
Important:
- If you’ve received this grant before, you are not eligible.
- You must apply as an individual.
- We will only accept one application per farm.
Public information session
We held a public information session on February 19, 2026, that covered applicant eligibility, timelines, and how to apply. Watch the FY26/27 Beginning Farmer Equip & Infrastructure Grant Info Session recording to learn more about that program.
Applying
The application period for this program closed on March 19, 2026. Details on this page and in the FY26/27 Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant RFP (PDF) refer to the past round of funding.
Contact us if you need this information in a different format. If you need help using the online application system, call 651-201-6500 or email beginning.farmer.grant.mda@state.mn.us.
Review process
A review committee evaluates all eligible applications based on the Project Evaluation Profile in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The commissioner of agriculture considers the committee’s recommendations and makes award decisions. The process may consider geographic distribution, type of operation, applicant’s history as a previous grantee, and capacity to perform the work.
