The Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share helps Minnesota farmers buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos.

Amount available

For Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024), we have approximately $75,000 for this and the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate programs.

In addition to funding from the Minnesota Legislature, we can accept donations from the private sector.

Grant amount

This program reimburses 75% of eligible expenses up to $400 per bin or silo and with a limit of $2,400 per farm per fiscal year. Farms may submit only one application per fiscal year.

Read the reimbursement examples below to understand how much you could receive.

Eligible equipment

Equipment must be purchased and paid for between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. We recommend that you use a reputable source for equipment and have systems installed by a qualified person such as a structural engineer or bin manufacturer. We are prioritizing retrofits on existing facilities.

Eligible equipment types:

  • Fall protection systems
  • Engineering controls to prevent contact with an auger or other moving parts
  • Dust collection systems to minimize explosion hazards
  • Personal protective equipment to increase survivability in the event of a grain-bin-related emergency
  • Grain silo air quality monitoring equipment
  • Other grain storage facility safety equipment with prior approval from the MDA

Read the eligible equipment details for more information on what kind of equipment purchases will be reimbursed.

Ineligible equipment

We will add to this list as we make decisions. Ineligible equipment includes:

  • Grain condition monitors
  • Aeration vents/roof vents
  • Grain bin covers/lids
  • Replacing worn-out electrical cords/outlets
  • Truck stoppers and reflectors
  • Camera systems
  • Installing overhead electricity to bins
  • Replacing entry doors

Many grain storage facility upgrades are important even if they don’t qualify for this year's cost-share program. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) to access low-interest financing for building or upgrading facilities to store commodities. Contact your local FSA office for details.

Applying

We are accepting applications from Minnesota farmers until June 30, 2024, or until funds run out.

  • A farm can apply only one time per fiscal year.
  • We must receive all parts of the application before it’s considered complete. We will let you know if we need additional information.
  • We process complete applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • After your application is approved, it takes approximately two to four weeks to receive your payment.

Things you will need to complete the online application:

  • Digital copy of your proofs of purchase (receipts, paid invoices, or other proof that you purchased the items you are claiming for reimbursement)
    • If there is sensitive information on the documents, cover or remove it before making .jpg, .png, or .pdf copies of your documents. We don’t need to know your bank account or credit card information.
  • Digital copy of your IRS Form W-9, signed and dated
    • If you don’t have this, you can complete a digital W-9 within the online application.

If you can't apply online, contact us for other options.

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Reimbursement examples

  • You have five bins and spend $4,500 to install grain level monitors and handrails on each of them. You’re eligible for a refund of $2,000 (5 bins x $400). If you have six bins and spend $4,500, you’re eligible for the maximum refund of $2,400 (6 bins x $400).
  • You have two silos and spend $800 on respirators, harnesses, and equipment lockouts. You’re eligible for a refund of $600. To get the full amount you’re eligible for, you would need to spend $1,066.67 (75% x $1,066.67 = $800).
  • You have eight bins and spent $8,750 to install platforms and guardrails on two of them, so you're eligible for 2 x $400 = $800. You also purchased three fall-arrest harnesses for $350, so you're eligible for an additional $262.50 (75% x $350). Your total reimbursement would be $1062.50.

Do you have a scenario that's different than these? Contact us to find out how much you'll be reimbursed.

Eligible equipment details

As we approve equipment, we'll add that information to this list.

DISCLAIMER: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is merely the grantor of state funds for this program. Approval and reimbursement of funds by the Department for equipment purchased by the Grantee does not make the Department liable or responsible for the use of such equipment or any injuries or claims that might arise from such use. The Department is also not responsible or liable for the quality of or inability to use such equipment purchased under this program.

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