The Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Grant Program makes tractor safety equipment affordable and simple to order.
Amount available
For Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027), we have approximately $75k for this and the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant programs.
- For farmers, the grant funds at least 70% of the cost to purchase, ship, and install an eligible ROPS. If you’re awarded a grant, you must contribute 30% of the total cost as match, up to a maximum of $500.
- For Minnesota schools, the grant funds the full amount of your documented cost to purchase, ship, and install an eligible ROPS.
Things to note
- We review applications in the order we receive them. If funds run out, we may put your application on hold until the new fiscal year starts on July 1.
- You may not order or buy an eligible rollover protection kit until your grant contract is signed and we’ve said you can start the process.
- We issue payments on a reimbursement basis (after work has been completed and paid for).
- We will only award funds to retrofit one tractor per farm per fiscal year.
Reimbursement examples
- You self-install a ROPS on your tractor. The ROPS costs $1,428.45. You’re eligible for a reimbursement of $999.92 (70% x $1,428.45 = $999.92).
- You hired a welding shop to install your ROPS. The ROPS costs $1,837, plus $600 for labor, for a total of $2,437. The maximum out of pocket for the farmer is $500. You’re eligible for a reimbursement of $1,937 (70% x $2,437 = $1705.90).
Do you have a scenario that's different than these? Contact us to find out how much you'll be reimbursed.
Eligible expenses
The only eligible expenses are:
- Purchasing, shipping, and installing a certified rollover protection kit (roll bar and safety belt) on tractors built before 1987
- The ROPS must be certified to national or international ROPS standards with a seatbelt.
- Installation costs are only eligible if a qualified third party professional does the installation.
- You must be invoiced and pay for all project materials and services between the grant contract start and end date.
Ineligible expenses
Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- ROPS that are not certified to national or international standards
- Used ROPS
- Tractor canopies
- Personal or farm employee labor
- Expenses paid for with cash
How to apply
- Carefully read the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Request for Proposals (PDF) for program eligibility requirements, priorities, and scoring criteria.
- Apply for a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Grant using our online application system.
- If you’re a new user, create an account first.
- Once you’re logged in, select “Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Grant.”
- After you’ve submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don’t, contact us.
Disclaimer
The MDA is merely the grantor of state funds for this program. Approval and reimbursement of funds by the MDA for equipment purchased by the grantee does not make the MDA liable or responsible for the use of such equipment or any injuries or claims that might arise from such use. The MDA is also not responsible or liable for the quality of or inability to use such equipment purchased under this program.
