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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant Program. Established by the Minnesota legislature in 2008, this program helps farmers start, improve, or expand livestock operations by funding equipment purchases, facility improvements, and new construction. 

Minnesota’s livestock sector is valued at over $11 billion dollars annually and accounts for 40% of the state’s agriculture sales, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture. 

New this year, the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant offers expanded eligibility and significantly increases reimbursement rates. Farmers can now receive 50% reimbursement on the first $20,000 of eligible expenses and 25% on additional expenses, up to a maximum grant award of $25,000. Previously, the program capped reimbursement at 10%. These updates, enacted during the 2025 legislative session, make the grant a much stronger tool for Minnesota farmers who want to make investments in their livestock operations.

“We heard from livestock producers that this grant needed to be updated to better meet their needs. Thanks to the legislators who listened and acted last session, we’ve been able to modernize the program and make it far more beneficial for farmers across Minnesota,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.

The MDA expects to award approximately $1.4 million through a competitive review process, with grant awards ranging from $400 to $25,000. Priority will be given to:

• Applicants who have farmed 10 years or fewer
• Generational transitions
• Producers of livestock for kosher or halal markets
• Requests for robotic milking equipment
• Applicants who have not previously received a Livestock Investment Grant

The grant does not cover livestock purchases, feed, crop seed, or debt refinancing. Full grant eligibility requirements and application details are available on the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage. Applications for the grant will be accepted until 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, November 13 through the MDA’s online application portal.

Funding for the Livestock Investment Grant is made available through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors. 

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us