- How do I become a beginning farmer?
- For this application there is no process to becoming a beginning farmer. A beginning farmer has been farming for ten years or less.
- What are the odds that my application will be funded?
- The grants are competitively awarded so it depends on the number and quality of applications. During recent rounds, we’ve funded approximately half of the proposals we receive.
- Any tips to getting my application funded?
- The applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions.
- Where can I get help with writing the grant application?
- University of Minnesota Extension and other agricultural groups have resources to help with grant writing. Some applicants have worked with teachers or small business development centers to help them complete their application.
- What advice have previous Livestock Investment Grantees given for future applicants?
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- "Do not be afraid to apply! This grant can really make a difference as to whether not a project succeeds or fails, especially if you are just starting out."
- "Make sure you understand the time windows as far as when grant expenses are eligible for reimbursement. If you have any issues, contact the Grants Coordinator right away."
- "It’s a great deal! Make sure to keep your paperwork organized."
- "The application process helps to solidify your plan. Take your time, set clear goals, and make a clear plan. Detail what your goals and plans are throughout your application."
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- If I’ve applied for the grant in a previous year, is my application still live for the following rounds?
- No, applications are not carried forward to the next round as there may be year-to-year differences in program rules. You will need to reapply each round to be considered for a grant award.
- Do I need to have the funds for my project during the application period, or can I get a letter from my bank?
- You don't need to have the funds on hand during the application period. While not required, a letter from a financial institution indicating that you could secure the fund would help your application.
- Do I need a quote?
- A quote isn't required but you can upload one to your application. Note that applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP – including quotes would help your application score well.
- Within the grant application system, can I assign different parts of the application to other parties to complete?
- No, the option to allow others to edit the application isn't available.
Application questions
- How do I become a beginning farmer?
- For this application there is no process to becoming a beginning farmer. A beginning farmer has been farming for ten years or less.
- What are the odds that my application will be funded?
- The grants are competitively awarded so it depends on the number and quality of applications. During recent rounds, we’ve funded approximately half of the proposals we receive.
- Any tips to getting my application funded?
- The applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions.
- Where can I get help with writing the grant application?
- University of Minnesota Extension and other agricultural groups have resources to help with grant writing. Some applicants have worked with teachers or small business development centers to help them complete their application.
- What advice have previous Livestock Investment Grantees given for future applicants?
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- "Do not be afraid to apply! This grant can really make a difference as to whether not a project succeeds or fails, especially if you are just starting out."
- "Make sure you understand the time windows as far as when grant expenses are eligible for reimbursement. If you have any issues, contact the Grants Coordinator right away."
- "It’s a great deal! Make sure to keep your paperwork organized."
- "The application process helps to solidify your plan. Take your time, set clear goals, and make a clear plan. Detail what your goals and plans are throughout your application."
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- If I’ve applied for the grant in a previous year, is my application still live for the following rounds?
- No, applications are not carried forward to the next round as there may be year-to-year differences in program rules. You will need to reapply each round to be considered for a grant award.
- Do I need to have the funds for my project during the application period, or can I get a letter from my bank?
- You don't need to have the funds on hand during the application period. While not required, a letter from a financial institution indicating that you could secure the fund would help your application.
- Do I need a quote?
- A quote isn't required but you can upload one to your application. Note that applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP – including quotes would help your application score well.
- Within the grant application system, can I assign different parts of the application to other parties to complete?
- No, the option to allow others to edit the application isn't available.
- If awarded, what do I need to do to receive the funds?
- First, you will acknowledge that you are accepting the grant award. This includes submitting an IRS Form W-9 to the grant manager and approving the budget for your project. Next, you will sign a grant contract agreement. After the grant contract agreement is fully signed by all parties, you can begin work on the project. You will need to provide detailed invoices and proof of payments to receive your grant reimbursement.
Award process questions
- If awarded, what do I need to do to receive the funds?
- First, you will acknowledge that you are accepting the grant award. This includes submitting an IRS Form W-9 to the grant manager and approving the budget for your project. Next, you will sign a grant contract agreement. After the grant contract agreement is fully signed by all parties, you can begin work on the project. You will need to provide detailed invoices and proof of payments to receive your grant reimbursement.
- I farm with multiple family members; who should apply?
- Only one principal operator per farm may apply. A principal operator is the person primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the farm. The principal operator could be an owner, hired manager, cash tenant, share tenant, or partner.
- If one LLC owns multiple farms, can an application be submitted for each farm?
- It depends on the business structure. Applications may only be submitted by the principal operator of the farm and each principal operator may only apply on behalf one farm. In the case of farms owned directly or indirectly by multiple individuals, the application should come from the principal operator. If each site has a different principal operator, they can apply on behalf of each farm but may asked to prioritize their applications.
- I do not raise livestock, but my business works with livestock and livestock producers (e.g., veterinary clinic, feed production, animal rescue, etc.) Is my operation eligible?
- No, the Livestock Investment Grant is designated for operations that are directly involved in livestock production.
- I raise bees. Am I eligible?
- Yes, the statute changed to include animals raised for the production of fiber, meat, and animal by-products for sale or as breeding stock, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), bison, sheep, horses, aquaculture, and llamas. Other species of livestock may be eligible. Requests for the processing and packaging on honey is not eligible for Livestock Investment Grant. Processing equipment would be eligible for the AGRI Value-Added Grant.
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Can I apply for a different project?
- Yes, you can apply for a different project. We can only give one grant per project.
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past for a project that is still on-going. Am I eligible for the higher reimbursement rate?
- No, the new reimbursement rate only applies to grants awarded in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 round of applications. Previous grants are reimbursed at 10% of the eligible costs. The law was changed during the 2025 legislative session and only applies to grants awarded in FY 2026 and after.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past that I have not started. Can I apply for the same project?
- Yes, if the project has not started. You must cancel your open AGRI Livestock Investment Grant contract before 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
- Note – once a grant contract is cancelled, it cannot be reinstated. Know that this is a competitive grant and there's no guarantee you'll be awarded the grant a second time. Please contact the grant administrator to cancel your grant contract if you are interested.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Will that impact my chances of getting a FY26 grant?
- The applications will be scored using the scoring criteria in the RFP. Applicants who haven't received a grant in the past would score five points in the appropriate section, while those who have previously received a grant will not.
- I am looking to purchase a generator for my livestock barn. Is that an eligible expense?
- Yes, a generator would be eligible if its sole purpose is to supply backup electricity for a livestock operation.
- I am planning to update a lagoon for waste management. Is that an eligible expense?
- Yes.
- Would a livestock trailer, disc mower, or rake qualify for this grant?
- Yes, most livestock infrastructure and equipment are eligible. Please see the RFP for specific exemptions. Also keep in mind that proposed projects will be evaluated by multiple criteria, as listed in the "Project Evaluation Profile" section of the RFP.
- Can I reapply for a project that did not get funded in a previous round of the Livestock Investment Grant?
- Yes, if the project has not started. Only expenses incurred after the contract has been signed by all parties are eligible for reimbursement.
- If I have previously been awarded a grant, can I apply for the next phase of my project?
- Yes, but you cannot claim the same expenses on both grants.
- I would like to apply for a loader tractor that I primarily use to haul feed. Is a loader tractor eligible?
- No, a tractor is considered general use equipment and is not eligible for the grant. Attachments for the tractor that are specific to feed or manure handling are eligible.
- Can I purchase an item from a relative?
- No, you may not purchase from a direct family member with this grant. We are using the definition in Internal Revenue Code, section 267(c)(4), where direct family includes: spouse; sisters and brothers including step-sisters and step-brothers; parents; grandparents; children; and grandchildren.
- The contractor I am working with wants to bill us in two installments. Will there be an issue during the reimbursement process?
- It's fine to be billed in multiple installments. Once your grant is complete, you must supply proof of purchase and proof of payment. The installments will meet the proof of payment requirements.
- Can I use grant funds from another Minnesota state agency as part of my matching funds?
- No, state grant funds cannot be used for your portion of the total project cost, but non-forgivable loans from the state may be used.
- If I get a federal grant to cover some of the expenses, am I still eligible for the Livestock Investment Grant?
- Yes, you are still eligible.
- How do I become a beginning farmer?
- For this application there is no process to becoming a beginning farmer. A beginning farmer has been farming for ten years or less.
- What are the odds that my application will be funded?
- The grants are competitively awarded so it depends on the number and quality of applications. During recent rounds, we’ve funded approximately half of the proposals we receive.
- Any tips to getting my application funded?
- The applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions.
- Where can I get help with writing the grant application?
- University of Minnesota Extension and other agricultural groups have resources to help with grant writing. Some applicants have worked with teachers or small business development centers to help them complete their application.
- What advice have previous Livestock Investment Grantees given for future applicants?
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- "Do not be afraid to apply! This grant can really make a difference as to whether not a project succeeds or fails, especially if you are just starting out."
- "Make sure you understand the time windows as far as when grant expenses are eligible for reimbursement. If you have any issues, contact the Grants Coordinator right away."
- "It’s a great deal! Make sure to keep your paperwork organized."
- "The application process helps to solidify your plan. Take your time, set clear goals, and make a clear plan. Detail what your goals and plans are throughout your application."
- In the last survey we conducted, previous grantees stated the following:
- If I’ve applied for the grant in a previous year, is my application still live for the following rounds?
- No, applications are not carried forward to the next round as there may be year-to-year differences in program rules. You will need to reapply each round to be considered for a grant award.
- Do I need to have the funds for my project during the application period, or can I get a letter from my bank?
- You don't need to have the funds on hand during the application period. While not required, a letter from a financial institution indicating that you could secure the fund would help your application.
- Do I need a quote?
- A quote isn't required but you can upload one to your application. Note that applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP – including quotes would help your application score well.
- Within the grant application system, can I assign different parts of the application to other parties to complete?
- No, the option to allow others to edit the application isn't available.
- If awarded, what do I need to do to receive the funds?
- First, you will acknowledge that you are accepting the grant award. This includes submitting an IRS Form W-9 to the grant manager and approving the budget for your project. Next, you will sign a grant contract agreement. After the grant contract agreement is fully signed by all parties, you can begin work on the project. You will need to provide detailed invoices and proof of payments to receive your grant reimbursement.
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Can I apply for a different project?
- Yes, you can apply for a different project. We can only give one grant per project.
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past for a project that is still on-going. Am I eligible for the higher reimbursement rate?
- No, the new reimbursement rate only applies to grants awarded in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 round of applications. Previous grants are reimbursed at 10% of the eligible costs. The law was changed during the 2025 legislative session and only applies to grants awarded in FY 2026 and after.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past that I have not started. Can I apply for the same project?
- Yes, if the project has not started. You must cancel your open AGRI Livestock Investment Grant contract before 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
- Note – once a grant contract is cancelled, it cannot be reinstated. Know that this is a competitive grant and there's no guarantee you'll be awarded the grant a second time. Please contact the grant administrator to cancel your grant contract if you are interested.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Will that impact my chances of getting a FY26 grant?
- The applications will be scored using the scoring criteria in the RFP. Applicants who haven't received a grant in the past would score five points in the appropriate section, while those who have previously received a grant will not.
Past applicant questions
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Can I apply for a different project?
- Yes, you can apply for a different project. We can only give one grant per project.
- I received an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past for a project that is still on-going. Am I eligible for the higher reimbursement rate?
- No, the new reimbursement rate only applies to grants awarded in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 round of applications. Previous grants are reimbursed at 10% of the eligible costs. The law was changed during the 2025 legislative session and only applies to grants awarded in FY 2026 and after.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past that I have not started. Can I apply for the same project?
- Yes, if the project has not started. You must cancel your open AGRI Livestock Investment Grant contract before 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
- Note – once a grant contract is cancelled, it cannot be reinstated. Know that this is a competitive grant and there's no guarantee you'll be awarded the grant a second time. Please contact the grant administrator to cancel your grant contract if you are interested.
- I was awarded an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant in the past. Will that impact my chances of getting a FY26 grant?
- The applications will be scored using the scoring criteria in the RFP. Applicants who haven't received a grant in the past would score five points in the appropriate section, while those who have previously received a grant will not.
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