RFA Initial Intake Form162.54 KB
June 7, 2023
Minnesota dairy farmers are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Dairy Business Planning Grant, which has recently launched a revamped application process.
This grant can be used to help cover the costs of hiring a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for dairy operations. Dairy producers have used grant funds to evaluate the feasibility of expanding an operation, plan environmental upgrades, create strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner, and other business activities. The grant cannot cover any capital purchases.
“The Dairy Business Planning Grant is one of several tools that the MDA is proud to offer to help alleviate the ever-growing pressures that come with running a dairy operation,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We are committed to supporting these farmers who work hard to produce high-quality dairy products for consumers in Minnesota and beyond to enjoy.”
The grant pays 50% of the cost to develop a business plan, up to $5,000. Producers must pay the other 50%.
Applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. The MDA has $80,000 in funds per fiscal year to disperse, which resets every July 1.
To access the full eligibility requirements and access the application, visit the Dairy Business Planning Grant webpage. Questions can be directed to Kami Schoenfeld at Kami.Schoenfeld@state.mn.us or 651-201-6643.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
Organic Advisory Task Force - June 2023
Starts:
Thu, 06/29/2023 - 12:00 pm
Ends:
Thu, 06/29/2023 - 3:00 pm
Location:
Minnesota Farm Bureau3080 Eagandale Place
Eagan, MN 55164
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
Details:
The Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF) advises the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will benefit Minnesota’s organic sector.
Contact Cassie Dahl for meeting details.
Minnesota first used Btk for spongy moth in 1984. Since then, approximately 50 sites in the state have been treated for the insect. Only one area has needed to be retreated. Why was a retreatment needed? It is likely the original treatment area was too small to eradicate all the spongy moths. The MDA strives to find the right balance when drawing treatment areas.
We do our very best to design our management blocks as small as possible yet large enough to avoid missing the spongy moth population and having to conduct a second year of application. In addition, we want to treat the population as quickly as possible to avoid the population from expanding and thus resulting a much larger treatment area in following years.
Will more treatments be necessary?
Minnesota first used Btk for spongy moth in 1984. Since then, approximately 50 sites in the state have been treated for the insect. Only one area has needed to be retreated. Why was a retreatment needed? It is likely the original treatment area was too small to eradicate all the spongy moths. The MDA strives to find the right balance when drawing treatment areas.
We do our very best to design our management blocks as small as possible yet large enough to avoid missing the spongy moth population and having to conduct a second year of application. In addition, we want to treat the population as quickly as possible to avoid the population from expanding and thus resulting a much larger treatment area in following years.
