The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $723,200 through the second round of the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will help 91 beginning farmers purchase equipment and infrastructure such as cattle handling systems, perimeter fencing, tractors and walk-behind tractors, irrigation systems, walk-in coolers, and high tunnels. Grant awards range from $1,000 up to $10,000, with awards of more than $2,000 requiring matching funds. The Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the MDA’s Emerging Farmers Office.
