Ag Department Encourages Dairy Farmers To Apply For Grants

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) released information Thursday, April 19, that interested dairy farmers may apply by May 7 for grants under the Dairy 30x20 Initiative, which supports operational changes that would lead to improved profitability.

The 30x20 Initiative sets a goal of achieving an annual milk production within the state of 30 billion pounds of milk by 2020 in order to meet marketplace demands. Grants of up to $5,000 will be given, and fund recipients would be able to hire consultants and build a team of experts with the expertise needed to address specific business needs on their operation.

Cost-share payments by the farmer are required at 20% of the grant amount. There are two types of grants available: Planning & Preparation Teams and Dairy Profit Teams.

Planning & Preparation Team grants will be applied toward business-development and expansion needs. This may include business planning, financial analysis, transition planning or professional services costs related to dairy farm modernization and expansion.

Dairy Profit Team grants will allow a farmer to develop an on-farm management team to assist with improving management of existing operations or identify opportunities to improve profit. Topics may include implementation of new technology, farm growth, financial success, long-term sustainability and production enhancing measures.

Requesting funds from the Grow Wisconsin Dairy Producer Grants entails completing a one-page pre-application that asks for contact information, farm description, business goals and project area(s) of focus. To access the grant application materials, visit www.growwisconsindairy.wi.gov.

SOURCE: Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection