Livestock Investment grants awarded to area producers

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WORTHINGTON — When the Minnesota legislature set aside $1 million to establish a Livestock Investment Grant program in the state earlier this year, lawmakers had no idea just how well received the program would become.

Their goal was to provide a boost to animal agriculture in the state by awarding money to livestock producers planning upgrades to existing facilities, new construction or expansion projects.

In all, nearly 600 applications were received, with grant requests totaling $11 million — far more money than what was available.

During the annual meeting of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council a week ago, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced that 38 livestock producers from across the state were selected to receive the grants. Among them are four producers from southwest Minnesota — hailing from both Nobles and Rock counties.

Jeff Barber and Tim Meyer of rural Worthington will receive a grant to help fund the construction of a new turkey barn, while Steven Dykstra of rural Bigelow will use his grant to upgrade milking facilities and barns on his farm. In Rock County, George Lass (Triple L Pork) of rural Hardwick received a grant to relocate hog facilities to a more environmentally-suitable location; while Aaron Lass received a grant to help fund the completion of a sheep farm expansion near Luverne.

Dykstra said he’s already completed much of the work that he outlined in his grant request. Additional space was created for baby calves, a larger bulk tank and cooling system was installed, and additional fans were added inside his dairy.

“It’s a good deal,” he said of the grant.

There were 21 livestock producers from Nobles County who applied for the grants, with projects planned in excess of $9.4 million. Rock County producers filed nine applications, while one request was made from Cottonwood County, two from Jackson County, eight from Murray County and 13 from Pipestone County.

The Livestock Investment grants cover 10 percent of the first $500,000 of investment in the purchase, construction and improvement of facilities for the production of livestock. A minimum investment of $4,000 is required.

“A big part of Minnesota’s economy is tied to agriculture and food processing,” said Gov. Pawlenty. “These grants will help our livestock producers improve their operations so they can compete, thrive, grow our state’s economy and pass on their farms to the next generation.”

Statistics show the livestock industry in Minnesota generates $27 billion in annual economic activity and approximately 177,000 jobs.

The 38 projects to receive funding have a total value of $12.9 million.

On the Net:

www.mda.state.mn.us

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