Beginning Farmer Equipment And Infrastructure Grant Minnesota

Beginning Farmer Equipment & Infrastructure Grant — Minnesota

Overview

This Minnesota state grant helps new farmers buy essential equipment and build infrastructure that supports growing crops, raising livestock, and storing farm products. It’s aimed at lowering the barriers that often stop beginning farmers from getting established.

Who Qualifies / Eligible Applicants

Must be a beginning farmer — i.e., in your first 10 years of farming.
Must be farming in Minnesota and be a resident of Minnesota.
Only individuals may apply (no corporations).
One application per farm. Past recipients are not eligible to reapply.

What It Can Cover (What the Grant Pays For)

This grant can help you purchase farm‑specific equipment and invest in infrastructure you need to run and grow your operation. Eligible items include:

Livestock handling systems and fencing
Irrigation and water access systems
Essential farm equipment used for production, livestock, storage
Walk‑in coolers, grain bins, production buildings
Electricity upgrades tied to farm operations
Other infrastructure tied directly to your farming business

This is not for general use vehicles, office gear, or residential improvements.

What It Does Not Cover

General farm operating costs (utilities, labor wages, fuel, rent). American Farmland Trust
Standard heavy machinery or general-use vehicles. American Farmland Trust
Capital-intensive building construction or real estate improvements (unless those directly support regenerative track equipment or operations). American Farmland Trust
Costs incurred before grant award (this is not a reimbursement for past expenses). American Farmland Trust+1

Funding Details

Funding is limited and awarded competitively.
Minimum request: $1,000; typical awards range up to $10,000.
If you request $2,000 or less, you may be reimbursed 100% of eligible costs.
For requests over $2,000, reimbursement is up to 75% of eligible costs.
You must pay expenses first, then submit for reimbursement after the grant contract is in place.

This grant is not a loan — no repayment required.

Application Window (Key Timing)

Opens: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Deadline: 4:00 p.m. CT, Thursday, March 26, 2026

There’s also an online info session planned mid‑February to explain eligibility and how to apply.

How to Apply

Review the program guidelines and make sure your planned equipment or infrastructure investment qualifies.
Use the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s online application system.
If you’re a new user, create an account first and then select the “Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant.”
Complete the application and upload all required documentation before the deadline.

Applications are judged by a review committee based on criteria in the official request for proposals.

GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GRANT

Please fill out the form below to get the process started.

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