Dairy Excellence Grants and Dairy Productivity Grant Applications Are Due November 1
The Center for Dairy Excellence opened two competitive grant programs on October 1 for Pennsylvania dairy producers who are looking to improve efficiency and invest in projects that directly impact milk production on their dairy operation. Leveraging funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PA Dairymen’s Association, the Dairy Productivity Grant program supports first-time investments in Milking Efficiency Technologies, Feeding Technologies or Activity Monitoring Systems. The Dairy Excellence Grant program supports on-farm improvement projects, including anything related to boosting dairy farm efficiency, cow comfort, milking facilities, housing facilities, or feeding systems. Both grants are competitive with a limited window to apply. Pennsylvania dairy producers must submit their applications by November 1.
“Our hope is that these grant opportunities support projects that directly impact milk production and dairy farm families’ bottom line. Whether you’re focused on efficiency and want to invest in pipeline or automatic milking technology or you’re looking to upgrade your facilities to help achieve your herd management goals, these grants can provide between $5,000 and $10,000 in funds if your application is accepted,” said Melissa Anderson, Programs and Operations Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
The Dairy Productivity Grant is focused on first-time investments in Milking Efficiency Technologies (pipeline, automatic milking technology, robotic milking technology, and direct load milking), Feeding Technologies (TMR mixer, feed tracking and inventory technology), or Activity Monitoring Systems (boluses, collars or tags). If approved, dairy producers will receive up to $10,000 for their project with a 25 percent match. Grant applications will only be accepted from October 1 to November 1, with selections made and winning applicants notified by November 20. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/productivity-grants to apply online or download a printed application to mail back.
“The Dairy Productivity Grant was a blessing in helping to fund a portion of the significant upfront investment in an activity monitoring system. The new monitoring system has improved our breeding results, herd health and overall ability to lead our herd to profitability,” shared a Pennsylvania dairy farmer who received a Dairy Productivity Grant.
Farms may not apply for the Dairy Productivity Grant if they plan on utilizing the funding as a match for another state grant. This is a reimbursable grant with a 25 percent match required to receive up to $10,000 for the project described on the application. Producers must submit documentation of their expenses incurred for that project to receive payment. The total payment they receive will be based on the total cost of the project and will be adjusted to 75 percent of that total cost.
For Pennsylvania dairy producers who want to improve cow comfort, milk production per cow, or efficiency on their dairy operations, the Dairy Excellence Grants are designed to support improvement projects on the farm. If approved for the grant, producers will receive a 50 percent match, up to a maximum matching level of $5,000. Grant applications will only be accepted from October 1 to November 1, with selections made and winning applicants notified by November 20. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/excellence-grants to apply online or download a printed application to mail back.
“I just wanted to express my gratitude to the Center for Dairy Excellence for providing this grant money to our operation. Being a small dairy farm doesn’t always allow for many improvements or upgrades to be made, so this grant was a game-changer for us. We were able to put a new water line in that has really improved our water flow and readily available access to water for our cows. We’re very appreciative that we were awarded this grant,” shared Jamie Crawford, a Bradford County dairy farmer and previous recipient of the Dairy Excellence Grant.
The Dairy Excellence Grant selection committee will award grants based on the impact the project would have on cow comfort and overall milk production, the detail in which the applicant describes what the project involves and how the project will benefit their operation, and the willingness of the applicant to provide requested information or to seek help in providing requested information.
Pennsylvania dairy farms that have 35 or more lactating cows or dairy heifer raising operations with more than 100 dairy heifers are eligible to apply for both grants. A $100 application fee is required upon submission for both grants but will be reimbursed if the application is not accepted.
To learn more about the grants and to apply online by November 1, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org. Email Melissa Anderson at manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 717-788-0296 with questions.