The Grants Support First-Time Investments in Projects that Directly Impact Milk Production
The Center for Dairy Excellence is opening a new, competitive grant program on December 3, 2025 for Pennsylvania dairy producers who are looking to invest in a project that directly impacts milk production on their dairy operation. Leveraging funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the program supports first-time investments in Milking Efficiency Technologies, Feeding Technologies or Activity Monitoring Systems. This is a competitive grant opportunity with a limited window to apply. Pennsylvania dairy producers must submit their applications by January 5, 2025.
“Our hope is that these new Dairy Productivity Grants 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 management abilities with a TMR mixer or activity monitoring system, this grant can provide up to $10,000 in funds if your application is accepted,” said Melissa Anderson, Programs and Operations Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
The new 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 December 3, 2025 to January 5, 2026, with selections made and winning applicants notified by January 15.
Farms that have 35 or more lactating cows or dairy heifer raising operations with more than 100 dairy heifers are eligible to apply. Farms may not apply for this 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.
“We started looking at all the things we needed to do to be at a production level where we could make it financially. We put in a TMR mixer, tunnel ventilation, and mats – basically things that would not hold the cows back. We saw slow, but steady progress and almost doubled our production in a short amount of time. Our focus has been figuring out our bottlenecks, solving them, and letting the cows do what they do,” shared Zach Kreger of Kreger Farms in Tioga County, Pa., when reflecting on the impact a TMR mixer made on his farm’s milk production in a Cow-Side Conversations podcast interview.
To participate in the Dairy Productivity Grant program, dairy farms must complete an application. A $100 application fee is required upon submission but will be reimbursed if the application is not accepted.
To learn more about the grant and to apply online by January 5, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/productivity-grants. Email Melissa Anderson at manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 717-788-0296 with questions.