United States: Funding available to protect livestock health

A new grant opportunity from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offered to help the state’s farmers and ranchers protect livestock from disease and other risks. Grants will help eligible producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help prevent disease outbreaks and protect animals not currently covered by existing depredation programs. The Protecting Livestock Grant Program, also referred to as the Protect Grant, offers one-time competitive grants of up to $10,000 and requires a 50% match. While all types of livestock operations are eligible to apply, priority consideration will be given to those that produce: Cervids (farmed elk and deer). This is due to new fencing requirements passed during the 2023 legislative session. Poultry and ratites (ostrich, emu). This is due to the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Since 2022, the most recent outbreak has affected at least 150 poultry operations and more than 6 million birds in Minnesota. “With ...