To help livestock producers combat the spread of avian influenza, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications to buy and install preventive equipment on farms.

Funded through a 2024 legislative appropriation to the MDA’s Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative Program, the Protect Grant reimburses up to 80% of the cost of eligible virus prevention measures, with a maximum award of $10,000 per farm. A 20% cash match is required, which may be reduced by up to $2,000 for related time and labor costs incurred by the applicant. Approximately $500,000 will be awarded in this round of grants.

A previous round of Protect Grant funding in early 2024 awarded $500,000 to 54 producers in 34 counties across the state.

“As Minnesota’s livestock operations continue to be on the frontlines of the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, it’s essential that producers take every opportunity available to protect their animals and prevent the further spread of this disease. I thank the state Legislature for this funding, which will be helpful in mitigating the virus’ future impact on Minnesota agriculture,” says Thom Petersen, MDA commissioner.

Protect Grant applicants must be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 of livestock products annually. Beginning farmers (those who have farmed for 10 years or fewer) will be prioritized in this round of awards.

For the purposes of this grant, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu) and llamas.

Examples of eligible equipment include lasers, sound machines and other measures to scare wild species away from livestock operations; isolation pens; electronic animal ID systems; air filtration systems; Danish entry systems; and truck washes.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Oct. 31, and the MDA plans to notify applicants of decisions no later than Dec. 18. Grant awards can only be used for the purchase of eligible items made after grant contract agreements are signed, which is expected to take place in February.

Visit the MDA website for full grant details and to apply.

Potato growers name new executive director

Gary Shields has been named executive director of the Northland Potato Growers Association.

Shields brings a wealth of experience in the potato industry, along with outstanding sales skills and a talent for building strong relationships to the position. The NPGA board said it believes that Shields’ background and expertise will be instrumental in advancing the organization with renewed energy and strategic focus.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Gary to Northland Potato. His passion for the industry makes him the perfect leader as we look to position our growers and potatoes at the forefront of the potato industry,” says Casey Hoverson, board chairman. “We are looking forward to the direction he will bring to Northland.”

Shields assumed his role on July 29.

“I’ve been part of this industry for over 30 years, and taking the time to reconnect and understand the needs of our growers from the national to the local level is important. I want to ensure we’re addressing their needs effectively and supporting their success in every way possible,” Shields says.

“Our rich history in North Dakota and Minnesota makes us a leader in the industry, and we are committed to helping our growers produce the best possible potatoes,” Shields adds. “I am excited to work with the growers and our board to understand the association’s needs and plan for our future growth.”

Dauer named Farm Bureau public policy director

Loren Dauer, who has been the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s public policy specialist, has been promoted to the role of public policy director.

Dauer will be responsible for leading the grassroots policy efforts of the organization on the national, state and local levels.

“It has been a privilege to serve the members of the Minnesota Farm Bureau over the past months,” Dauer says. “My goal is to maintain and build upon the relationships I have established, and to continue working on our members’ behalf at the local, state and national levels.”

A 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Dauer has experience at the state Capitol working as a committee page and as a committee legislative assistant in the office of state Sen. Gary Dahms. Before coming to Farm Bureau, he served as a district outreach representative in the office of Rep. Brad Finstad. In this role he was responsible for connecting with constituents, and monitoring and providing updates on district and local issues back to the congressman.