Available funds…
This grant supports investments aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing production and increasing energy efficiency.
Projects may include work aspects such as technology within the milking parlor, feeding systems, activity monitoring, ventilation, and cow cooling. (Photo: Getty Images, Unsplash)
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Center for Dairy Excellence is now accepting pre-applications for dairy innovation grants. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has introduced the Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Fund to support technology-enabled investments that improve efficiency and data analysis in dairy operations. Strengthen production. Improve energy efficiency on the farm or in agricultural processing. Projects may include work aspects such as technology within the milking parlor, feeding systems, activity monitoring, ventilation, and cow cooling.
Center for Dairy Excellence awards Dairy Innovation Grants to up to 20 dairy operations that are eligible for regional impact grants through the PA Ag Innovation Fund and wish to invest in technology to enhance their operations We plan to pursue grants to do so. If accepted, the center will be able to award up to $25,000 in matching funds to those farms. Farms that are successful in the Center’s pre-application process will be included in the Center’s application as a Regional Impact Project to the PA Agriculture Innovation Fund. Due to the nature of this process, funding will not be awarded unless a center’s application is approved. This is a competitive grant program, and dairy producers must apply by November 1 to allow enough time for the center to submit applications to the Pennsylvania Dairy Innovation Fund.
“Investing in new technology on Pennsylvania dairy farms is exciting and can significantly improve efficiency and productivity. But for most dairy farmers, it can be a huge expense. ” said Melissa Anderson, program and operations manager for the Center for Dairy Excellence. “If our application is successful, these dairy innovation grants will reduce upfront costs and enable dairy producers to pursue innovative technologies that advance their businesses.”
If funding is available, the Dairy Innovation Grant Program will award matching grants of up to $25,000 in matching funds or 50% of matching funds up to $50,000 in total costs to farms selected for the program . These funds are provided to repay farmers after the funds are exhausted, so the total amount of funds received depends on the total cost of the project.
Farmers in Pennsylvania with annual sales of $2,000 or more and 35 or more mature dairy cows or 70 or more mature dairy goats are eligible to apply if they meet the following requirements:
Must have knowledge of conservation planning, fertilizer management planning, and finances Must be involved in a national farm or similar animal protection program Farm sales expected to exceed $2,000 per year and lactating dairy cows Farm operations must have at least 35 lactating goats or 70 goats. A letter of support from the farm must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture along with the larger application. Templates are provided within the application. You must provide a thorough description and industry-researched estimate of the technology investment you wish to fund through your grant You must demonstrate a commitment to long-term sustainability of your operations Milk production, quality and composition Demonstrate the impact on herd health, reproduction, and herd health that should be willing to provide pre- and post-milk production indicators.
Potential projects cannot begin before January 1, 2025 and can take up to two years to complete. Projects may include technology investments to automate ventilation and cooling systems in residential areas, such as temperature-controlled fans, misters, and curtains. Other ideas for the project include an activity monitoring system to improve herd health and reproduction. Automation of feeding systems to monitor ration ingredients, intake, and/or inventory. Milking parlor/system automation to obtain data analysis and improve efficiency. Facility work is not subject to expenses.
Successful farms will be notified of acceptance into the pre-application period in November, but will not know if they will be awarded funding until January 2025, when Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant winners are announced.
To learn more and submit a pre-application by November 1, visit www.centerfordairyexcelence.org/dairy-innovation-grants. For questions about the program, please contact Melissa Anderson at 717-788-0296 or (email protected).
– Center for Dairy Excellence
